Pueblo Science Class

2012 Pueblo Artist Workshop Series
Pueblo Science Class with Educators
Dr. Shelly Valdez, Laguna Pueblo and Dr. Kirby Gchachu, Zuni Pueblo

September 22, 2012 (10a.m. - 2p.m.)
Limited Enrollment
$25 per adult; $10 per youth

Register online at http://ipcc.ticketleap.com
Or at the Indian Pueblo Cutlrual Center
Call Kay 505-212-7052

Workshop Description: Kit that will include 1 styro foam ball (4"); 1-2 Skewers; 1 Chaco Canyon Book- 'Ancient Observatories', or 'Chimney Rock'. Resource list of websites and literature to access for extended learning.

First Activity- Learning about the Equinox/Soltice
Shadow finding of NS & EW Lines (90 degree angle- determine setting sun); building a sun dagger. Participants will monitor shadow hourly and collect data on movement (through observation).

Second Lesson- Discussion on Pueblo Astronomy
Participants will watch clips of sun dagger movements (Solstice project) & Moon cycle (Ron Sutcliff).
Discuss the ideas behind the connection of the sky & earth to Pueblo Culture.
Ideas for discussion: seasons (planting, harvest, hunting)

BIOS: Dr. Kirby Gchachu grew up on the Zuni Pueblo Indian reservation with his nine siblings and maternal grandparents in one home. His father was a heavy equipment operator while his mother worked as a jewelry artist. His father passed away in an unfortunate automobile accident. His mother at 86 continues to be creative with beaded dolls and tend her small waffle garden in Zuni. Kirby was first in the family to receive a college degree and pursued his dream to becoming a doctoral in education. As a child he learned the English language when he attended a Christian Reformed Mission School but remained connected to his roots. Science experimentations came naturally as he was surrounded with nature. He took these ideas as he became a certified educator. His first task was to assist and collaboratively create a school district and secondly to learn and understand the system of western education while maintaining his cultural roots to connecting with nature. Gchachu also became a linguist and collaborated in the development of Zuni orthography. Now Zuni people are able to use computers to write in their language.
His current pursuit is to further understand his ancestral connections through science, mathematics, and language. His studies are focused around Chaco Canyon and the connections through mathematic and science.

Dr. Shelly Valdez is a member of the Pueblo of Laguna Tribe and Hispanic descent. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, Master of Arts in Bilingual Education, and Ph.D. in Multicultural Teacher Education focusing on research in the area of Science Education.

She has worked in the area of education for 28+ years and currently owns & manages an educational consulting business, Native Pathways, (NaPs), located in central New Mexico. An important component of NaPs focuses is in the area of world views in science, primarily focusing on indigenous science. Valdez' interest and passion of indigenous science has influenced her approaches in the field of education and partnerships she works with. As part of her work, she is invited to join various educational boards, committees and supports educational programs at local, state and national levels. Her greatest moments in life are spending time with her son, Shpeyiah (Kyle) Swimmer, who is a freshman attending the New Mexico Tech University at Socorro, New Mexico.

Dr. Valdez' vision for the future is to continue to be an active participant and an advocate for influencing worldviews in evaluation and educational opportunities for indigenous people.