In a STEM classroom, civil discourse is essential for fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and problem‐​solving. By engaging in respectful discussions on scientific processes, ethical dilemmas, and societal implications, students learn to navigate complex issues with evidence‐​based reasoning. Healthy civic culture is developed within STEM classrooms as students practice engaging with diverse perspectives, evaluating information critically, and contributing to informed decision‐​making in society.

This article shares strategies for educators to create a classroom culture that encourages inquiry and prepares students to be informed, innovative problem‐​solvers.

• Set discussion norms such as these developed by Sphere. You may also consider supporting students to collaboratively create norms that include components of the Sphere AWARE framework (assert, wonder, accept, respect, establish) found in Sphere’s Civil Discourse Primer.

• Model and share examples of how STEM professionals engage in civil discourse by using data and logical reasoning to discuss theories.

• Foster a culture of curiosity and wonder by encouraging broad‐​based questions that spark open‐​minded exploration. When students are inspired to consider alternative ideas and solutions, they develop deeper problem‐​solving and decision‐​making skills.

• Encourage students to support their points with evidence and approach discussions with curiosity, focusing on making connections rather than simply agreeing or disagreeing. Sentence starters and frames can help guide their responses. 

• Guide students in critical thinking and developing an inquiry mindset through civil discourse. Be prepared for unexpected questions and discussions. Respond with credible information, but encourage students to research and form their own informed conclusions.

• Pose questions that foster inquiry and critical thinking. These can include open‐​ended prompts such as “Who should decide?,” “What should we do?,” and “What other ideas exist?” to encourage deeper exploration.

• Help students recognize biases, logical fallacies, and misinformation that may be barriers to productive discourse. Establish a balanced facilitator role by questioning all sources of student information, even those you believe to be correct. This models critical curiosity and helps students see source evaluation as a standard practice.

• Introduce discourse through routine STEM topics (e.g., justifying strategies in math, discussing scientific processes) before engaging in more complex issues. Advance to incorporate a diverse range of ethical, societal, and scientific issues relevant to STEM fields and student interests.

• Use formative assessments to gauge student understanding of topics and consider how their backgrounds or local issues may shape their beliefs. One example could be using a “Testing the Water” warm up. Reflect and anticipate how these beliefs may shape student discussions.

• Help students understand that civil discourse is not a debate but can lead to more structured debates on solutions and policies in STEM. Students could set goals related to their participation in discourse.

• Use structured discussion strategies like those outlined in “11 Civil Discourse Strategies to Try in Your Classroom.” Examples include opinion lineups, Socratic seminars, and fishbowl discussions. Support students in preparing for these discussions with research, such as using student‐​created notecards with facts from multiple sides of an issue.

• Conclude discussions with reflective practices, regardless of the outcome, to cultivate self‐​awareness and strengthen long‐​term civil discourse skills. You may adapt or use tools in Sphere’s Middle School Toolkit for ready‐​made self‐ and peer assessments, such as a student self‐​evaluation.

• Civic action and civil discourse have a role in STEM. Students are interested in and passionate about topics such as artificial intelligence, environmental science, and genetic engineering. Begin by guiding students to generate a wide range of questions about these complex issues, fostering curiosity and deeper engagement.

• Help them to narrow their focus to specific, researchable questions. Use structured discourse to analyze diverse perspectives and explore potential solutions.

• Guide research that includes reputable, research‐​based perspectives. Provide a variety of diverse resources and links on your learning management system or class webpage to support balanced research.

• Teach students how misinformation spreads in science and how civil discourse can be a tool to combat it. Discuss how scientists engage in disagreement constructively and how this process advances scientific knowledge. Encourage students to reflect on how civil discourse strengthens problem‐​solving and innovation.

• You may wish to invite guest speakers from STEM fields who engage in civil discourse related to policy, ethics, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Aim to present multiple viewpoints to encourage students to analyze, compare, and develop well‐​informed solutions.

Assess individual student and class participation in civil discourse using various methods, such as tally charts or rubrics. Continue to reflect on your role as a facilitator, considering what strategies are effective and where adjustments can enhance student engagement and discourse quality in your STEM classroom.