Explore Aboriginal Science and Its Applications

Humans have a long history of manipulating forces to make daily life easier. Just like other cultural peoples from around the world, Australia’s First Nations people used (and continue to use) their deep understanding of these forces when performing daily tasks, developing an understanding of the solar system and creating toys, tools and weapons.

This teaching presentation explores some examples of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ deep knowledge of the physical sciences. It addresses the following content:

• The morning star and gravity
• Levers to amplify force
• Friction for heat energy
• Air resistance for weapons

Through engaging with this presentation, your students will gain a deeper understanding of how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people used their knowledge of the physical sciences in their daily lives.

Why Explore Aboriginal Science?

This slide deck provides the opportunity for your students to deepen their knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures by exploring the ways in which they applied their knowledge of the physical sciences to their everyday lives. Incorporating the scientific knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples into the science curriculum can be a powerful way to foster cultural awareness, respect and understanding among students. Exploring this ancient knowledge as part of your unit on forces has the following benefits:

1. Promotes Cultural Understanding – Learning about the scientific knowledge of Australia’s First Nations peoples provides students with a deeper understanding and appreciation of their rich cultural heritage. It fosters respect for the wisdom and ingenuity of these communities.
2. Emphasising Connection to the Land – The scientific knowledge of Australia’s First Nations people was often deeply connected to the land and environment. By exploring these practices, students can gain insights into how different cultures adapt and utilise natural resources, promoting a sense of environmental stewardship and sustainability.
3. Integration of First Nations’ Knowledge with Western Science – By incorporating the scientific knowledge of Australia’s First Nations peoples into the curriculum, students can see the value of integrating diverse perspectives into the broader scientific discourse. This promotes a more holistic and inclusive approach to learning and problem-solving.

Download This Aboriginal Science Slide Deck

Use the Download button to access the Microsoft PowerPoint presentation.

Project the resource onto your screen and work through the slides as a class for a paperless science lesson!

More Resources for Your Lessons on Forces

If you’re looking for more ways to save time on your science planning, we are here to help! Click below for more teacher-aligned, student-centered resources to use in your science lessons on forces!

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Download this gravity worksheet to teach your Year 4 students about the force of gravity and its impact on our daily lives.

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Use this engaging friction experiment when teaching your students about sliding friction and the effect it has on the movement of objects.