From Here to Equity: Promoting STEM Inclusion and Equity by Engaging in Authentic Field-Based Ecology Experiences

Abstract This chapter describes a field-based, hands-on ecology course designed to promote greater engagement with and enthusiasm for science among biology majors at a community college. The authors describe a series of weekly inquiry-based research activities and field trips on campus, to a local beach and to local informal science institutions. All activities are linked to or building up to citizen science and local field research. These field labs are designed to be student driven and collaborative as a means to shift student perceptions of themselves from passive learners to future scientists. The long-term objective is to promote academic success and retention in STEM fields among traditionally underserved and marginalized demographics. The lead author couches this narrative within a context of her own academic journeys as a woman of color, while the second author, also a woman of color, provides supporting literature documenting the ongoing barriers to success in STEM involvement, including those in STEM careers experienced by marginalized demographics The activities are juxtaposed to studies that demonstrate best practices and their outcomes of effective and accessible inclusive science education.