Enhancing School Science with Indigenous Knowledge: What We Know from Teachers and Research is a handbook prepared for the Saskatoon Public Schools. Multiple authors contribute stories, studies and research relating to the topic. Some of the sections include: combining Indigenous knowledge and science, initial concerns of teachers, critical elements that produce student achievement and culturally valid assessment. This handbook answered many questions I had about incorporating Indigenous knowledge into the science curriculum.
Author Archives: RaymondKline
Who’s Asking? Native Science, Western Science, and Science Education
The authors, Douglas Medin and Megan Bang, describe the two knowledge systems and how they can influence each other. Influences of culture are examined. Chapter 5 titled Science Reflects Who Does It, sheds light on the influence of the dominant culture on science and its outcomes.
Secwepemc Traditional Medicine
Published by the Three Corners Health Services Society in Williams Lake, this book is a collection of plants native to the central interior region. Each plant is identified both by common name and by the Secwepemc name. Descriptions of what, where and when to collect is given for each plane as well as the medicinal uses and how to prepare the material.
Bridging Cultures Indigenous and Scientific Ways of Knowing Nature
In this book by Glen Aikenhead and Herman Michell, Western science and Indigenous ways of knowing nature are explained in great detail. The contrast and benefits of the two systems is discussed. Excellent book to explore the differences between the two systems.
Plant Technology
The book, Plant Technology by Nancy Turner is a comprehensive collection of plants and how the First Nations in British Columbia utilize them. Each plant has a botanical description, habitat, distribution in B.C., picture, common name and scientific name. Each plant’s uses are described as well as which groups use them. Excellent resource for incorporating into place-based learning activities
A. Oscar Kawagley
He was an associate professor at the University of Alaska. He was a Yup’ik teacher, actor and anthropologist.
Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Alaska Native Ways of Knowing
The indigenous worldview of Yupiaq culture: Its scientific nature and relevance to the practice and teaching of…
ALASKA NATIVE EDUCATION: HISTORY AND ADAPTATION IN THE NEW MILLENIUM
Gregory Cajete
A professor from the University of New Mexico. He focuses on teaching culturally based science.
Cajete, Gregory and Leroy Little Bear. Native Science: Natural Laws of Interdependence. Clear Light Books, 2000
Cajete, Gregory. A People’s Ecology: Explorations in Sustainable Living. Clear Light Books, 1999
Cajete, Gregory. Igniting the Sparkle: An Indigenous Science Education Model. Kivaki Press, 1999
Cajete, Gregory. Look to the Mountain: An Ecology of Indigenous Education. Kivaki Press, 1994
Glen Aikenhead
From the College of Education at the University of Saskatchewan. He has written many articles and books about science education and indigenous ways of knowing.
Books
Enhancing School Science with Indigenous Knowledge:
What We Know from Teachers and Research
Bridging Cultures: Indigenous and Scientific Ways of Knowing Nature
Science Education for Everyday Life: Evidence-Based Practice
Articles
An Emerging Decolonizing Science Education in Canada
Canadian Journal of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, 2010 (coauthor)
Indigenous Knowledge and Science Revisited
Cultural Studies of Science Education, 2007 (co-author)
Towards Decolonizing the Pan-Canadian Science Framework
Canadian Journal of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, 2006
Cross-Cultural Science Teaching: Rekindling Traditions for Aboriginal Students
Canadian Journal of Science, Math and Technology Education, 2002
Integrating Western and Aboriginal Sciences: Cross-Cultural Science Teaching
Research in Science Education, 2001
Nancy Turner
Nancy Turner is an ethnobotanist from the University of Victoria and has worked with indigenous peoples of British Columbia. Below is a list of some of the books shes has written.
Ancient Pathways, Ancestral Knowledge: Ethnobotany and Ecological Wisdom of Indigenous Peoples of Northwestern North America.
The Earth’s Blanket
Plant Technology of First Peoples in British Columbia Including Neighbouring groups in Washington, Alberta and Alaska
Food Plants of Coastal First Peoples
Food Plants of Interior First Peoples
I am interested in linking Indigenous knowledge, ethnobotany and place-based learning to engage students in learning that is meaningful and relevant to them.
Place Based Learning and Aboriginal Knowledge
Links and videos linking math, Aboriginal knowledge and placed base learning.
https://swswlibrary.com/positive-learning-experiences/place-based-math/