Making Space for Space Traders

Abstract

Abstract Should a focus on empowering education for a socially just world stretch across schooling generally? Is it really the responsibility of science educators to focus on such a struggle? We believe the answer to both questions is an enthusiastic “yes” and in this article report on the planning and execution of a 6th grade science unit designed to spark classroom dialogue around issues of bias in science and in society. We begin with a brief grounding in the relevant literature of culturally relevant science teaching before introducing the context of the unit and the methods of study. We then describe the planning and execution of the unit. We close with lessons that we feel important to carry forward into later replications and recommendations for future research.