What do students think of when they think of scientists or engineers? 

Stereotypes about the faces behind the research come from everywhere: popular media, teachers’ offhand comments, even the images in a science textbook. 

Together, these messages build an image in students’ minds of STEM professionals as a determined cog in a well-established machine – in other words, nothing like them.

That’s why culturally responsive STEM education is so important, especially in middle school STEM classrooms, while identity and confidence are developing.