Preface How to Use This Book Defining STEM in K-5 Classrooms About the LanguageAcknowledgmentsAbout the AuthorPart I: FoundationsChapter 1: A Journey to Liberation Understanding the Connection Between Cultural Identity and STEM Educators Why Multidimensional Cultural Identities Are Essential in STEM Education Early STEM Exposure Builds Inclusive Communities From the Ground Up Call to Action: Sink or Float? Understanding the Brain and Its Connection to Identity The Four Dimensions of Cultural Identity Engaging With IBA Applying the Companion Journal for Growth What''s Next? Preparing for the Journey Ahead Chapter Summary Reflection QuestionsPart II: Reimagining Cultural Identity in STEM EducationChapter 2: Essence: The Core of Cultural Identity What Is Essence Cultural Identity? Teaching Through Identity: Why It Matters in STEM Education My Identity, My Anchor: A Personal Reflection The Illusion of Neutrality in STEM Education The Power of Recognition Essence Cultural Identity in STEM Education Building Positive Perceptions in STEM Education The Power of Essence Cultural Identity in STEM Education The Essence-Conscious Educator Cultural Funds of Knowledge Using Justice-Centered Tasks to Design STEM Lessons That Amplify Student Voice Knowledge Capacity Assets Position Call to Action: Leveraging Essence Cultural Identity in the Grades K-2 STEM Classroom: Hatch a Chicken Lesson Alignment Call to Action: Leveraging Essence Cultural Identity in the Grades 3-5 STEM Classroom: The Life Cycle of a Tree Lesson Alignment Chapter Summary Reflection QuestionsChapter 3: Engagement: The Energy of Connection Defining Engagement Cultural Identity Teaching Through Engagement Cultural Identity: Why It Matters in STEM Education Setting the Stage for Engagement Cultural Identity Decentering Exclusionary Norms in STEM Piaget and Bandura The Power of Relational Identities Using Engagement Cultural Identity to Decenter Exclusionary Norms in STEM Education by Affirming Relational Identities Four Dimensions of Cultural Identity Survey Cultural Identity Learning Walk Call to Action: Using Identity-Aligned Grouping to Center Student Connections in Grades K-2 STEM Classrooms: Ecosystems Lesson Alignment Call to Action: Using Identity-Aligned Grouping to Center Student Connections in Grades 3-5 STEM Classrooms: Composting Lesson Alignment Chapter Summary Reflection QuestionsChapter 4: Expression: Celebrating Creativity Defining Expression Cultural Identity Teaching Through Identity: Why It Matters in STEM Education The Power of Creativity Creativity and Motivation The Power of Expression Cultural Identity in STEM Education Scholarship Circles Justice-Centered Learning Map The Pedagogy of Confidence Call to Action: Centering Expression Cultural Identity to Reimagine the Grades 3-5 STEM Classroom: Rockets Lesson Alignment Chapter Summary Reflection QuestionsChapter 5: Epoch: Building on Historical Foundations Defining Epoch Cultural Identity Slavery (1619-1865) World War II (1939-1945) Teaching Through Identity: Why It Matters in STEM Education Maroon Science Implications for STEM Educators Epoch Cultural Identity in STEM Education Example of Epoch Cultural Identity in STEM Education The Power of Epoch Cultural Identity to Decolonize STEM Education Proto-Narrative Inquiry Circle Universal Design for Learning From the Lens of Cultural Identity Call to Action: Leveraging Epoch Cultural Identity to Decolonize the Grades K-2 STEM Classroom: Weather Stations Lesson Alignment Call to Action: Leveraging Epoch Cultural Identity to Decolonize the Grades 3-5 STEM Classroom: Circuits Lesson Alignment Chapter Summary Reflection QuestionsPart III: Liberation and LegacyChapter 6: Re-Envisioning STEM Education STEM as a Pathway for Equity and Justice Expanding Scientific Talk to Reflect Who We Are Neurodiverse Learners in Scientific Discourse Giftedness Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Autism Spectrum Disorder What About Testing? Claims-Evidence-Community-Reasoning (CECR) The 5E Instructional Model Through a Cultural Identity Lens Where Do I Thrive? Embracing Intersectionality to Build Thriving Communities Envisioning an Inclusive Future Through a Welcoming Pedagogy Chapter Summary Reflection QuestionsChapter 7: Claiming Your Power and Leaving a Legacy Our Journey to Agency Claiming Agency and Enacting Change: What Is Liberatory Agency? Inclusive Teaching Mindsets for STEM Educators Pathway 1: Embracing Multidimensional Cultural Identities Culturally Inclusive Pedagogy (1A) Centering Cultural Assets (1B) Cross-Cultural Collaboration (1C) Adaptive Integration (1D) Pathway 2: Fostering Thriving and Equitable Communities Supportive Learning Communities (2A) Equity in Practice (2B) Restorative Conflict Resolution (2C) Celebrating Diverse Achievements (2D) Pathway 3: Advancing Justice Critical Self-Reflection (3A) Courageous Conversations (3B) Justice-Centered Content Design (3C) Taking Accountability (3D) Pathway 4: Engaging in Critical Scholarship Professional Learning (4A) Commitment to Ongoing Learning (4B) Scholarly Contribution (4C) Applying Scholarship (4D) Using the Inclusive Teaching Mindsets to Build Liberatory Agency Strengthening Student-Teacher Relationships Planting Seeds of Change for Future Generations Call to Action: Mapping Your Impact as a Liberatory STEM Educator in the Grades K-2 STEM Classroom: Designing a Bridge Lesson Alignment Call to Action: Mapping Your Impact as a Liberatory STEM Educator in the Grades 3-5 STEM Classroom: Catapults Lesson Alignment Chapter Summary Reflection QuestionsReferencesIndex.