Milkwood Students are working with Indigenous Traditional Owner Les Huddleston to study optics and acoustics through Indigenous Knowledge Systems.

This project involves students studying and building traditional instruments didgeridoos and clapsticks, to understand the science of acoustics in these ceremonial instruments. Drawing on Indigenous Knowledge Systems in areas of Optics and Accoustics, students will take part in the design, material collection, construction and testing of the instruments. Milkwood’s Strategic Plan includes a commitment to embed Traditional Knowledge, taught by Aboriginal elders from our community, into all subject areas. In 2024, we bring a focus to the Science of traditional musical instruments for ceremonial and entertainment purposes.

This project results in a challenge for our Indigenous and non-Indigenous students: to design and construct traditional instruments for incorporation into our school orchestra, under the leadership of Traditional Owners.