Different Environments - Australia and Indonesia

Lesson one introduces places Indonesia in relation to Australia. Students use Geographical tools within Google Earth to find comparative data between the two places. They learn features and characteristics of rainforests, discovering that that Indonesia lies within the tropics and the Illawarra is sub-tropical, not temperate.

Resources needed:

• internet/computer

Differences between rainforests of Borneo and Illawarra

Lesson two focuses on comparisons between the rainforests of the Illawarra and those of Borneo. Students are asked to do some internet research and watch the videos provided before completing a T-chart worksheet summarising the information they have collected.

Resources needed:

• internet / computer

The significance of rainforests

The aim of this lesson is for students to appreciate that rainforests are vital to our survival. They compete a series of videos, animations and games that explain how rainforests provide for :

• the environment: rainwater, oxygen and CO2 absorption

• animals: food, water, habitats

• humans: food, medicines, furniture, household products

Students compete a poster explaining the dependencies animals have on the rainforest and they conduct a 'rainforest treasure hunt', auditing their home for products that originate from rainforests.

Resources needed:

• internet/computer

• paper/coloured pencils (or can be done on computer)

Worksheets

• Products that come from rainforests

Threats to Illawarra's rainforests

Students learn that rainforest once covered much of the Illawarra and that only 15% remains after European settlement. Students view historical paintings that depict what the Illawarra Rainforest cover was once like. They then complete a series of reading tasks and games to learn about the causes of impact to Illawarra's rainforests over time, including: cedar logging, farming, mining, housing development and introduced pests.

Resources needed:

• internet/computer

Threats to Borneo's rainforests

Students interpret an infographic to learn that Borneo was once almost completely forested but has lost more than half of its forests in the last 70 years. Google images show them that the main cause is palm oil. Students complete a quiz after interpreting data from an infographic which shows them that palm oil is actually the best oil crop alternative. They then watch videos to help them understand that the problem with most palm oil is the illegal logging of rainforest to make way for the crops.

Resources needed:

• internet/computer

People have different views about the environment

In lesson six students are introduced to the concept of valuing the environment and that people may value the environment differently, depending on their needs. The lesson outlines 'users's needs' in two scenarios:

- Illawarra (from early settlement to current day)

- Borneo

In each scenario students conduct online games and watch videos that help them consider the view point of Indigenous people, farmers, commercial industry and tourists) based on what is most important to them.

Students draw themselves in a nearby place in nature where they feel 'connected' to the environment. This exercise aims to help students understand the deep and spiritual connection Aboriginal and other indigenous peoples have with the land.

Resources needed:

• computer/internet

• blank paper

• coloured pencils

Protecting our rainforests

Lesson seven aims to show us how we can learn about protecting environments from the perspectives of Indigenous people such as the Dayak in Borneo and the Dharawal in the Illawarra. Students watch a powerful video featuring a Dayak tribe member who explains his connection with the land and how the tribe manages the environment in a sustainable way so that it is protected for future generations. Students also discover sustainable practices from Australian Aboriginal peoples. After reading 'Oola Boola Woo' a Dharawal Dreaming story on the creation of the Five Islands from Mt Keira, students appreciate that Dreaming stories are a cultural feature that help people to respect and protect the environment.

Students then use their inspiration to make a 'heart map' to inspire change. They also create a sustainable palm oil poster.

Resources needed:

• computer/internet

• paper or cardboard

• coloured pencils, textas

Assignment - Mt Keira Adventure Park proposal

In February 2016 a proposal from Wollongong Council was released to the public - an ‘Adventure Playground’ at the top of Mt Keira. For this assignment, students are asked to image they have an opportunity to address the public at a council meeting. Students choose a character from a the list of community members 'characters' and use a persuasive multimodal communication technique (poster, video, speech, powerpoint letter or song) to present their 'case' in a way that persuades people on whether the proposal should go ahead.

Resources needed

• computer/internet

• (optional) paper, cardboard, coloured pencils/textas, video camera