Science education and females of color: The play within a play

Abstract

Abstract In this chapter, I discuss females of color in science education by borrowing from the Shakespearean play within a playdevice to highlight their unique experiences. Though much fanfare has been issued concerning the progress made by females in general, further scrutiny finds that females of color in particular do not fare as well. Thus, I begin by first lifting the veil so to speak on the double bind in science that females of color find themselves in. As they attempt to navigate their way through school and subsequently into Science professions, females of color find themselves hampered by both race and gender at every turn. In an effort to break this cycle, I finish by offering science teacher educators tools and solutions they can incorporate into their own preservice programs. Finally, I close by offering a vision of what an effective K-12 science classroom for females of color would look like.