Using existing resources we will provide specific physical examples of Aboriginal engineering that highlight the cultural influence on engineering. These examples will be linked to communities engaged with this engineering still, in some form.
Together these resources will provide a way for teachers and community to learn about this knowledge in a practical environment. It will also provide an in depth knowledge of the different approaches to engineering and engineering thinking that reflect the sustainable and holistic approach of Aboriginal cultures, as well as assist people to learn in an environment that emulates as much as possible the Aboriginal techniques of knowledge sharing.
Learning the knowledge involved learning the culture that surrounds that knowledge, as these two aspects are not separable. This is in itself a lesson in the foundations of sustainability.
Engineering Disciplines |
Key Concepts |
Web links and Resource Sites |
Aerospace and aviation |
Design and operation of aircraft, propulsion systems, efficiency, spend and strength |
http://www.alpha-port.com/nesdesigncontest/pdfs/GreatBoomerangChallengeOverview.pdf
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boomerang
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woomera_%28spear-thrower%29
http://www.roninfilms.com.au/feature/10738/western-desert-woomera-fashioned-with-stone.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Unaipon
|
Acoustics |
How sound generated and propogated |
http://newt.phys.unsw.edu.au/jw/didjeridu.html |
Environmental |
Preparation of land for growing foods,
harvesting, preserving,
ecosystems |
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portulaca_oleracea
http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/bushtelegraph/rethinking-indigenous-australias-agricultural-past/5452454
http://hsc.csu.edu.au/agriculture/production/aboriginal_land/aborigl.html
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00156229 |
Biomedical |
|
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acacia_tetragonophylla
http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/bushtelegraph/rethinking-indigenous-australias-agricultural-past/5452454 |
Construction |
Material and construction techniques |
http://www.australia.gov.au/about-australia/australian-story/austn-indigenous-architecture
http://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/land/aboriginal-houses#toc1
http://www.aboriginalculture.com.au/housing.shtml |
Chemical engineering |
Convert raw materials into useable products |
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spinifex_resin
http://ecology.uq.edu.au/content/spinifex-project |
Civil |
Physical infrastructures urban/living environments |
https://www.australianarchaeologicalassociation.com.au/journal/review-of-gunyah-goondie-and-wurley/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indigenous_architecture
http://www.australia.gov.au/about-australia/australian-story/austn-indigenous-architecture |
Electrical |
Electrical energy generation and usage |
At the time of European arrival in Australia there was also no electrical engineering in Europe |
Network engineering |
Protocols for linking knowledge packets |
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Songline
http://dl.nfsa.gov.au/module/1566/
https://japingkaaboriginalart.com/articles/songlines-important-aboriginal-art/
http://www.naidoc.org.au/2016-national-naidoc-theme-announced |
Telecommunications |
Communication |
|
Mechanical |
Force and energy |
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woomera_%28spear-thrower%29
http://www.roninfilms.com.au/feature/10738/western-desert-woomera-fashioned-with-stone.html
also http://www.jaunay.com/unaipon.html |
Mining |
Extraction |
http://www.environment.gov.au/node/19708 |
Materials |
Strength and other features, production |
|
Naval architecture |
Construction and propulsion |
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aboriginal_Dugout_Canoes
http://australianmuseum.net.au/Building-a-canoe-noe-nowey/
http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/news/2010/08/aboriginal-traditional-canoe-recreated/ |
Water and waste management
Aquaculture |
Physical, chemical, and biological treatment of water |
http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/places/national/brewarrina
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brewarrina,_New_South_Wales
http://www.environment.gov.au/indigenous/ipa/declared/lake-condah.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Budj_Bim |
Project Management |
Sustainability |
|
Information Technology |
Teaching knowledge |
|