What can Aboriginal astronomy tell us about the night sky? How is our native flora used in bush medicine and soap making? How do Indigenous Australians make axes from stone? What can we learn about sustainable living from 60 000+ years of Indigenous culture? Find out the answers and more at the Indigenous Science Experience Family Fun Day at Redfern Community Centre on Sunday, August 18 (10am-3pm).
This free, community open event is a celebration of Indigenous and Western science and highlights the relevance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to our everyday lives.
“This event is a unique opportunity for the public to learn from the significant and fascinating knowledge in science and technology that Aboriginal Elders and community members possess. I encourage everyone to come along and have a yarn with the Aboriginal Elders and other scientists and activity providers,” says Associate Professor Joanne Jamie, event organiser and co-director of the National Indigenous Science Education Program (NISEP).
“There will be activities for all ages – people can participate in 3D printing workshops, make soaps incorporating bush foods and medicines, build their own stone axe, learn about Aboriginal astronomy, participate in chemistry and physics experiments and see the wonderful liquid nitrogen show.”
Indigenous student leaders from northern NSW and the Riverina will be on-hand to guide participants through the science demonstrations. These students are trained through NISEP so as to give them the confidence to be STEM leaders of the future. The event will begin with a traditional smoking ceremony and official welcome (10 am).
This National Science Week and Sydney Science Festival event is organised by the National Indigenous Science Education Program, Macquarie University and hosted by the Redfern Community Centre. It is made possible through the support of Inspiring Australia and grant funding from the Australian Government. NISEP is a finalist for the 2019 Department of Industry, Innovation and Science Eureka Prize for STEM Inclusion.
Indigenous Science Experience Family Fun Day
10am–3pm, Sunday 18 August 2019
Redfern Community Centre
29–53 Hugo Street, Redfern
whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
