Indigenous Science

In Indigenous Sciences, students will explore the scientific knowledge and practices of Australia’s First Peoples.

Course Overview

Have you ever wondered how Australia’s first people incorporate science and technology into their culture? In this course we will explore the scientific knowledge inherent to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural traditions which enable a healthy and informed engagement with land, sea, and sky Country. We will demonstrate how First Nations peoples are the custodians of the oldest stories in the world; Dreaming stories which have been carefully transmitted in oral format for thousands of years, encoding within them knowledge about seasonal change, animal behaviour, plants and their uses, social values, and historic events such as volcanic eruptions, meteorite impacts, and sea-level rise. .

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Learning Outcomes

Over the course of the semester, students will have an opportunity to investigate and develop their knowledge of:

  • Indigenous cultures within Victoria, including development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural awareness
  • The importance of oral traditions and Dreaming stories in the preservation of Indigenous science, technology and cultural knowledge through exploration of unique Indigenous sky knowledge and Songlines
  • Evidence of the application of scientific understanding and technology within the communities of the Kulin Nation and beyond through exploration of Budj Bim and other river and wetland communities, land management practices in agriculture and fire management
  • Exploration of the diversity of Victorian ecosystems to fully appreciate the depth of knowledge and connection to Country Indigenous knowledge holds

Assessment

For successful completion of this unit students will be required to submit the following tasks:  

Homework

Students will be required to complete on average 1 hour of homework per week.

Assessment

For successful completion of this unit students will be required to submit two assessment tasks:

  • Reflection Journal
  • Investigation Task

Students will also be assessed on regular attendance

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