Launch of a Framework for First Nations Australians’ sciences curriculum

Framework Project Team Dec 2024

The ACDS Framework for First Nations Australians’ sciences curriculum was launched on 16th December with a panel discussion by members of the project team and advisory group, led by Deakin University. The framework was developed with funding from the ACDS Teaching and Learning Grants Scheme (funded in 2023) and is designed to help science educators introduce First Nations content into their curricula.

Framework front cover

As part of the launch the panel discussed the vision behind the original ACDS grant (‘Co-creation of Indigenous Curricular in Science‘); the process of development of the guide and then showcased the framework, with explanations and examples.

The project team and advisory group included a number of First Nations scientists, many of whom are experienced teachers and curriculum developers. Of particular note is that the framework provides guidance on what can be introduced to curricula without consultation with traditional knowledge holders and when their input is required. The framework guide includes examples from a range of science disciplines to illustrate how it can be applied.

The framework guide is available on the ACDS Indigenous Science Educator Resources page and there will also be an online launch in early February; details will be included in the first ACDS Teaching and Learning newsletter in 2025.

[Image is of the following members of the Project Team and Advisory Group at the Launch on 16 December 2024 – from left to right: Connie Cirkony, Joe Sambono, Tui Raven, Tiffany Gunning, Jordan Ah Chee, and Katrina Wruck]