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Teacher Background Information

Consulting with First Nations Australians to guide the planning of scientific investigations, considering potential risks for field investigations

Content description 
Science, Year 5 | Science inquiry – Planning and conducting

AC9S5I02

plan and conduct repeatable investigations to answer questions, including, as appropriate, deciding the variables to be changed, measured and controlled in fair tests; describing potential risks; planning for the safe use of equipment and materials; and identifying required permissions to conduct investigations on Country/Place

Connecting the elaboration and content description 

This elaboration suggests that students consult with the local First Nations Australian community, who can provide highly detailed local knowledge about potential safety risks to be considered in the region when planning a field investigation. This local knowledge may include information regarding risks such as crocodile locations in mangrove swamp environments, peculiar tidal events in coastal regions, dangerous geology or hazardous flora species.

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 5 | Science understanding – Biological sciences

AC9S5U01

examine how particular structural features and behaviours of living things enable their survival in specific habitats

A potential way to approach this content description is:

 

In the planning for conducting an environmental survey to identify the presence and adaptations of flora or fauna species, consultation with local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community members can provide information about specific environmental safety issues. Biological surveys that are undertaken by scientists, including ecologists, provide the scientific basis for decisions regarding environmental management. They are used to collect data on the distribution, ecological relationships and conservation status of animal and plant species in an environment, and highlight patterns of biodiversity within that environment. A flora or fauna survey may show the dominance of a particular organism that is out-competing other species due to adaptations. Prior to undertaking a flora or fauna survey, members of the local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community can be consulted about potential safety risks in the region. It is likely that the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community can provide highly detailed local knowledge about potential safety risks in the survey area. This knowledge may include information regarding risks, such as crocodile locations in mangrove swamp environments, peculiar tidal events in coastal regions, dangerous geology or hazardous flora species. Consultation with the local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community in the planning stages of a flora or fauna survey can provide highly detailed local knowledge about the safety risks that need to be considered in field investigations.

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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