Children of the Stars: Indigenous Science Education in a Reservation Classroom

Ed Galindo (Yaqui) took a team of Shoshone-Bannock students to Johnson Space Center in Texas and Kennedy Space Center in Florida in the 1990s. They designed and built a system to mix phosphate and water in space to create a fertilizer that would aid explorers in growing food on other planets. Galindo discusses the challenges of teaching Indigenous students and the complexities of community belonging and understanding.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2022
Publisher: Oregon State University

In the 1990s, Ed Galindo (Yaqui), a high school science teacher on the Fort Hall Reservation in Idaho, embarked on an extraordinary journey with a team of Shoshone-Bannock students. Their mission? To participate in a competitive NASA program typically reserved for college students. Undeterred, these students poured their hearts and souls into a project that would have a profound impact on the future of space exploration. They designed and built a system capable of mixing phosphate and water in space, creating a fertilizer that would aid explorers in growing food on other planets.

Galindo's story, captured in Children of the Stars, unfolds through the experiences of this first team and subsequent student teams who continued to participate in NASA programs over a decade. This narrative is deeply rooted in place and Indigenous communities, with students drawing inspiration from their local knowledge of phosphate fertilizer and their easy access to it. They ingeniously crafted their project using inexpensive materials, often donated by local businesses, showcasing their resourcefulness and determination.

To cover their travel expenses, the students embarked on a fundraising journey within their tribe and community, rallying support and fostering a sense of unity. They asked thoughtful questions about space exploration and agriculture, drawing from their understanding of the colonization of North America. Their families played an integral role in their journey, providing unwavering encouragement and mentorship.

Teaching Indigenous students presented unique challenges, Galindo acknowledged. He had to navigate the complexities of a rural reservation school, understand the unique needs of his students, respect and incorporate Indigenous knowledge systems, and meet them where they were to help them succeed. Galindo's approach was characterized by empathy, understanding, and a commitment to fostering a love for learning.

In describing his journey as a teacher, Galindo delved into the intricacies of building trust with his students. He recognized that trust was a crucial ingredient in achieving success, and he worked tirelessly to earn the respect and confidence of his students. This involved creating a safe and inclusive classroom environment, where students felt comfortable expressing their ideas and taking risks.

Galindo's story also shed light on the complexities of communication within Indigenous communities. He recognized the importance of language.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780870712012