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Indigenous contexts in VCE Physics

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And resourcing materials to suit the new study design

Emma Barnett

Victorian Space Science Education Centre and

The University of Melbourne

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Acknowledgement of Country

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I wish to acknowledge the people of the Kulin Nations, on whose land we are gathered today. I pay my respects to their Elders, past and present. I extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples here today.

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Aims for this session

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  • To introduce you to Indigenous scientific practices
  • To suggest some beginning material to include in VCE physics classes
  • To provide resources for further investigation when lesson planning

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New Study Design – Inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge

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New Study Design – Inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge

Option 2.15: How can physics explain traditional artefacts, knowledge and techniques?

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“Students research artefacts, knowledge and techniques and select one for detailed analysis.”

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Unit 2 Area of Study 2

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Indigenous Scientific Practices

Orality and memory

Songlines

Experimental design

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https://www.australiangeographic.com.au/topics/history-culture/2016/09/how-oral-cultures-memorise-so-much-information/

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https://songlines.nma.gov.au/tjanpi/

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Option 2.15: How can physics explain traditional artefacts, knowledge and techniques?

Boomerangs

  • Aerodynamics
  • Angular speed, torque
  • Related to Option 2.3 How do heavy things fly?

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https://australian.museum/learn/cultures/atsi-collection/boomerangs/�http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/brng.html

Image source: Hyperphysics

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Option 2.15: How can physics explain traditional artefacts, knowledge and techniques?

Astronomy

  • Songlines: orality and memory
  • Navigation and seasons
  • Understanding connections between Indigenous science, art, history and culture

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https://indigenousknowledge.unimelb.edu.au/curriculum/resources/digital-technology-and-managing-indigenous-astronomical-knowledge�https://www.nma.gov.au/exhibitions/songlines

https://theconversation.com/how-ancient-aboriginal-star-maps-have-shaped-australias-highway-network-55952�https://indigenousknowledge.unimelb.edu.au/curriculum/resources/indigenous-astronomy,-geography,-and-star-maps

Image source: Stellarium, Kamilaroi/Euahlayi constellations

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Breakout Rooms

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Resource list for further investigation

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https://www.australiangeographic.com.au/topics/history-culture/2016/09/how-oral-cultures-memorise-so-much-information/

https://australian.museum/learn/cultures/atsi-collection/boomerangs/�http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/brng.html

https://indigenousknowledge.unimelb.edu.au/curriculum/resources/digital-technology-and-managing-indigenous-astronomical-knowledge�https://www.nma.gov.au/exhibitions/songlines

https://songlines.nma.gov.au/tjanpi/

https://theconversation.com/how-ancient-aboriginal-star-maps-have-shaped-australias-highway-network-55952�https://indigenousknowledge.unimelb.edu.au/curriculum/resources/indigenous-astronomy,-geography,-and-star-maps

http://www.vaeai.org.au/schools/

https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/curriculum/vce/vce-study-designs/Physics/Pages/Planning.aspx#

https://www.csiro.au/en/research/indigenous-science

https://strongersmarter.com.au/