The Underrepresentation Curriculum (URC) is a free, flexible curriculum for STEM instructors to teach about injustice and change the culture of STEM. Using tools such as data analysis, hypothesis creation, and investigation, students look critically at science through the lenses of equity and inclusion. By comparing the general population to similar data describing scientists, students can explore issues of social justice in STEM. 

We encourage you to start with Unit 0 – Setting the Stage, a lesson that helps to prepare students for the curriculum and aims to productively frame future discussions .

Unit 1 – Laying the Foundation

Unit 1 – Subjectivity
Unit 1 – Why Does Representation Matter?
Unit 1 – Learning About Scientists’ Lives
Unit 1 – Data Analysis

Unit 2 – Gaining Relevant Knowledge

Unit 2 – Meritocracy
Unit 2 – Stereotype Threat
Unit 2 – Systemic Racism
Unit 2 – Systemic Sexism
Unit 2 – Racial Privilege and Affirmative Action
Unit 2 – Implicit Bias
Unit 2 – Multiple Identities
Unit 2 – Colorism (temporarily offline)
Unit 2 – Myth of the Model Minority (coming soon)
Unit 2 – Political Correctness and Microaggressions (coming soon)
Unit 2 – Overrepresented Groups (coming soon)

Unit 3 – Turning Knowledge into Action

Unit 3 – Brainstorming Actions
Unit 3 – Teacher-Led Action Projects
Unit 3 – Student-Led Actions Projects

Download a zip archive of all these lesson plans here.