Lesson summary
Students learn about First Nations peoples knowledge of celestial bodies and how this knowledge was used by comparing interpretations of the night sky and researching observations made by a First Nations group.
Learning intentions:
Students will...
- understand that many cultures have observed, interpreted and utilised information from the night sky
- understand that all First Nations groups developed knowledge of celestial bodies
- understand that interpretations of knowledge vary between First Nations groups across Australia
- understand the methods used to collect astronomical data and the modes of dissemination of astronomical data by First Nations peoples.
Success criteria:
Students can...
- reflect upon a range of cultural interpretations of celestial phenomena
- identify an Indigenous sky figure from a First Nations group
- articulate the diversity of knowledge generated from astronomical observation by First Nations peoples
- research a First Nations group's interpretation of natural phenomena based upon astronomical observation.
Lesson guides and printables
Curriculum links
Select your curriculum from the options below.
Lesson details
Curriculum Mapping
Australian Curriculum (v9.0) content descriptions:
Year 10 Science:
Students learn to:
- Describe how the big bang theory models the origin and evolution of the universe and analyse the supporting evidence for the theory (AC9S10U03)
General capabilities: Intercultural understanding
Syllabus outcomes: SC4-12ES
Cross-curriculum priority: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures.
Relevant parts of Year 10 Science achievement standards: They (students) sequence key events in the origin and evolution of the universe and describe the supporting evidence for the big bang theory.
Resources Required
- First Nations Astronomy slide deck – images to accompany this lesson
- Indigenous Astronomy Starwheel – Sky Map, story text, recording of story
- Photo of Southern January Sky (also available in slide deck)
Skills
This lesson is designed to build students’ competencies in the following skills:
- problem-solving
- curiosity
- research
- cultural understanding
- intercultural understanding
- creativity
- communication
- reflection
Additional Info
Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that these lessons may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.
Level of teacher scaffolding: High - articulate the concept of scientific curiosity from an intercultural perspective, facilitate idea generation strategies.
This is an original Cool+ lesson.
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