Hopefully by now you are noticing that relationships and the interconnection of everything around us is central to Indigenous knowledge systems.
Well, mathematics is very similar in that it helps us to see patterns, make predictions and describe all kinds of relationships.
Let's listen to what Kevin "The Math Guy" has to say about this...
Well, mathematics is very similar in that it helps us to see patterns, make predictions and describe all kinds of relationships.
Let's listen to what Kevin "The Math Guy" has to say about this...
TASK
Do you see the same night sky and stars that a student on the other side of the world sees?
What do you think?
Let's take a look - click HERE
What do you think?
Let's take a look - click HERE
The Big Dipper
In the northern hemisphere the most recognizable constellation is the Big Dipper.
Did you know that the Indigenous peoples from here have different names for it and understandings about these stars as well?
Western education often suggest that Indigenous stories are just myths or lore, but it is important to know that these are not just made up stories to tell around the campfire. In fact, these stories, or "tellings", are ways for people to remember important information to help with navigation, telling time, when it is time to harvest certain plants, and much more. They contain all sorts of scientific and mathematical knowledge.
Let's look at a constellation commonly known as the Big Dipper. There are many stories about this constellation throughout the world.
Below are some examples to explore further.
Did you know that the Indigenous peoples from here have different names for it and understandings about these stars as well?
Western education often suggest that Indigenous stories are just myths or lore, but it is important to know that these are not just made up stories to tell around the campfire. In fact, these stories, or "tellings", are ways for people to remember important information to help with navigation, telling time, when it is time to harvest certain plants, and much more. They contain all sorts of scientific and mathematical knowledge.
Let's look at a constellation commonly known as the Big Dipper. There are many stories about this constellation throughout the world.
Below are some examples to explore further.
The Ininew (Cree) have several tellings of this grouping of stars. Here is one: The Great Bear And The Seven Birds
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The Anishinaabeg refer to it as Ojiig (the Fisher)
Teacher Guide & Lesson Plans
<--Click here for teacher guide to accompany this section.
Includes downloadable slide decks, curriculum connections to math and related activities.
Knowing the locations and movement of stars can help determine quite a bit of information!
Let's go visit Isaac to learn more about the mathematics involved in building a lodge and how to navigate based on the night sky.
Let's go visit Isaac to learn more about the mathematics involved in building a lodge and how to navigate based on the night sky.
Wilfred Buck - Orienteering with the Sky
Have you ever gotten lost? Don't panic, have some bannock! Wilfred Buck, science facilitator, tells a story of how he got lost in the bush and shares how he used orienteering to get out safely.
Math activities related to measuring the night sky click HERE ----> |
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TASK - Create a Star Clock
If you live in the Northern Hemisphere and look up in the night sky, usually these are very prominent: the North Star, the Big Dipper and Cassiopeia.
For this task, you will be using these two constellations and the north star to create your own star clock.
For instructions on how to create a star clock click HERE
For instructions on how to create a star clock click HERE