Targeting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students in Years 5-9, the Inquiry for Indigenous Science Students (I²S²) program is designed to show teachers and students how Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples created, developed and used high-level science inquiry skills for over 65,000 years.
The program provides teacher professional learning to embed Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural knowledges through hands-on inquiry-based projects, to increase student engagement and achievement in science.
Through participation and completion of I2S2, educators are equipped with the knowledge, practices and resources required to implement the I2S2 inquiries in their classroom. The new knowledge and skills facilitate the aims of the program to:
- increase Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander student engagement and achievement in science
- teach science inquiry skills through traditional context in partnership with families and communities
- promote understanding of cultural considerations while raising awareness of the importance of a school culture of high expectations
- develop students' critical thinking skills and interest in STEM.