Intercultural Perspectives in Science Education

In this chapter, we discuss the intercultural perspectives of science education that acknowledge the colonial past (and present) in Latin America. We posit a pluralist epistemology as the basis for an intercultural scientific education where productive dialogues between traditional and scientific/school knowledge can occur. After introducing some of the work undertaken by science education researchers in different countries, we present our work related to culturally sensitive modeling, life projects, and identity. Finally, we discuss how Latin American views on science education can provide a new perspective on science education, one that considers native epistemologies and wisdom and aims for social and epistemic justice.