This summer, an all-Indigenous StartQUT cohort participated in a space science unit as part of their summer semester experience. The unit aimed to showcase the benefits of space to society, inspire curiosity, and connect students with Indigenous perspectives on astronomy.
One of the session highlights was a talk by Indigenous astronomer Peter Swanton, who shared his efforts in dark skies preservation. Peter’s work emphasises the importance of protecting the night sky from light pollution—an issue that affects astronomical observations and disrupts cultural star knowledge. His insights sparked engaging discussions on how traditional Indigenous astronomy aligns with modern space science.
Beyond discussions, students took a hands-on approach to learning. They conducted their own research and presented findings on a critical question: How can we power life on Mars? Through their presentations, students explored sustainable energy solutions, space technologies, and the challenges of living on another planet. Their ideas were innovative and demonstrated deep engagement with scientific concepts.
This unit exemplified the power of blending Indigenous knowledge, contemporary science, and hands-on learning. It was an enriching experience, reinforcing the importance of diversity in STEM and the role of space science in shaping the future.