Develop more culturally responsive pedagogy in relation to science.

As part of our Science Development Plan there is a direct goal around cultural responsiveness. This goal is about connecting with local iwi and gaining a cultural perspective on science. This is a vital link to make if we want to encourage place based learning.

When making this goal we discussed how it is important to make connections with the past and how cultures have gone about explaining things. Maori culture has plenty to offer science. Maori over time discovered useful plants that help fight against infection and heal cuts. Kawa Kawa and Koromiko were commonly used in Maori medicine. Maori would of over time gone through a form of scientific investigation, observing, testing and gather evidence, evaluating evidence and critiquing it. Allowing them to recognise plants that could help them.

 As teacher we need to recognise these efforts form the pass and other cultures including it into our own science curriculum.


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