Swimming Against the Tide: African American Girls and Science Education

Preface and Acknowledgements 1. Introduction: Understanding Young African American Women's Experiences in Science 2. The Conceptual Framework: A Critical-Feminist Approach 3. Young African American Women's Experiences in Science: "Science Is Like Opening A Present from Your Favorite Aunt. You Just Can't Wait to Open It Because You Know There Is Something Wonderful and Unique Inside." 4. Influences-Teachers and Schools: "They Looked at Us Like We Weren't Supposed to Be Scientists." 5. Influences-Family and Community: "My Mother Never Minded Me Using Her Kitchen Utensils to Dig Up Insects and Worms to Explore." 6. Influences-Peers: "I Know Plenty of Girls at My School [Who] Love Science." 7. Conclusions: "Science Is Not About Which Race Likes It Better, It Is About Doing What You Like." Appendix A: Tables Appendix B: Detail on Knowledge Networks Sampling Appendix C: Test for Vignettes Appendix D: Selected Questions from Knowledge Networks Survey Appendix E: Detail on NELS Sampling and Data Notes Reference Index