Teacher and students outdoors looking at a plant

The Primary Connections Indigenous Perspectives Framework was developed in collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups, cultural consultants, Indigenous education and linguistic experts and other stakeholders with funding from the Department of Education (formerly the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.)

The Framework is based on national research findings on Indigenous education in Australia. Primary Connections gratefully acknowledges the contributions of those involved in the development of the Framework.

The Framework supports the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives in Primary Connections. Implementation of the Framework enhances science and literacy learning for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, and increases non-Indigenous students’ and teachers’ awareness and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in science.

Primary Connections curriculum resources provide links to relevant opportunities to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures. These opportunities are identified in the resources with the Primary Connections Indigenous Perspectives icon icon.

The Primary Connections Indigenous Perspectives Framework is underpinned by six organising ideas:

Indigenous Perspectives Framework - Curriculum

Links to the cross-curriculum priority – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures - in Primary Connections curriculum units assist teachers to generate interest, discussion and exploration of Indigenous histories and cultures through the context of science.

Indigenous Perspectives Framework - Cultural diversity

Resources that support teachers to acknowledge the diversity of Indigenous Australia.

Indigenous Perspectives Framework - Relationships and partnerships

Ideas to support the development of genuine and effective relationships between teachers, students, their families and communities.

Indigenous Perspectives Framework - Quality teaching and learning

Read about the principles that underpin Primary Connections Indigenous Perspectives Framework.

Indigenous Perspectives Framework - Students worldviews

Read about the influence of the students’ worldview on learning, and find resources to support students' developing ideas.

Indigenous Perspectives Framework - Teachers worldviews

Read about developing of inclusive curricula and pedagogical practice, and supporting students’ ability to cope with disparate worldviews.

Watch

Indigenous Perspectives in primary science: The 5E model- Engage

Students show interest, ask questions, share what they think they know, and interact with science through Indigenous perspectives.

Indigenous Perspectives in primary science: The 5E model- Explore

Teachers, AIEOs, Indigenous community members and students explore a range of hands-on science phenomena through Indigenous perspectives. Students build on their literacy skills and various modes to represent their developing understanding.

Indigenous Perspectives in primary science: The 5E model- Explain

Teachers, AEIOs, Indigenous community members and students share ideas that support students' developing understanding of current scientific explanations and vocabulary. Students represent their understanding using literacy skills.

Indigenous Perspectives in primary science: The 5E model- Elaborate

Students plan and conduct a science investigation by extending their knowledge in an Indigenous context.

Indigenous Perspectives in primary science: The 5E model- Evaluate

Students re-represent their understanding and reflect on their learning journey. Teachers and AEIOs collect evidence about students' achievements.