Dreamtime Astronomy: development of a new Indigenous program at Sydney Observatory

TL;DR

The paper discusses the development and implementation of Dreamtime Astronomy, an educational program at Sydney Observatory that integrates Indigenous culture, astronomy, and local heritage to enhance cultural understanding in school education.

Contribution

It introduces a novel Indigenous-focused astronomy education program aligned with the Australian National Curriculum at Sydney Observatory.

Findings

Positive student engagement and feedback.

Effective integration of Indigenous culture and astronomy.

Program modifications improved educational outcomes.

Abstract

The Australian National Curriculum promotes Indigenous culture in school education programs. To foster a broader appreciation of cultural astronomy, to utilise the unique astronomical heritage of the site, and to develop an educational program within the framework of the National Curriculum, Sydney Observatory launched Dreamtime Astronomy, a program incorporating Australian Indigenous culture, astronomy, and Sydney's astronomical history and heritage. This paper reviews the development and implementation of this program and discusses modifications following an evaluation by schools.