A multicultural curriculum incorporates the histories, experiences, and cultures of the diverse groups that comprise a community or a country. Multicultural lessons help students from diverse groups see themselves and their families as valued members of society. They increase student awareness of the diverse community and world in which they live and help students gain awareness of multiple perspectives.. This blog will uncover how multiculturalism can be designed into K-12 instruction.
Through the intentional integration of materials that reflect global contribution to improving the field of science and mathematics, K-12 curriculum can reflect the diversity of my local community, region, and country. This can be achieved through the exploration of global inventions, how government policy impacts the future for scientific breakthroughs, and how patriotic principles shape the ability to promote science over politics. Please see this lesson plan for how Science, Patriotism, and Multiculturalism collide.
It is important to introduce students to multicultural content and multiple perspectives because we have entered a global marketplace. As technological advancements continue to grow both in capability and reach, people around the world have access to similar resources, and are available for collaboration. In addition, new scientific inventions are often shared for profit, thus improving life in its origin country, and in those countries that adopt these advancements. K-12 students need to be prepared for this new world, not only to recognize and applaud these efforts, but to understand how scientific breakthrough promotes change for the future.
In order to ensure that my students develop cultural competence in the classroom, it is essential that credible materials be offered for debate and discussion, along with higher order assessments which require students to analyze and evaluate how countries will work together to achieve future scientific advancements.
Valerie Scheidt 