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Paper: We are Stardust — Stories of Us
Volume: 533, ASP 2021: Sharing Best Practices – AstronomyTeaching and Public Engagement
Page: 12
Authors: Lee, A. S.; Guhathakurta, P.; Dragas, T.; Lovejoy, M.
Abstract: During this time of global hardship caused by the lingering COVID-19 pandemic, where unsustainable systems are being uncovered and amplified, there are silver linings. Ground-based telescopic observatories are closed. And yet, remote work allows for new opportunities. Innovate ways to communicate astronomy with the public are being forged. The “We are Stardust” project brings together a world class astronomy research team (the Starry, Starry Night program, UC-Santa Cruz), in collaboration with a grass roots Indigenous and community-based organization (the Native Skywatchers initiative) practicing “Two-Eyed Seeing” or Etuaptmumk. As described by Mi'kmaw elders: Two-Eyed Seeing is learning to see from one eye with the strengths of Indigenous knowledges and ways of knowing, and from the other eye with the strengths of Western knowledges and ways of knowing, and to use both these eyes for the benefit of all. (Bartlett, Marshall, and Marshall 2012, p. 336) The “We are Stardust” project utilizes the evidence-based strategies of: digital storytelling pedagogy, culturally responsive pedagogy, experiential learning, and co-creation learning. Storytellers help us to build connections, to send shoots in search of new perspectives towards new epistemologies. Story becomes a current, a connector that travels through and with ideas, generations, and cultures. A community conversation between the cosmos and us. We acknowledge story as narrative pedagogy. We acknowledge the role that storytelling has played in Indigenous cultures throughout time, past and present. This interactive session will give participants a summary of results, optics of the evidence-based approaches and a chance to draft their own story and consider what science identity, cultural identity, and art mean to you. Learn about the role dark matter plays in our stardust story, find your voice, tell your story, dare to be a storyteller.
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