Proposal Title
Making chemistry relevant to Inuit
Session Type
Plenary
Room
HSB 35
Start Date
3-7-2019 4:15 PM
Keywords
indigenous education, chemistry, Inuit
Primary Threads
Teaching and Learning Science
Abstract
Inuit students do not see any purpose in studying chemistry. Yet the unique maritime-life and cold-based-culture probably depends more on chemistry and chemical properties than any other civilization. Chaim Andersen, an Inuk of Nain, Nunatsiavut, in collaboration with Geoff Rayner-Canham of the Grenfell Campus, Memorial University, Corner Brook, NL, have been researching these links. They are taking specific aspects of life for the Inuit and revealing the underlying chemistry and chemical principles. Ms. Andersen’s keynote presentation will show how incorporation of facets of an aboriginal culture can enrich the teaching of chemistry. When they complete their research, with the encouragement of the Dept. of Education of the Nunatsiavut Government, Chaim and Geoff will be compiling the modules for incorporation into an introductory chemistry course for Inuit schools which will excite students with its relevance to their lives.
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Making chemistry relevant to Inuit
HSB 35
Inuit students do not see any purpose in studying chemistry. Yet the unique maritime-life and cold-based-culture probably depends more on chemistry and chemical properties than any other civilization. Chaim Andersen, an Inuk of Nain, Nunatsiavut, in collaboration with Geoff Rayner-Canham of the Grenfell Campus, Memorial University, Corner Brook, NL, have been researching these links. They are taking specific aspects of life for the Inuit and revealing the underlying chemistry and chemical principles. Ms. Andersen’s keynote presentation will show how incorporation of facets of an aboriginal culture can enrich the teaching of chemistry. When they complete their research, with the encouragement of the Dept. of Education of the Nunatsiavut Government, Chaim and Geoff will be compiling the modules for incorporation into an introductory chemistry course for Inuit schools which will excite students with its relevance to their lives.