NASCA Students Return from TAFSIA Games (Jakarta)
In early October, an Australian delegation led by Aboriginal young people from Western Sydney returned from an international cultural...
Indigenous Australia has a long and rich culture of science and scientific discovery. Aboriginal communities have been making discoveries for tens of thousands of years and in our June program kids in Ali Curung and Laramba showed off their scientific skills.
From astronomy to physics and natural sciences, Indigenous Australians have been innovating in sciences for thousands of years and that tradition continues today with astronomers such as Karlie Noon.
In our June program in Ali Curung however there was only one scientific discovery the kids were crazy about – Slime!
Using a mixture of water, borax, food colouring and glue the kids created Slime. In the process they learnt about measuring, solids and liquids and creating new compounds. The kids worked with patience, tenacity and teamwork. There were successes, some disasters and lots of slimy fun. By far, green slime with lashings of purple glitter was the preferred concoction and many of us had coloured hands for the next few days. Children like Marcella (7) Shekenia (8) and Ebony (11) were extremely excited to be making Slime and it was so popular there were demands for repeat sessions later in the week. Developing these scientific skills in young kids aged 5-15 whilst fun, helps build on skills needed to succeed in scientific studies in later life.
In Laramba the kids got down to work with microscopes and discovered what hair and sand looked like up close. They couldn’t wait to get started and the results were some great drawings of what they could see under the microscope. Sessions like these help children learn about germs and the importance of keeping clean whilst also building kids confidence in using scientific equipment.
By engaging children early on in science NASCA helps support schools in keeping kids excited about scientific subjects and the world around them. Astronomy and natural sciences can also help children build meaningful links to their culture and identity, as well as opening up a world of possibilities for their future.
We look forward to next term and the many more science lessons to come.