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In a leap for Indigenous education, the development of the first-ever app in the Ngalia language, “Mamutjitji Story”, marks a significant milestone. This interactive resource, which tells the Dreamtime story of Mamutjitji, is a model of integrating ancient cultural narratives with modern STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. This approach is spearheaded by CSIRO Education’s commitment to merging traditional knowledge with contemporary learning methods.
Almost a decade ago, the Indigenous STEM Education project, known as Science Pathways, set the stage for this innovation. When Science Pathways concluded in 2020, the publication of Indigenous-led educational resources continued in “Two-way Science” by CSIRO Publishing. The cover of this book features the hand of an Indigenous person pointing to a mallee fowl feather in red sand, symbolising the connection between traditional knowledge and scientific inquiry.
The “Mamutjitji Story” app is an extension of this, revitalising the two-way science model through the Living STEM programme. This professional learning module for teachers is designed to create meaningful connections between Indigenous knowledge and STEM education.
David Broun, the former Science Pathways Lead and Living STEM’s first Programme Manager played a pivotal role in this development. Currently working with the Department of Education Western Australia, David collaborated with Kado Muir, a senior leader and Ngalia Traditional Owner, to bring this project to fruition. Kado Muir, a holder of cultural knowledge from the Ngalia dialect family of the Mantijiltjara language group, has traditional territorial ties in the Western Desert of Western Australia.
The “Mamutjitji Story” app transforms the Dreamtime story of the antlion, or Mamutjitji, into a rich, interactive educational resource. The antlion, known for its unique lifecycle and predatory behaviour, serves as a powerful metaphor for STEM investigations. The app connects traditional storytelling with scientific practices, such as the methods researchers use to survey and sample reptiles and invertebrates. These scientific practices mirror the pits created by Mamutjitji, as shared by the Leonora Community.
David Broun emphasised the importance of these connections, stating, “Creating links between scientific practices helps connect students to education in a meaningful way.” The digitisation and sharing of local knowledge through the Ngalia language in the app provide a profound educational experience, enhancing the well-being and achievement of Aboriginal students while fostering an understanding of the local culture and environment among all students.
Available for free download on Apple and Android devices, the “Mamutjitji Story” app is a testament to the positive, mutually beneficial collaboration between Indigenous communities and the governments of Australia and New Zealand. The app features narration in both Ngalia and English, complemented by animation, artwork, and interactive game elements. This two-way science model encourages students and remote communities to embrace innovation and technology, reinforcing the teaching outcomes of Living STEM and other Indigenous STEM education initiatives.
The creation of the “Mamutjitji Story” app signifies a new era for Indigenous STEM education, where ancient knowledge and modern technology coalesce to provide a holistic learning experience. David Broun expressed that it is a significant achievement for Aboriginal knowledge and language to be integral to the learning programme for students. This pioneering app not only honours the rich cultural heritage of the Ngalia people but also sets a precedent for future educational resources that blend traditional wisdom with contemporary scientific inquiry.
