We investigated the intersectional nature of race/racism and gender/sexism in broad scale inequities in physics student learning using a critical quantitative intersectionality. To provide transparency and create a nuanced picture of learning, we problematized the measurement of equity by using two competing operationalizations of equity:…

Chemistry courses remain a challenge for many undergraduate students. In particular, first-semester organic chemistry has been labeled as a gatekeeper with high attrition rates, especially among students of color. Our study examines a key factor related to conceptual understanding in science and predictive of course outcomes-knowledge structures.…

In this study, we develop a model of science identity to make sense of the science experiences of 15 successful women of color over the course of their undergraduate and graduate studies in science and into science-related careers. In our view, science identity accounts both for how women make meaning of science experiences and how society…

Examines the views of approximately 60 secondary science teachers and university scientists from three different research projects for insight into issues of gender and ethnicity in science education. Explores the participants' professional and personal identities from the perspectives of nature of science and beliefs related to students'…

Discusses the need for science educators to understand the relationship between cultural and socioeconomic issues and the science education of inner-city students. Studies a homeless family in a major metropolitan area in the Northeast and frames the analysis through the pedagogical questions of representation of science through culture,…

Assesses patterns of enrollment in science, science achievement, and attitudes of students in grades 3-12 representing the 4 major ethnic groups in Hawaii. Results indicate that more differences were accounted for by ethnicity and even grade than by gender and there was little interaction between ethnicity and gender. Contains 78 references.…

Observes 16 students from five elementary science classes to examine how students use tools when constructing new knowledge during science instruction, how control of tools is actualized from pedagogical perspectives, how language and tool accessibility intersect, how gender intersects with tool use, and how competition for resources impacts…

Examines gender differences in science achievements and attitudes during the middle grades. Reports that female students do not lag behind in science achievement tests and course enrollments, but have less positive attitudes toward science and less interest in science careers. Science attitudes and career interests vary according to gender as well…

The purpose of this ethnographic study was to explore the development of belief systems as related to racial and ethnic identities of preservice teachers as they crossed cultural borders into science teaching. Data were collected throughout a yearlong teacher preparation program to learn how early life experiences and racial and ethnic identities…