Self-reflection Do you regularly have introduce difficult social concepts in your classroom? If yes, what are the topics or themes you explore? what are your keys to success? If no, what is preventing you from exploring these topics? are there opportunities where you can? by

Normalize it!

2025-07-23 17:30:10 UTC

I usually teach the difficult topics just the same as everything else. It's just another thing we cover. My co-worker goes much deeper and discusses the controversy.

Sex and gender

2025-07-23 17:31:01 UTC

When teaching about chromosomes, I bring up alternate sex determination systems (ZW, XO, non-chromosomal) and mono- vs. dioecious species. I also try to unpack that "biological" sex is overly simplistic.

Environmental Justice

2025-07-23 17:32:39 UTC

When I teach about it I lean heavily on data and maps and solutions. I think this topic often makes people feel guilty and so by talking about data an visualizing it and then pivoting to solutions/ hope that can help.

used informal discussions a lot

2025-07-23 17:32:44 UTC

I'm retired from teaching now, but i used to regularly include topics that were difficult. I found that connecting what was happening in the world right then with their personal lives was very powerful. Being flexible, integrating informal talking and not grading their attitudes or concerns was very effective.

Resource Inequity

2025-07-23 17:33:06 UTC

I use difficult topics in my teacher to promote advocacy for change in inequitable situations related to my environmental science teaching.

Personal stories

2025-07-23 17:33:56 UTC

I try to relate the topic to something that applies to them or our community so the topic isn't just something they see on the news.

2025-07-23 17:34:04 UTC

Socioeconomic background of the students and previous education can be impacting their knowledge or attributes. Even language barrier exists in my classroom.

Sex and Gender

2025-07-23 17:34:12 UTC

Thinking about how there can be multiple definitions-- chromosomal, hormonal, morphological-- and being specific about definitions is important.

brief experiences

2025-07-23 17:35:34 UTC

The curriculum does not reflect social concepts in course I have taught so far however I think in one of the environmental science courses I taught students has to discuss about social aspects of their local environmental issue which student felt were not feeling comfortable in comparing it with others.

Colonialism in Biodiversity Data

2025-07-23 17:36:07 UTC

We can see in the early 19th century biodiversity data corresponds with colonialism and inequity as major universities of Europe and US would collect from poor countries. Good opportunity to explore science and power structures with students.