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Project Descriptions

A Study in the Integration of Western Knowledge and Native American Knowledge Bases

October 1, 2016 - September 30, 2021 | Public Programs, Professional Development, Conferences, and Networks

As part of its overall strategy to enhance learning in informal environments, the Advancing Informal STEM Learning (AISL) program funds innovative resources for use in a variety of settings. This proposed effort embraces broad participation by the three Ute tribes, History Colorado, and scientists in the field of archaeology to investigate and integrate traditional ecological knowledge and contemporary Western science. The project will preserve knowledge from the Ute peoples of Colorado and Utah, including traditional technology, ethnobotany, engineering and math. Results from this project will inform educational efforts in similar communities.

This project will build on the long-standing collaborations between History Colorado (HC), the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and Ute Indian Tribe, Uintah & Ouray Reservation, and the Dominguez Archaeological Research Group DARG). HC will implement and evaluate a regional informal learning collaboration focused on Ute traditional and contemporary STEM knowledge serving over 128,000 learners through tribal programs, local history museums and educational networks. This project will advance the understanding of integrated knowledge and the role of Ute people as STEM learners and practitioners. This Informal Science Learning project will increase lifelong STEM learning in rural communities and create a replicable model for collaboration among tribes, history museums, and scientists.

Funders

NSF
Funding Program: AISL
Award Number: 1612311
Funding Amount: $634,428.00

TEAM MEMBERS

  • REVISE logo
    Principal Investigator
    History Colorado
  • Sheila Goff
    Co-Principal Investigator
  • REVISE logo
    Co-Principal Investigator
  • JJ Rutherford
    Former Principal Investigator
    History Colorado
  • Discipline: Ecology, forestry, and agriculture | Engineering | History/policy/law | Mathematics | Social science and psychology | Technology
    Audience: General Public | Museum/ISE Professionals | Scientists
    Environment Type: Public Programs | Museum and Science Center Programs | Professional Development, Conferences, and Networks
    Access and Inclusion: Ethnic/Racial | Indigenous and Tribal Communities

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