08 Apr 2013
Science Scene
Frances Bodkin is Aboriginal and is D'harawal elder who has explored indigenous knowledge systems for many years and has a Masters of Environmental Science from Macquarie University. Fran studied botany, biology, climatology, marine sciences, palaeontology & geology at University. She shared her ecological wisdom and taught numerous groups in her capacity an indigenous educator.
Frances Bodkin studied Science to confirm that Aboriginal knowledge of Science was indeed Science. There are four components in Science- observation, experience, measurement and experiment. The first two components were part of Aboriginal Science. Observations and experiences were recorded and stored in stories. Today's modern Science comprises of the latter two. By joining Modern Science with Aboriginal Science, she was able to perceive the science of the environment and the earth as a living entity.
She combined her formidable knowledge of D'harawal creation, history and law to teach Year 7 and 8 students about the native plants in the Marsden school environment on Tuesday, 2 April, 2013. The students were thoroughly engaged and enjoyed walking around the school ground (especially the bush regeneration area) to deepen their knowledge and awareness of indigenous uses of native plants.
S Barui