About the Program
The Melbourne Indigenous STEM Education Program (MISEP) is a series of Indigenous-led workshops that engage school students with Indigenous STEM knowledges and practices. The program aims to ensure that the next generation recognises the impact of Indigenous knowledges on the past, present, and future of STEM.
MISEP workshops involve hands on activities and yarns exploring First Nations STEM concepts and current research by leading First Nations academics from the University of Melbourne. These workshops have been developed by Indigenous educators and academics, as well as other academic experts, and are delivered by First Nations university students. Workshops are aligned to the Australian and Victorian curriculum.
Eligibility
MISEP is a Melbourne metro schools program, with limited capacity to regional Victorian schools. The program is aimed at students between Grades 5 and 10, and is also available to First Nations community groups and organisations.
Delivery Mode
- Incursion based
- Workshops for secondary students are 2-hours and workshops for primary students are 1.5-hours
- Delivered to one class group at a time, however multiple workshops can be run concurrently depending on staff availability
- Ideally, delivered in classrooms with access to AV. Depending on weather and your school’s outdoor spaces, portions of the workshop(s) can be conducted outside.
Dates
MISEP is delivered in Term 2 and 3.
Cost
MISEP is delivered free of cost to eligible schools and community organisations.
What workshops are in the program?
Country
Students gain an understanding of what Country means to First Nations peoples and are encouraged to consider the role Indigenous sustainable practices have played in this nation’s environmental management, for millennia. The workshop explores First Nations practices of 'reading' and understanding Country, and how First Nations knowledges are important in addressing modern-day environmental challenges. This MISEP session aims to inspire students to continue reflecting upon Indigenous perspectives and innovations within their STEM learning beyond the workshop, as well as consider the role they each play in caring for Country.
This is a foundational workshop best suited to classes with minimal Indigenous STEM knowledge, and certain specialist schools.
Suitable for Primary and High School. This workshop is only delivered in Term 2
Water
This MISEP session invites students to deep dive into Indigenous relationships with Water Country. Students will learn the role Indigenous sustainable practices have played in managing the resources of various water bodies, providing sustenance and transportation, and supporting ecosystems to thrive. This session highlights the sophisticated and long-lasting engineering practices and sustainable designs of this nation's First Peoples that are still practiced today, and invite students to consider how we can implement these innovations to tackle some of our modern-day environmental challenges.
This is a foundational workshop best suited to classes with minimal Indigenous STEM knowledge, and certain specialist schools.
Suitable for Primary and High School. This workshop is only delivered in Term 3
Fire
Students explore the productive uses of fire, particularly in a cultural context. This workshop explores what fire is, fire starting, vegetation regrowth, and the impact that Indigenous cultural burns have had on reducing environmental catastrophe. This workshop will challenge student’s preconceptions around fire and explore how it is important in caring for Country, plants, animals and ecosystems.
Suitable for High School. This workshop is only delivered in Term 2
Sky
Sky focuses on exploring our relationship with Sky Country, as well as how First Nations communities read the stars. This work will push understandings of how Indigenous peoples have predicted patterns, connected Sky and Land, and made their way around using their vast understanding of Country and the cosmos. Students will learn the importance of working together to protect Sky Country for a sustainable future.
Suitable for High School. This workshop is only delivered in Term 3
Teacher Feedback
"We extend our sincere gratitude for the enlightening presenation you shared with our students. I spoke to the students and they were thrilled with the event. Your profound knowledge of the skies, grounded in Indigenous science and worldview, and your ability to inspire young minds was deeply moving."
"It was delightful and perfectly suited to year 5/6 students. I love that so many of the students reflected how nice it was to go outside and engage with Country using their senses and hearts."
"Thank you so much for the insightful workshop on Indigenous fire practices. The students and teachers learnt so much about the deep connection Indigenous peoples have to Country and the environment. The session was incredibly valuable, and it gave all a greater appreciation for Indigenous STEM and the long-practiced traditions that have been used for generations."
Request a MISEP workshop at your school
Meet the MISEP Coordinator: Paris
Paris is a proud Widjabul Wiabul woman from Bundjalung Jugun. She grew up on Country in Lismore, NSW and moved down to Naarm to study at the University of Melbourne. Paris is an educator and program manager with a love of working with young mob. Paris has previously been a summer camp counsellor, and loves weaving and making pottery in her free time.
Frequently asked questions
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You do not have to book all of them. Our team can be booked to deliver any one of the workshops depending on availability.
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To generate meaningful discussion and have enough interaction with the content, our sessions are designed for on class size maximum. However, there may be capacity to deliver two workshops simultaneously depending on facilitator availability. We are also happy to deliver over multiple days if needed.
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Upon booking confirmation, the MISEP team will share resources for teachers to prepare their classes for the workshop.
For professional development and further curriculum-based resources on Indigenous knowledges, please visit the University of Melbourne's Ngarrngga website.
Looking to come to campus?
MISEP offers limited opportunity on select dates to participate in our Fire workshop on campus at the University of Melbourne.
On campus MISEP workshops are hosted at Science Gallery Melbourne. Bringing science, art, technology and design together, Science Gallery delivers unique, transdisciplinary exhibitions, events and educational programs that engage thousands of inquiring minds every year in connective, participative, and surprising ways.
There are many opportunities to extend your on-campus day before or after a Fire workshop, including participating in an another Science Gallery Melbourne learning experience, and exploring our Parkville campus through a tour.
