In recent years, addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion in physics and astronomy has received growing attention. One key topic is how we can transform our classroom environments to generate welcoming, inclusive, and equitable spaces for all students. These environments are a major focus of physics students' experiences, involving a complex interplay of instruction, curricular activities, and social interactions. In physics- and astronomy-focused learning environments, previous efforts have aimed to address cultural issues through interventions or additional activities, such as by incorporating Indigenous beliefs and practices into astronomy content or by including modules that teach students about systemic bias and microaggressions. However, these efforts are limited by their lack of critical reflection, thus hindering students from practicing skills to problematize the systemic and cultural inequities. Additionally, these strategies can fail to comprehensively transform classroom environments and unintentionally silo these discussions. Here, I present an approach to astronomy education built on a foundation of culturally responsive asset-building, reflection, and connectedness. Students will learn astronomy content, such as about Solar System dynamics through physical modeling and simulations, as well as participate in discussions that problematize cultural norms and develop potential solutions. Students are guided to critically engage with astronomy, and they are empowered to become change agents for making astronomy a more equitable and just discipline. Finally, I explore how approaches like cultural responsiveness represent a potential avenue to truly reinvent and transform physics and astronomy education in a way that allows students to take ownership of their own teaching and learning.

Culturally Responsive Astronomy Education: Using a Critical Lens to Promote Equity and Social Justice

In recent years, addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM fields, including physics and astronomy, has received growing attention. To effectively promote equity and social justice, we need to acknowledge the role of oppression in disciplinary cultures and thus transform these cultures to be created by and for people of all identities and lived experiences. These actions will improve the teaching and learning of academic content. Here, we propose a culturally responsive framework for astronomy education that incorporates asset-building, reflection, and connectedness, and we present a sample curriculum created using this framework. Students learn astronomy content, such as about Solar System dynamics through physical modeling and simulations, as well as participate in discussions that problematize cultural norms and develop potential solutions. Our approach guides students to critically engage with the content and empowers them to become change agents for making astronomy equitable.

Promoting Equity and Social Justice through Culturally Responsive Astronomy Education

Poster Session 2D

poster

**Making Physics More Inclusive and Eliminating Exclusionary Practices in Physics**

As a gateway discipline to STEM majors and careers, physics plays a central role in deciding who does, and who doesn't, get to discover and pursue scientific careers. Technical and scientific professionals are rewarded with economic privilege and status which affords them both social and cultural power. Therefore, social justice will be realized only when the opportunity, and the choice, to excel in physics is open to all students. The culture and practices of the physics classroom reflect the culture of physics at large, which raises the question of how our professional physics communities can embrace, rather than inadvertently repel, a diverse group of academics that can help improve physics culture.  To this end, the 2021 Physics Education Research Conference will focus on defining inclusive spaces and practices. Additionally, we will explore strategies for eliminating exclusionary practices in our classrooms, research spaces, and professional organizations. We call on the community to propose sessions that will drive conversations related to these initiatives throughout PERC 2021.

Please download the full program [here. ](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TRMC_SYJ3PUqXyP7sskA7LRSA8ow0eRE/view?usp=sharing)

PERC SM 21

August 4, 2021 - August 5, 2021 in a Virtual Conference Format

Making Physics More Inclusive and Eliminating Exclusionary Practices in Physics

PS.E-MO-10: History of Underrepresented Groups in Physics

technical paper

Join AAPT and Physics Educators worldwide in developing and strengthening your professional connections by attending the 2021 AAPT Virtual Summer Meeting. AAPT meetings are a great way to reflect on your teaching, recommit to best practices and re-energize your career with new research, products, and techniques.

Listen to internationally known plenary speakers, attend sessions, workshops, and special activities. Attending the virtual summer meeting is an excellent opportunity to share your expertise and learn from and network with leaders in the field.

Please log in with your AAPT account or register for the event if you haven't already.

If you are registered please note that you need to be logged in with your AAPT email / credentials in order to get access.

Christine O'Donnell

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Culturally Responsive Astronomy Education: Using a Critical Lens to Promote Equity and Social Justice

Promoting Equity and Social Justice through Culturally Responsive Astronomy Education

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