26 Teaching Geoscience in the Context of Place and Culture for Sustainability and Diversity

Tuesday, 20 May 2014
3:25 PM - 5:35 PM
SUB 233/235

FORUMS FOR INTEGRATING INDIGENOUS SCIENCE AND DIVERSE WAYS OF KNOWING WITHIN THE GEOSCIENCES

Paper number: 26-5
Program: Theme Sessions
Time: 4:30 PM – 4:50 PM

Authors

Abstract

Diverse ways of knowing, especially those that are indigenous to a place, carry the potential to complement and enrich relationships with our environment. Geoscience education curriculum and textbooks demonstrate a history of neglecting to include Indigenous science knowledge of Native peoples. As a result, Indigenous science knowledge- often based on centuries of observation- is at risk of being lost to future generations with the passing of the elders who keep it. This research explores several case studies focused on engaging underrepresented youth in science education, empowering Indigenous peoples to utilize geospatial information science (GIS) technology, and exploring GIS as a tool for integrating and sustaining diverse ways of knowing within geoscience education. Case study topics include:
  • Informal science education programs grounded in Native ways of knowing (lessons learned from Native Science Field Centers)
  • Google Earth as a tool for defining and redefining boundaries the Indigenous way
  • Integrating place-based geoscience knowledge using GIS technology
  • My Native science story – navigating a degree in the geosciences while maintaining a diverse cultural worldview

Additionally, some of the unique challenges of underrepresented minority students will be addressed along with how these case studies highlight best practices for increasing recruitment and retention of underrepresented students within the geosciences and for sustaining diversity within the field.