Design and Technologies: Investigate and define the problem and requirements of a given design brief (Year 7, Investigating and defining). Properties of combined materials, features of production systems, given components, tools, and equipment for quality, safely produced products (Year 7, Materials and technologies specialisations). Social and ethical considerations for the design and development of products using specialised technologies, including ways products evolve locally to achieve designed solutions (Year 7, Materials and technologies specialisations).
Aboriginal Cultural Standards Framework (DETWA): Cultural Responsiveness Standard - Staff embed Aboriginal cultural knowledge, such as sustainable timber harvesting for tools like coolamons, to reflect community values and environmental stewardship aligned with cultural connections to land.
Cross-Curriculum Priority: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures - Students explore traditional sustainable timber practices, such as selective harvesting, to understand cultural and environmental design principles.
Sustainable timber refers to wood sourced responsibly to minimize environmental impact and support ecological balance. In Aboriginal cultures, timber like jarrah, a hardwood native to Western Australia, is used to craft tools such as coolamons, wooden vessels for carrying items. These practices ensure forests remain healthy by selecting trees carefully, maintaining biodiversity. Sustainable timber supports local economies through jobs in forestry and promotes fair trade, ensuring communities benefit equitably. This approach creates preferred futures by balancing social and environmental needs.
Culturally, sustainable timber strengthens Aboriginal connections to heritage. Coolamons are used in ceremonies to carry sacred items, embedding cultural significance in design. Traditional knowledge guides harvesting, ensuring respect for the land. This fosters community pride and preserves Indigenous traditions. Designers integrate these values by using certified timber, which meets ethical standards like those set by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This ensures products respect cultural heritage while meeting modern needs.
Environmentally, sustainable timber reduces deforestation, the large-scale removal of trees that harms ecosystems. Practices like reforestation, replanting trees, and selective logging, harvesting only certain trees, protect biodiversity. Aboriginal stewardship of land inspires these methods, emphasizing care for nature. Certified timber lowers carbon emissions by reducing forest loss, supporting global climate goals. These practices ensure forests thrive for future generations.
Here are 20 words from the reading for spelling practice: