Over the past two years, I have been using Canvas as a tool to increase visibility and representation in my science courses by celebrating heritage/history months, acknowledging observed holidays/events, and more. Research shows that when students see themselves represented in STEM classes, they are more likely to pursue a career in a STEM field, so I made this one of my equity goals to work towards.
My first step was in acknowledging the impact of the Lunar New Year on my students who had celebrations that might make it difficult to focus on school work. I created a logo that went on my Canvas home page and let students know that they could ask for extensions during their celebrations to prioritize family during the holiday.
This year I redesigned that logo to be more inclusive. Last year, the logo was red with gold and had an ox since that was the Chinese zodiac for 2021. China's celebration of the Lunar New Year often overshadows the other countries and cultures that also celebrate this holiday. So this year, I used a more inclusive logo (shown above) on my Canvas page with the same messaging that they could request an extension during the celebration window (which can last 15 days).
My next adventure was creating a Canvas page that featured BIPOC scientists for Black History Month. I wanted to make sure that I was choosing a selection of scientists that represented multiple genders, as well as selecting scientists that were alive recently enough that I could find an interview with them to further support my BIPOC students. This year, I expanded the selection beyond the courses I am teaching (physics and astronomy) to include more sciences, including many that are taught at Skyline. I have shared the page on the Canvas Commons.
This year, I continued my project by focusing on featured scientists for Women's History Month. Once again, I created a Canvas page that featured women who are scientists. Once again, I used the expanded selection of sciences, but this time instead of videos I used the art from Rachel Ignotofsky and other women who are artists instead of including videos. I have shared the page on the Canvas Commons.
As this year continues, I will be highlighting scientists from the API and LGBTQ+ communities for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and LGBTQ+ Pride Month.
Next year I hope to continue this work to develop resources for representation during National Hispanic-Latino Heritage Month, National American Indian Heritage Month, and Disability Awareness Month.
If you have suggestions or questions, please feel free to reach out for more information!
We want to continue this work at Skyline! If you have ideas or suggestions for improving diversity, representation, and visibility at Skyline, please talk with Kristie Bennett or Anu Kamath!
We'd love to be inspired by the work you're already doing with our students and staff or aspire to do next!