Creating Inclusive STEM Classrooms

Claiming Place and Making Space in Grades K-5

Energize STEM teaching to inspire deep learning and true belonging

This book addresses the urgent need to reimagine STEM classrooms as inclusive, justice-centered spaces where cultural identity becomes a pathway to deeper learning. Dr. Flake guides readers through the Four Dimensions of Cultural Identity—Essence, Engagement, Expression, and Epoch—providing a research-based framework for understanding both educator and student identities. Key topics include critical self-reflection for transformative teaching, designing culturally affirming STEM lessons, building supportive learning communities, and developing liberatory agency that empowers both teachers and students.

This comprehensive resource includes:

• Critical Reflection Journal with structured prompts to help educators explore their own cultural identities and leverage their assets for transformative teaching practice
• Teaching Tools, such as the Justice-Centered Tasks (JCT) Mode, which offer practical lesson planning resources to integrate cultural identity affirmation with academic rigor and student agency
• Authentic teacher vignettes and real-classroom examples from diverse K-5 educators who have successfully implemented culturally affirming STEM practices
• Ready-to-use lesson plans for both K-2 and 3-5 classrooms, complete with implementation guidance and alignment to standards

Educators will learn to recognize and embrace their own cultural identities as powerful tools for creating STEM classrooms where diversity drives innovation, belonging, and academic success—ensuring every student can see themselves as a capable STEM learner.