Marrung Education Plan

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mathematics Alliance

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mathematics Alliance (ATSIMA) is an Indigenous-led charity. ATSIMA's vision is that ALL ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER STUDENTS WILL BE SUCCESSFUL IN MATHEMATICS.

ATSIMA seeks new ways of teaching and learning mathematics by connecting mathematics to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures. By transforming mathematics education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners, all students benefit.

To help achieve this vision, throughout the year Jessca Lawson and myself have worked with Dr Caty Morris as part of the ATSIMA Pilot Program sponsored by Toyota. Based on feedback from students, colleagues, Caty and Professor Chris Matthews, we produced a lesson sequence which investigates different aspects of our First Nations People’s way of understanding the natural world while applying mathematical (statistical) reasoning – very much based on the Goompi model of learning by Professor Chris Matthews. The lessons are primarily based from the learning of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation in Victoria utilising understanding of 

• Enumeration & Counting Systems
• Weather & Seasons
• Swimming & Fishing Techniques
• Mangrook

On Wednesday 5th October, Jess and I presented our work Nationally as part of the ATSIMA online learning series. Please see below some images of our presentation. If you have any questions of our work, we would love to hear from you.

Shane Hunt & Jess Lawson

Heathmont College teachers