Lessons from Beyond Project aims to break barriers
By Kelly Crawford
The “Lessons from Beyond” project brings Anishinaabe, Kanyen’kehaka, Maori and NASA together to create monumental learning experience for students.
“You can do all of your calculations off of the North Star,” shared Isaac Murdoch of Serpent River First Nation.
Murdoch supports the project and is an active participant. He is the Knowledge Keeper in his video for the project.
“You have all these different interpretations. Universe really is a thing….one story, one verse, one song. For my people spiritually is such a big part of our world. When it is told through the lens of our language creates a special entity that you wouldn’t be able to get in English… Elders say, ‘Science is spirituality’. A project like this can start to break barriers.”
This joint curriculum project will engage students in a way that has never been done before. Partners include Anishinaabe (Ojibway), Kanyen’kehaka (Mohawk), Maori (New Zealand) and NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), the Math Knowledge Network, First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Organization and Dufferin Peel Catholic School Board (FNMIEAO/DPCDSB).
A key component to creating authentic and meaningful projects is to have open discussions on navigating relationships.
“Creating real partnerships that bring two worldviews together create deep meaningful partnerships,” said Daniella Scalice, NASA.
Scalice has many years of experience working with the Navajo Nation within their partnership with NASA.
“The project will include access to videos, curriculum connected activities along with a teacher’s guide and a 360 virtual reality experience within an online environment. Bringing worldviews together to share Indigenous Knowledge will bring student inquiry to new levels. Having students play and experience and then bring in the teaching concepts afterwards is the process we are following,” expressed Jodie Williams, FNMIEAO/DPCDSB.
The use of virtual reality will inspire students of all ages to have discussions about the connections and to engage in real-world inquiry.
“Our youngest students will benefit from immersive 360 environments. Virtual Reality is used to enhance and complement the real-world inquiry and play that builds a solid foundation in their formative years. Bringing curriculum to life will ensure that students are engaged, motivated and challenged throughout their school experience,” said Kelly Crawford of Soaring Consulting.
The teacher’s guide will have a link to the website, curriculum connections and guidance for teachers. Students will be embraced in stories from Anishinaabe, Kanyen’kehaka, Maori and NASA.
Once the project is completed, the team will work with schools and communities to offer this Indigenous Knowledge and Virtual Reality experience.
“Indigenous knowledge is inherent knowing. Indigenous languages are coded in the universe and helps us to know our connection to place as well as our purpose and responsibilities,” Lessons from Beyond.
For more information about piloting this project in your school or community, please contact Kelly Crawford at soaringconsulting@gmail.com or Jodie Williams at empoweringourbundles@gmail.com.