Science Youth Action Research: A Curricular Framework and Instructional Approach to Promote Democratic Citizenship

Abstract

Science Youth Action Research (Sci-YAR) is presented here as a curricular framework and instructional approach intended to enhance youth’s participation as democratic citizens. First, we frame the theoretical foundations for science curricula that promote democratic citizenship and explore models of scientific inquiry and action research that inform Sci-YAR’s design. Then, we describe Sci-YAR’s key features, explaining how Sci-YAR is designed to help youth construct views of themselves as agents who use science to bring about personal and social transformation. Finally, implications for using curricular frameworks like Sci-YAR in schools to leverage youth’s science learning for enhanced democratic participation are discussed.