Galharra-On Country Science
Galharra is the Ngarluma word for the interconnectedness of all things-the sky, waterways, country, plants and animals, and it is the concept that is being used at Tambrey to further develop our student's understandings of local Aboriginal Histories and Culture though Science.
Mrs Sinclair has worked in collaboration with the CSIRO Living STEM for Schools Program and Clinton Walker, to ensure that students from each year level have an opportunity to participate in an On Country learning experience which complements the Science curriculum.
https://www.csiro.au/en/education/programs/living-stem-for-schools-program
These learning opportunities wouldn't be possible without the support of our Partners in Education. Head over to our Partners in Education-Community page to read about these generous local businesses.
Year 2 Galharra On Country - Ngurin Bush Tucker Trail
The Year 2 students travelled to Roebourne and visited the Ngurin Bush Tucker Trail.
The students were led by Jayden from Ngurrangga Tours, teaching them about local edible plants such as bush passionfruit, desert peas, wattle seeds, salt berries, salt berries and samphire. Jayden shared some creation stories and stories about fishing in the area as a child, before the Harding Dam was created.
Year 3 Galharra On Country - Miaree Pool
The Year 3 students enjoyed a day On Country at Miaree Pool.
Scooping and identifying water bugs, listening to Dreamtime stories, braiding nets with reeds, *attempting* to catch Red Claw, bird watching and hunting for local bush tucker!
This
program not only supports our Science curriculum but builds kids resilience, creates friendships, encourages curiosity about our local surroundings and develops an awareness of Aboriginal culture!
Year 4 Galharra On Country - Spinifex
The Year 4 students experienced a unique opportunity and Mrs Sinclair has worked extensively with Clinton Walker to create a whole day of On Country learning based around
spinifex!
The students visited the
Yaburara Heritage Trail with Clinton and created spears using spinifex resin, wove baskets, investigated rock art and discovered kangaroo hides used by local Aboriginal people to hunt.
The whole day was full of wonder and discovery and learning!
Year 5 Galharra On Country - Mangroves
Our Year 5 students headed out On Country to Hearson's Cove, on the Burrup Peninsula in Murujuga National Park, to learn about Mudflats and Mangroves.
They learned about the importance of mangroves in the coastal environment, how they protect the coastline and have adapted to survive in salt water conditions. Clinton led the students on a walk where they discovered bush food and saw many species of animals including mantis shrimp. blue ringed octopus, cockles, sea cucumbers, anemones and stingrays. They even had a chnce to throw in a line and cook up their catch on a fire!
Our Year 5 students were s grateful to learn, protect, connect and respect Country with Clinton Walker.
Year 6 Galharra On Country - Iron Ore
Our Year 6 students learned about the pit to port process of iron ore. They visited Rio Tinto and were taken tour of the 7 Mile train yard, Dampier Salt Lookout and Kangaroo Hill. They learned how the trains are the biggest robots in the world and saw first hand the stockpiles, conveyors and all the operations required to get the iron ore on the ships to go to Asia and be processed into steel. Following this, students were met by Clinton Walker and Murujuga Rangers at Ngajarli (Deep Gorge) to see and hear Aboriginal perspectives on iron ore.
The students were so lucky to hear Dreaming stories, to learn how rock art is used as a form of communication and tells of a time when mega fauna inhabited in WA.
A bush tucker tour rounded out an amazing day, where they dug up bush potatoes, ate parasitic berries and pulled up native lemon grass to make tea!