Aboriginal Knowledges in Science

Science Collaboration in Our Curriculum: Honouring Aboriginal Knowledge. 

Science has been part of human life in Australia long before colonisation and continues to be vital today. Australia holds countless examples of scientific thinking, especially through Aboriginal knowledge systems developed over thousands of years. These systems reflect sophisticated understandings of survival, land management, resource use, and environmental observation. 

For too long, Aboriginal science has been excluded from education, dismissed as ‘myth’ or ‘primitive’. Only recently has it begun gaining recognition in Australian scientific and educational fields. 

Science is the process of inquiry, observation and knowledge building, and this shift highlights the importance of multiple perspectives in education. To truly study Australian science, all knowledge systems must be acknowledged.

This Professional Learning opportunity explores why Aboriginal science has been historically overlooked, and how educators can confidently and respectfully include it in their lessons.