Indigenous Australia and Science
Exploring Indigenous knowledge/science in your classroom is a fantastic way to engage children of all ages in learning about STEM through a different cultural lens, thus encouraging innovative thinking.
Not only does introducing students to the concept of Indigenous Knowledge introduce children to new ways of looking at and understanding things (and we know that in today’s world, the ability to problem-solve and think outside of the box are critical skills we need to foster in our children), but it also increases their awareness of Aboriginal culture and identity (thus helping us to build in our children Respect for Diversity).
Given that Australia is home to the oldest continuing people in the world, and our history is rich with examples of incredible scientific thinking (think about the Brewarrina fish and eel traps, evidence of navigation by the stars, Aboriginal astronomy, intricate land management systems and so much more), it is clear that incorporating these lessons into the learning curriculum for our children is incredibly enriching and we firmly believe, something all educators should be striving to do.
If you are a teacher or educator and interested in exploring ways to do this, check out these links:
Inquiry for Indigenous Science Students
Wingaru - Cultural Burning Blog
Australian Curriculum - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures
