Deducing the epistemological and ontological underpinnings of Aboriginal knowledge systems using seasonal calendars

Since the release of the 95 'indigenous elaborations' by ACARA in 2018 there has been a slow but concerted effort by educators to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Histories and Cultures into their practice, including initial teacher educators. Participants will take part in an activity that was presented to pre-service junior secondary (7-10) science teachers with the aims of: 1. Comparing and contrasting the Aboriginal and Western conception of seasons, 2. Critically analyse the seasonal calendars of various Indigenous groups around Australia, and 3. Deduce, on the basis of the critical analysis, the epistemological and ontological underpinnings of Aboriginal knowledge systems. The authors will also present and discuss preliminary findings of the student experience and their attitudes towards teaching Indigenous science before and after the activity. A discussion will also follow on how this can be applied to other Key Learning Areas.