Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are Australia’s first inventors
From soap to rock art, there are plenty of deadly inventions to explore!
Bush soap
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples undertook many of the scientific steps used in chemical labs today. One stand-out invention? Bush soap!
Soap is a fabulous invention because it keeps us healthy. Washing your hands properly with soap and water helps stop the spread of germs that cause disease.
First Nations’ knowledge of ‘pharmacy trees’ – native plants packed with healing properties – comes from centuries of observation, experimentation and storytelling. Healing practices were passed down through generations!
Deadly inventions: Make your own bush soap
These classroom instructions were developed with the help of Robinson River School and Mungoorbada Community, in the remote Northern Territory.
Scratching the surface
A petroglyph (say PET•roh•gliff) is a carving or symbol. It’s made by scratching a rock’s surface to reveal
a different colour beneath. Petroglyphs have been around since prehistoric times and hold deep cultural knowledge.
Murujuga National Park in Western Australia’s Pilbara region is home to the world’s largest collection of petroglyphs. The rock art there is up to 50,000 years old. It even includes images of extinct animals and early human faces!
Words of (STEM) wisdom
“Be curious, ask good questions, and never give up on yourself!” says Josh Waters, a proud Gamilaraay man, PhD candidate and senior research fellow.
“Say yes to opportunities outside your comfort zone,” says Rilee Webber, a proud Kokoberran woman and pharmacy student.
This article was created in partnership with DeadlyScience and first appeared in Careers with STEM: Primary Issue 1.
Words: DeadlyScience and Jasmine Fellows
Main image: Courtesy of Rock Art Australia, photograph by Mark Jones
Other images: Shutterstock, Supplied
