Abstract
The Rosalind Franklin Society (RFS), in partnership with Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers, enthusiastically congratulate our distinguished recipient of the 2022 annual
Jessica Hernandez, Rachel Scherr, and Amy D. Robertson, “Redefining Energy Justice in Physics Classrooms,” Environmental Justice 15, no. 2 (April 2022): 108–114,
Abstract
Energy is one of the fundamental topics taught in high school physics. However, energy continues to be taught as an abstract concept that removes itself from the social implications energy systems have on society, in particular toward Indigenous communities. Given the importance of integrating discussions around equity into our science courses, in this study we propose a way in which energy justice can be redefined and included in physics classrooms. Redefining energy justice into physics classrooms allows us to connect energy justice to existing energy physics curriculum and lessons plans. In Summer 2020, 22 physics teachers participated in a professional development that centered on discussions around energy and equity. We analyzed and coded teachers' dialogues and conversations around energy and equity to identify energy justice pillars. The energy justice pillars we identified formed the basis of an energy justice framework that redefines energy justice for physics classrooms. This energy justice framework allows us to bridge the separation between physics and social justice, as they continue to be viewed as two separate schools of thought in the field of physics.
Biosketch
Dr. Jessica Hernandez (Binnizá & Maya Ch'orti’) is a transnational Indigenous scholar, scientist, and community advocate based in the Pacific Northwest. She has an interdisciplinary academic background ranging from marine sciences to environmental physics. She advocates for climate, energy, and environmental justice through her scientific and community work and strongly believes that Indigenous sciences can heal our Indigenous lands.
She is the author of the award-winning book, Fresh Banana Leaves: Healing Indigenous Landscapes through Indigenous Science. She is currently in the process of writing her second book, Growing Papaya Trees: Nurturing Indigenous Roots of Climate Displacement & Justice. Hernandez has been named by Forbes as one of the 100 most powerful and influential women of Central America.