Teaching Science in Turbulent Times
November 24, 2021
Science is more important than ever as the world struggles to find solutions for COVID-19 and a dangerously warming climate. Yet Americans often distrust the scientific consensus. It’s just the latest challenge for science education, which has long struggled with equity issues, inadequate teacher preparation, and second billing in the curriculum. This special report explores how teachers are overcoming those challenges, tackling “science denial” in the classroom, and making science relevant for students of color.
Science 6 Challenges for Science EducatorsScience denial and political polarization are just the latest challenges plaguing science education.
Science Q&A Science Denial in the Classroom: What Causes It? How Should Teachers Respond?Rejection of scientific consensus is informed by students' attitudes, networks, and cognitive shortcomings. Here's how to head it off.
Science 5 Ways to Teach Climate Change and COVID-19 During Polarized TimesRampant misinformation and politics have made science teachers' jobs harder. Teachers share five strategies to teach sensitive topics.
Science Finding Hope in the Face of Climate Change: Why Some Teachers Focus on SolutionsLearning about climate change can make students feel anxious or hopeless. A solution-focused teaching approach gives them a reason for hope.
Science COVID-19 Is a Science Lesson Waiting to HappenTeachers have more information about the virus now than in March 2020, but barriers remain to focusing on the pandemic in class.
Science Here's How to Make Science More Relevant for Students of ColorStudents get more out of science class, these teachers say, when the lessons are linked to their own lives and communities.
Science Catching Up Native American Students in ScienceThe pandemic dealt a setback to science education for Native American students, but culturally relevant lessons could offer a path forward.
