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Teacher Background Information

acknowledging the need to critically analyse scientific literature for potential cultural bias in relation to First Nations Australians

Content description 
Science, Year 10 | Science inquiry – Evaluating

AC9S10I07

construct arguments based on analysis of a variety of evidence to support conclusions or evaluate claims, and consider any ethical issues and cultural protocols associated with accessing, using or citing secondary data or information

Connecting the elaboration and content description

This elaboration provides a context for students to critically analyse anthropological misinformation and cultural bias regarding First Nations Australians in historic scientific publications.

Detail 

This elaboration provides students with an opportunity to develop this Science inquiry practice while addressing intercultural science inquiry practices relevant to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures within the context of the following content description(s) from the Science understanding and/or Science as a human endeavour strand(s).

Science, Year 10 | Science as a human endeavour – Nature and development of science

AC9S10H01

explain how scientific knowledge is validated and refined, including the role of publication and peer review

Science, Year 10 | Science as a human endeavour – Use and influence of science

AC9S10H04

examine how the values and needs of society influence the focus of scientific research

A potential way to approach this content description is:

 

Students can review anthropological misinformation regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in historic scientific publications. Common theories students may encounter, now invalidated, are polygenism, eugenism, and scientific Darwinism.

Consulted works
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In the construction of this teacher background information, a list of consulted works has been generated. The consulted works are provided as evidence of the research undertaken to inform the development of the teacher background information. To access this information, please read and acknowledge the following important information: 

 

Please note that some of the sources listed in the consulted works may contain material that is considered culturally offensive or inappropriate. The consulted works are not provided or recommended as classroom resources. 

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I have read and confirm my awareness that the consulted works may contain offensive material and are not provided or recommended by ACARA as classroom resources. 

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