One of the significant and ongoing challenges affecting STEM education in the United States is changing student demographics with increasing numbers of multilingual students learning in their second language. Language can make a difference for students learning about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), all subjects that could help students further their education and open pathways to science-based careers.
Language, Culture, Knowledge Building through Science, known as LaCuKnoS, is a project led by Cory Buxton, professor in the Oregon State University College of Education, that supports STEM teachers working in multilingual classrooms teaching students skills that could result in them pursuing STEM academic and occupational opportunities.
Francisca Belart, OSU Extension Service specialist and associate professor in the College of Forestry, develops forestry content for LaCuKnoS. These lessons include sections in English and Spanish that include hands-on activities to engage students in forestry and natural resources, lessons that correspond with the need for new technical and professional skills education for students.
LaCuKnoS investigates the role of language development in learning and the role of culture to engage students in science. The project prepares teachers so they can reach students in multilingual classrooms in pursuing STEM academic and occupational pathways.
Belart and the project team created lessons that include reading materials to boost language and hands-on activities in subjects like forest engineering, fire, forest management and engineered wood. In one lesson, students are given a map of a landowner’s patch of forest with different forest species and ages. Background is provided on how trees like Douglas-fir and Oregon white oak are managed for different objectives. Students then take a role as either the forest owner or a forester with the goal of developing a sustainable management plan. The lessons include cultural components such as teachings about the historical role of Indigenous people in managing areas that are now densely forested but were once prairies with scattered oak trees. Fire was used to maintain the open savannas to enable gathering of plants and hunting.
During the first two years of the project the team created eight forestry lessons that are available to students of all ages. Teachers were also given resources and materials needed to deliver the lessons in various formats. The lessons are used as part of the Science and Math Investigate Learning Experience or SMILE program, which is an established after-school program of clubs mostly in rural areas and multilingual communities across Oregon. In 2022 to April 2023, more than 500 students engaged in these learning activities.