Geography 2013

Series of links directing you to a wide variety of natural resources in Australia.

Australia has over 500 national parks. Over 28 million hectares of land is designated as national parkland, accounting for almost four per cent of Australia's land areas. In addition, a further six per cent of Australia is protected and includes state forests, nature parks and conservation reserves.

Kerry Reed-Gilbert, Strength Dignity Pride, from exhibition Sacred Country Unwrapped, 2007. Courtesy of Collector Gallery Artspace and Bookshop. Australia experiences a range of 'natural disasters' including bushfires, floods, severe storms, earthquakes and landslides. These events cause great financial hardship for individuals and communities, and can result in loss of life, which has become part of Australian folklore.

A conceptual framework based on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples' unique sense of Identity has been developed as a structural tool for the embedding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures within the Australian curriculum. This sense of Identity is approached through the interconnected aspects of Country/Place, People and Culture.

Map of Thursday Island, Qld 4875, Maps of Australian cities, towns and travel destinations with driving directions and traveller information

Welcome to one of the most beautiful and vibrant living cultural landscapes in Australia - the traditional country of Rainforest Aboriginal people, the Traditional Owners of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area! Talk to any Indigenous person across Australia about where they are from and you will hear them refer to... .

Rainforest Explorer contains a wealth of activities and resources about the Wet Tropics rainforests and their plants and animals. The library is packed with resources including rainforest videos, wildlife photos and activity sheets. The many different activities are designed for use by both students and teachers.

Wet Tropics Management Authority

A tropical low developed over the eastern Coral Sea and reached cyclone intensity during the early hours of 18 March and proceeded on a general westerly course towards the Queensland coast. Larry rapidly intensified in the following 48 hours reaching hurricane-force intensity at 1200 UTC 18 March and peaking at 56 m/s (110 knots) at 1200 UTC 19 March as it marched steadily westwards towards the coast.

Before Cyclone Yasi hit, what were people living in its path asked to do? After Yasi hit, people woke to the destruction. What types of damage did they find in the morning? Listen to the reporter explain how houses can be strengthened to survive cyclones. What three things can be done?

Students describe the flora, fauna and features of natural places using examples from a country in Asia and from Australia

The environment is now a crucial global issue, especially in the context of global warming. This unit explores the issue of water in India. It looks at the causes and effects of water problems, and examines the strategies that communities and governments are developing to meet these challenges. Opportunities are provided, where possible, for students to become actively involved in regional community projects.

This unit explores the connections - economically and socially - between Australia and its good neighbours, the countries of Asia. Students will research production processes and discuss simple economic terminology, in the context of trade between Australia and Asia.

This module looks at how wellbeing is measured and the status of wellbeing in India and Bhutan. Students will gain insight into the complexity of determining wellbeing indices and the role they play when measuring economic development. Key focus questions 1.What is meant by the term 'wellbeing' and how do we measure it? 2.How can we use wellbeing indicators to measure wellbeing in Mumbai, India? 3.What is the Gross National Happiness Index of Bhutan and how is it assessed?

This module looks at the development of South Korea as an industrial giant. Students will gain insight into South Korea's move towards sustainable development. The module provides the opportunity for students to display their knowledge and understanding by creating an online presentation looking at the impact of economic development on the natural environment of South Korea. Key focus questions 1.Why is South Korea an industrial giant? 2.What has been the impact of industrialisation on South Korea? 3.How is South Korea addressing the issue of sustainable development?

This module looks at the development of Shanghai as one of China's largest economic hubs. Students will gain insight into the factors that aid and hinder economic development using Shanghai as a context. The module provides the opportunity for students to focus on the issue of the city's housing dilemma.

This module examines the rapid urbanisation, development and redevelopment that is occurring in many parts of China. Students will gain insights into the impact on rural migrants having to adjust to life in big cities and the displacement of many city dwellers due to rapid building development. Students will focus on people and some of the issues people face through conducting a mock interview and presenting possible solutions to accommodation shortages. Key focus questions 1.What are the affects of rapid urbanisation on people in China and how has the distribution of the population changed in recent times? 2.What impact does rapid urbanisation have on rural and city dwellers? 3.How could ghost cities solve the problem of the shortage of affordable accommodation in China?

This module explores the mighty Mekong River, its path through six countries, and the wealth it brings. It explores the effect that damming has on the Mekong. Students will participate in a role play simulating a meeting of the Mekong River Commission to discuss the impact of further dams on the Mekong river.

This module looks at the urban process, its consequences and responses, with a focus on the mega-city, Jakarta. Students explore the pressures of ever-increasing population on housing and living conditions, and contemporary responses including urban planning. Key focus questions How and why do people move between places seeking a more sustainable lifestyle?

This module looks at the controversy surrounding the Three Gorges Dam and the impact it has had on the Chinese people and environment. Students investigate the use of infographics, maps and websites to convey information and opinion and design their own infographic to communicate their understanding of the human and environmental impacts of the Three Gorges Dam.