Aboriginal Knowledges in Science for Educators

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 to gain recognition in Australian scientific and educational fields.

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

This Professional Learning opportunity provides a baseline introduction as to why Aboriginal science has been historically overlooked, provides hand -on activities that demonstrate its inclusion in support of educators confidently and respectfully including it in their lessons.