This presentation explores how visual representations of timekeeping tools and traditions function as cultural artifacts that bridge material and spiritual realms across time and space. By examining images of ancient timekeeping systems, such as Chinese and Korean water clocks and the Mayan calendar, we highlight how visual design elements like shape, color, and symbolism encode cultural values, cosmology, and practical functions. These images are not just representations of time—they are visual literacy tools that deepen our understanding of engineering, astronomy, and environmental adaptation. The presentation also connects to the concept of "underground STEM" (Jessen et al., 2022), recognizing the scientific knowledge embedded in non-Western cultural practices. By engaging with these images, participants will gain insights into how visual literacy fosters cross-cultural empathy and supports a pluralistic approach to STEM education, encouraging the inclusion of diverse cultural practices in modern STEM learning.
