Young Scientists in Action

Alesia Mickle Moldavan, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Elementary Mathematics and Science Education in the College of Education at Georgia Southern University. She received her BSEd in Mathematics Education at the University of Georgia, her MEd in Mathematics Education at Georgia State University, and her Ph.D. Teaching and Learning in Mathematics Education at Georgia State University. She specializes in teaching mathematics and science methods courses to both preservice and in-service teachers. With a background that includes teaching in diverse Title I secondary schools in Georgia and facilitating STEM enrichment programs at the elementary level, Alesia brings a wealth of practical and pedagogical experience to her role. Her teaching cultivates meaningful learning experiences by integrating culturally responsive strategies and preparing teachers to identify students' strengths and areas for growth, nurture positive STEM identities, and become ethical advocates and change agents for all learners. Her research interests center on equitable and culturally responsive teaching practices, as well as the integration of digital technology in teacher education to enhance accessibility and inclusivity. Rooted in a commitment to social justice, her work examines how systemic inequities affect educational outcomes and explores ways to disrupt inequitable narratives. Her recent scholarship emphasizes the development and implementation of innovative curricula and instructional practices in teacher preparation programs that foster cultural awareness, critically engage with issues of equity, and promote STEM justice-oriented advocacy. By empowering teachers with the tools to recognize and address social injustices in educational settings, her research supports the cultivation of socially conscious teachers who are equipped to enact change within and beyond the classroom. Bailey Nafziger, Ed.D. is an Assistant Professor of Elementary Science Education in the College of Education at Georgia Southern University. She received her BS in elementary education from the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota, her master's in science education from Northern Arizona University, and her educational doctorate from the University of North Dakota. Bailey spent her first decade in education working as a middle school science teacher and an elementary gifted specialist in southern Arizona. Along with regular teaching responsibilities, Bailey took on teacher-leadership roles including serving as an instructional coach, mentoring new teachers, leading professional learning communities, as well as designing and facilitating professional development in both science and gifted education at a district and state level. She also dedicated time to her students working as a soccer coach, Student Council advisor, and being an advisor for other various student-led initiatives. Currently, Bailey teaches elementary science education methods at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Her classes have a strong theme of asset-based instruction and differentiating to elevate the strengths of each student. Her recent scholarship centers on overlaps between science education, gifted education, and culturally responsive teaching. Her goal is to empower teachers to engage in social justice work in their classroom while modeling the process to and for their students. Bailey has truly fallen in love with teaching and maintains the goal of preparing teachers for the dedication, passion, and perseverance necessary to succeed in the field today.

Foreword Preface Acknowledgments About the Authors Introduction Why This Book? Our Lenses and Beliefs Framing This Book My Adaptation and Why Motivator: Alesia Mickle Moldavan's Lens Looking Back to Move Forward With My Why: Bailey Nafziger's Lens A Collective Partnership The Book's Audience The Book's Organization Your Teaching Manifesto Part 1: Using Science to Solve Problems: Where Do We Begin? Chapter 1: Connecting Minds and Hearts Through Critical Thinking and Engagement in Science Building Critical Thinkers Empathy in Science Science as a Human and Social Endeavor Tracing Pedagogical Approaches Illuminating Students' Assets and Communities Using Science to Explore Fairness Understanding Our World and Each Other Representation Matters Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors Science as a Tool for Advocacy Connecting Initiatives in Science Education Reform and Standards to Equity Equity in the Context of NSTA and NGSS Integrating Standards for Fairness and Agency Chapter Summary Reflection Questions Chapter 2: Bringing Purpose and Action to Science How We Do (and Don't Do) Science Science Is a Way of Knowing Scientific Knowledge Assumes an Order of Consistency in Natural Systems Scientific Models, Laws, Mechanisms, and Theories Explain Natural Phenomena What Are Scientific Laws? What Are Scientific Theories? Scientific Knowledge Is Open to Revision in Light of New Evidence What Counts as Science? Who Gets to Do Science? Alternative Science Epistemologies The Value of Community Chapter Summary Reflection Questions Part 2: Designing and Implementing Science Lessons for Critical Thinking and Action Chapter 3: Planning Lessons That Matter and Foster Change Learning About Students Diversity as an Asset Sustaining an Inclusive Environment Establishing Classroom Norms A Framework for Social Justice Science Lessons The Elicit Phase Finding the Phenomena Types of Phenomena Where to Find Sociocultural-Informed Phenomena The Investigate Phase Planning for the Investigate Phase Three-Dimensional Science Teaching Instructional Considerations Focusing on Safety Collaborative Student Groups The Interrogate Phase Structuring Classroom Debates for Critical Thinking Guided Discussion With Claim-Evidence-Reasoning The Act Phase What Does Taking Action Look Like? How Teachers Can Support Student Action Using an Act Menu to Make a Difference Chapter Summary Reflection Questions Chapter 4: Unit Plans for Critical Thinking and Action Units in This Chapter Unit Plan 4.1: Water Negotiators Student Page: ELICIT: Water Negotiators Student Page: INVESTIGATE: Water Negotiators Student Page: INTERROGATE: Water Negotiators Student Page: ACT: Water Negotiators Teacher Page: INVESTIGATE: Water Negotiators Teacher Page: INTERROGATE: Water Negotiators' Roles Unit Plan 4.2: Diaper Deserts Student Page: ELICIT: Diaper Deserts Student Page: INVESTIGATE: Diaper Deserts Student Page: INTERROGATE: Diaper Deserts Student Page: ACT: Diaper Deserts Unit Plan 4.3: Honorable Harvest Student Page: ELICIT: Honorable Harvest Student Page: INVESTIGATE: Honorable Harvest Student Page: INTERROGATE: Honorable Harvest Student Page: ACT: Honorable Harvest Teacher Page: Mushroom Life Cycle Card Sort Teacher Page: General Unit Template Chapter Summary Reflection Questions Chapter 5: Grab-and-Go Lessons Lesson 5.1: Accessibility: Inclined Planes Lesson 5.2: Politics and Plastics Lesson 5.3: Invasive Carp Lesson 5.4: Fossil Fuels and Nonrenewable Energy Chapter Summary Reflection Questions Part 3: Looking Ahead and Taking Action Chapter 6: Navigating Today's Classroom with Purpose Knowing Your Purpose, Priorities, and Professional Responsibilities Finding Your People and Sphere of Influence Curating Patience for Growth Opportunities Keeping a Journal to Chronicle Progress Encouraging Growth Mindset Holding on to Hope Chapter Summary Reflection Questions Chapter 7: Your Call to Action Taking Action in Your Context Revisiting Your Teaching Manifesto Chapter Summary Reflection Questions References Index

Young Scientists in Action is a timely and necessary book that challenges science educators to reimagine science teaching through the lens of social justice. It offers practical strategies to empower students to recognize, critique, and act on societal inequities by using science as a powerful tool for change. I highly recommend this book to every science educator and every leader committed to transforming science education into a force for equity, justice, and community empowerment -- Kristopher J. Childs * Winter Garden, FL * Young Scientists in Action is a practical guide for elementary educators striving to make science meaningful, equitable, and action-oriented. Moldavan and Nafziger offer a powerful framework and ready-to-use lessons that center student voice, critical thinking, and real-world relevance. This book supports teachers in creating classrooms where all students see themselves as scientists and change agents, capable of understanding and improving the world around them. -- Stephanie Westhafer * Braselton, GA * This book provides a resource I wish I had as a practicing teacher. Children are naturally curious about science, fairness, and their world, so connecting science and justice-centered teaching is a great fit. The authors provide key information about facilitating these connections and positioning learners to use their science knowledge to take action in their world. -- Jennifer Ward * Canton, GA * I had the opportunity to try a lesson in this book. It was engaging for all my students. I was able to scaffold and extend it to meet the needs of all learners. I appreciated the interdisciplinary elements woven into the lesson and that my students could easily connect the learning to their daily lives. -- Karli Gilbertson * St. Paul, MN * This book is very important for elementary science teachers. Young Scientists in Action shows how easily science as a tool for advocacy and for social justice can be brought into the classroom with young learners. I can't wait to bring the Elicit-Investigate-Interrogate-Act Framework for Social Justice Lessons format into my elementary science methods classroom. -- Katie Brkich * Statesboro, GA * In this relevant and timely book, the content and resources inspire teachers and administrators in engaging young students to tackle culturally relevant issues at early ages, which is critical in developing scientific literacy. Highly recommended! -- Edralin Pagarigan * Rosedale, MD * This book powerfully emphasizes the dual importance of fostering critical thinking and scientific knowledge. The "mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors" metaphor brilliantly connects social justice to education, highlighting equity in science classrooms. It's an essential read for educators committed to inclusive, reflective, and transformative teaching practices. -- Kimberly Morton * Gilbert, AZ * Young Scientists in Action: Building Critical Thinkers for a Better World just makes sense from a mathematics and STEM education perspective, while leveraging creativity for active and engaged learning. The authors have built a strong framework for supporting the fundamental development of critical thinkers through an approachable and logical organization of complex ideas. -- Robert Capraro * College Station, TX * As a mathematics educator and STEM educator who has worked extensively with teachers and students, the development of critical thinking is a cornerstone for success in each STEM discipline. This book takes a fresh look at critical thinking, which situates learning from the perspective of investigation and scientific inquiry, as an important motivational factor in becoming an engaged and thoughtful thinker that transcends disciplines. -- Mary Margaret Capraro * College Station, TX *