Assistant Professor Dr. Suzanna Roman-Oliver’s book "The Science I Know" invites science teachers to incorporate students’ cultural knowledge in the classroom

Assistant Professor of Teacher Education, Dr. Suzanna Roman-Oliver, wrote the book "The Science I Know" to showcase the ways her former and current science education students integrate culture in their teaching.

The book is targeted to science teachers and science teacher educators.

"Many of the science education students I've worked with in the past struggled with finding good examples of culturally relevant pedagogy in the science class (Ladson-Billings, 1995)," Roman-Oliver said. "The book includes lesson plans that follow the 5E learning cycle and align with the Next Generation Science Standards, while discussing how the tenets of CRP are targeted through the activities."  

The lesson plans were written in collaboration with former or current science education students and teachers. 

"I worked with each of them to make revisions throughout the summer and fall of 2023," Roman-Oliver said. "I loved collaborating with students, as they understand best the needs of their own students." 

Her book, published in June 2024, is available at Myers Education Press, Amazon and in most bookstores. 

"I hope the lessons will inspire other teachers to capitalize on their students' cultural knowledge and practices when designing learning experiences," she said.