Last term, Year 10 students at Yiramalay Studio Schools participated in a transformative "Seasons and Stars" unit funded by the Australian Space Agency. The unit aimed to connect language and culture, western scientific knowledge, and communication and broadcasting skills. This unit not only expanded the horizons of the participating students but also strengthened their bond between indigenous culture and modern science.
Objectives: What do we want to learn?
The project began with these key questions: What is happening with the stars tonight? What are the names of the important stars? What do the stars tell us about the seasons, plants, and animals?
Approach: Indigenous knowledge and western science
Students learned from an Aboriginal expert about important stars and celestial objects. Armed with newfound knowledge, students were tasked to draw or paint their interpretations of the night sky, using Bunuba words for celestial objects. After students grounded themselves in indigenous perspectives, the unit transitioned to western science and astronomy, where they spent time observing the night sky's rotation. Students used technology like Google Earth to explore the rotation of the Earth, employed time-lapse photography to capture changing shadows, and delved deeper with the aid of a telescope to identify significant constellations. This intersection of traditional and contemporary knowledge was pivotal in broadening the students' horizons.
Outcome: Night sky learnings on video
At the end of the unit, students created a video that recorded the stories of the Elders, including key Bunuba language, constellations, and celestial stories. In this video, students shared their understanding of how the night sky teaches us about the seasons, plants, animals, and the movement of the Earth itself.
“I enjoyed the seasons and stars unit by learning through going camping at the beach.”
- Rivanah, Year 10
“I like going camping at the beach to learn about seasons and stars and get away from stuff.”
- Nataliah, Year 10
The "Seasons and Stars" unit had a profound impact, as most students had little prior exposure to western science, so it allowed them to bridge the gap between their indigenous and western scientific knowledge in a hands-on practical way.
Impact: Proven two-way learning
The funding from the Australian Space Agency has set the stage for Yiramalay to continue delivering the "Seasons and Stars" unit in 2024 and beyond. Equipped with teaching materials, resources, and expertise, incoming teachers will be able to continue delivering this education. This unit serves as an example of the benefits of fostering indigenous culture-based education through Studio Schools' two-way learning model.
