Enhancing Physics Understanding by Leveraging Cultural Resources in NGSS-Aligned Assessments

This paper presents a framework for designing Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) aligned assessments, using the six-stage Crafting Engaging Science Environments (CESE) project-based learning (PBL) system (He, et al., 2024), that leverage students' cultural resources to engage them in physics concepts. Synthesizing CESE with Culturally Relevant Teaching (CRT) and Culturally Responsive Pedagogy (CRP), we develop innovative assessment methods that allow students to demonstrate their understanding of physics phenomena in meaningful ways - emphasizing local relevance, student identity, and science engagement. By integrating cultural relevance into assessment design, we aim to broaden the pool of students who can effectively showcase both their comprehension and application of physics ideas by recognizing the varied backgrounds and experiences students bring into the classroom. This framework emphasizes the importance of CRP and its role in fostering deeper connections between students and the subject matter, ultimately leading to improved educational outcomes in physics.