Geography 2013

"If you decide to visit somewhere you've never been before, how do you find your way? If you're in a car, the driver might use a GPS. You might use a smartphone app to give you directions. Perhaps you might go really 'old school' and use a printed map or street directory. But how did explorers navigate their way around the globe over 200 years ago?"

Good comparison of country statisics

"GeogSpace, an initiative of the Australian Geography Teachers Association (AGTA) supported by the resources of Education Services Australia

Welcome to GeogSpace, an initiative of the Australian Geography Teachers Association (AGTA) supported by the resources of Education Services Australia (ESA). There has never been a more exciting time to study geography, with it being a subject vital to the education of every young Australian in the 21st century.

GeogSpace has been designed to provide materials to support primary and secondary teachers in implementing the Australian Curriculum: Geography. It has been developed by AGTA's team of practising geography teachers, dedicated to ensuring all schools across Australia have access to a unique resource that reflects best practice using current technology and pedagogies.

Here you'll find animations, Flash interactives, audio-on-demand, collection highlights and (in time) selected video clips. Units of Work are also available.

Teachers and students are encouraged to create their own digital resources. Education Services Australia has created three tools that are easy to use and offer flexible methods for creating a variety of resources.

This selection of digital curriculum resources from the National Digital Learning Resources Network is designed to assist teachers to find, use and adapt teaching and learning materials that are aligned to the sustainability subject area of the Australian Curriculum.

Anthony McClorey, a young man living in western Tasmania in 1981, has to consider his vote in the referendum to build a hydro-electric dam in Tasmania. In this learning object, students examine conflicting opinions on the proposed dam project and learn the results of the referendum and events that led to the High Court judgement against the building of the dam. Through investigation of the evidence, students can appreciate the way in which groups can influence government. They also have the opportunity to form their own opinion about the proposed damming of the Franklin River. Digital resource can be found on Scootle by searching name of digital resource code.

Students are provided with the opportunity to discuss and understand the long history of Aboriginal culture through rock paintings. It is important to emphasise with students that many of these paintings are considered sacred and should not be seen by members of other cultures. However, a number of Indigenous elders now feel that it is important for others to see and understand these paintings so that they can appreciate the complexity and long history of their culture. Search Scootle to access digital resource using name or digital resource code.

This resource provides a vehicle for discussing the importance of sharing traditional knowledge and values. Students can consider the importance of this knowledge in the forming of identity. They can discuss how groups maintain their traditional values and traditions as well as those of modern Australia. Search Scootle to access digital resource using name or digital resource code.

'The journey of the Hong Hai' provides students with the opportunity to understand the courage of asylum seekers and forms of government that do not support democratic rights. It also provides a platform for exploring the history of the Vietnamese community in Australia and the impact their culture has had on Australian identity. Search Scootle to access digital resource using name or digital resource code.

Students look at the desert environment to understand where the bilby lives and who its predators are. They make a series of decisions to protect the bilby and understand the role they can take to safeguard Australian animals and the environment. Search Scootle to access digital resource using name or digital resource code.

A country's flags provide a great opportunity to explore national symbols and the values they represent. In this learning object, students are given a historical context to explore Australian symbols and values. They can form their own opinions about what is valued in contemporary Australian life, comparing these values to those of the past. Students are given the chance to design and evaluate a national flag that reflects the identity of today's Australians. Search Scootle to access digital resource using name or digital resource code.

This resource provides students with the opportunity to explore the notion of 'community'. It explores the idea that our identity is linked to those around us and that we have a responsibility to live together harmoniously and to support our community. The imagery used in the animation illustrates cultural and historical connections between individuals, groups of people and the wider community. Search Scootle to access digital resource using name or digital resource code.

Cabramatta has been described as a racial melting pot in Sydney's west. About 65.6 per cent of the suburb's population of 19,391 were born in non-English-speaking countries. Most come from Asian countries such as China, Vietnam and Cambodia, but previous waves of migration included people from Italy and Yugoslavia. Racial tension is an ongoing problem. This clip provides students with an opportunity to explore how communities can work together to combat racial issues and find a common identity, in this case, a love of learning and presenting music. Search Scootle to access digital resource using name or digital resource code.

This photograph encourages students to explore how non-government organisations can influence communities and create social identity. The Clean Up the Kimberley Schools Day aims to teach future generations how to manage and protect the environment for a sustainable future. While focusing on waste, the schools day also involves education about wider ecological issues such as water quality, conservation and climate change. Search Scootle to access digital resource using name or digital resource code.

Students are provided with the opportunity to learn about the history of Chinese immigration to Australia using historical documents, photos and other resources. Key events that affected the lives of Chinese Australians, including changes in Australia's immigration policy, are examined. In the process of creating a storyboard, students can examine the impact of the Chinese on Australia's identity over a period of time. Search Scootle to access digital resource using name or digital resource code.

Students are able to explore how the Wang family upheld both core Australian values as well as those of a Chinese family, exploring the various layers of Australian identity. The clip also provides the opportunity to consider Australia's ongoing connection with Asia, highlighting the importance the media in North Asian countries placed on David Wang's success as a councillor. Search Scootle to access digital resource using name or digital resource code.

Students use the information provided in the learning object to gather facts and opinions from a range of community members. They will look at the relationship between energy options, global warming and climate change and will consider issues of ecological sustainability, economic development, social responsibility, lifestyle and visual impact. Search Scootle to access digital resource using name or digital resource code.