Delve into the Australian Curriculum’s Cross Curricula Priority on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and science in this engaging, thought provoking video conference. Experience the oldest astronomical knowledge on the planet. Enhancing the understanding of the depth of astronomical knowledge systems held by Australia’s first people we will explore the celestial knowledge of the Wergaia Nation revealing the intricate relationships deeply embedded in science and culture. Then head to the turquoise waters of the Torres Strait Islands and learn about the Warrior Spirit Tagai and his embodiment in Uncle Eddie Mabo and the historic decision by the High Court in 1992.
This video conference has been developed in close consultation with First Nations practitioners, artists and peoples.
Aunty Joanne is an Aboriginal woman born in Sydney on the land of the Gadigal people. Aunty Joanne grew up with stories of the Milky Way, shared by her mother, Elders and Community Knowledge Holders. She is a founding member of Warringa Baiya (NSW Aboriginal Women’s Legal Service), and has worked on the Youth Koori Court community panel as an Elder.
If you are new to video conferences we have an informative how to connect guide for support.
Please ensure that learners have watched the online video Baranyi and made the star wheel by following the links in the Learning Resources below.
This on-demand digital program is part of our 2021 schools offer. Available Monday to Friday at 10am, 11am, midday, 1pm and 2pm. Please note that bookings will be facilitated by Aunty Joanne Selfe where possible, and at other times by Powerhouse Museum educators.
We also host special one-off webinars scheduled at specific times throughout the year. These explore timely themes and ideas and feature special guests.
Tickets
Plan Your Experience
All the information you need to plan your video conference is available on the Video Conferences - How to Connect page
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Syllabus links
| Stage 1 |
| Science and Technology K-6
STAGE 1 Living World Outcomes A student:
Content Focus Stage 1 of the Living World strand focuses on the features of living things, their environment and how they change and reproduce. Students investigate how plants and animals are used to satisfy our needs for food and fibre. Stage 1 of this strand develops students’ understanding of how living things and their environment play a central role in the support for and survival of humans.
Content Plants and animals used for food and fibre Focus question: How do humans use plants and animals? Students:
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| Stage 2 |
| Science and Technology K-6
STAGE 2 Earth and Space Outcomes A student:
Content Focus Stage 2 of the Earth and Space strand focuses on the Earth’s surface and how it changes over time. Students investigate natural processes and human activity in order to develop a view in relation to sustainable practices. Students explore the effect of the interactions between the Earth and the Sun.
Content Earth’s relationship with the Sun Inquiry question: What occurs as a result of the interactions between the Earth and the Sun? Students:
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| Stage 3 |
| Science and Technology K-6
STAGE 3 Earth and Space Outcomes A student:
Content Focus Stage 3 of the Earth and Space strand focuses on Earth’s place in the solar system, changes on its surface caused by natural disasters and the exploration of how these may be mitigated. Stage 3 of this strand further develops students’ understanding of the Earth, its position in the Solar System and as a dynamic part of a complex, interrelated system.
Content Earth’s place in our Solar System Inquiry question: How does the Earth compare to other planets in the Solar System? Students:
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Foundation to Year 10. Australian Curriculum Cross Curricula Priority. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures
Learning area
Science
Students will have opportunities to learn that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have longstanding scientific knowledge traditions and developed knowledge about the world by:
- observation, using all the senses
- prediction and hypothesis
- testing (trial and error)
- making generalisations within specific contexts such as the use of food, natural materials, navigation and sustainability of the environment.
Learning Resources
This program has several useful Learning resources to use before, during and after the video conference.
Before the video conference please download Baranyi and let your learners experience a significant event from multiple points of view.
A planisphere (star wheel) will be used during the program to help solve a calendrical problem around the star Marpeankurrk (Arcturus) . Learners will need to assemble and practice using it before the video conference.
- Making a planishere with teacher instructions.
- Boorong community star wheel please print in colour on A4 paper.
- Western star wheel please print in colour on A4 paper.
- Planisphere cover please print on A3 paper.
After the video conference this last activity looks at one way in which Indigenous communities hold and pass knowledge from one generation to the next.
- A Boorong community story about the Sun with teacher instructions.
