Activity 1: Where in the world?
Learning Intentions:
I can use my knowledge to help contribute to completing a world map puzzle with the grade.
I can complete a KWL chart and record my understandings and wonderings.
Definition of Geography: kids.britannica.com/kids/article/geography/353172
TUNING IN
Sit in a circle on the floor. Place all pieces and labels of the ‘MAP OF THE WORLD PUZZLE’ in the middle of the circle.
As a class, construct as much of the puzzle as possible without assistance.
WHOLE GRADE
Watch the You tube clip Our Planet Earth – Continents and Oceans
Ask the questions:
What are the names of the world’s seven continents?
What are the names of the world’s major oceans?
Complete the world puzzle map after watching the video.
Can you label anything else?
GUIDED / INDEPENDENT
Explain to the students, we will be learning about the continents of Africa and South America. Revisit these continents on the puzzle so they are aware of their shape and location compared to Australia.
Provide each student with a KWL chart (Know, Wonder, Learnt).
Students record what they already know about the continents of Africa and South America and what they would like to find out. Students are to draw pictures or write names of any relevant places, plants, and animals (if known).
WRAP UP
Invite confident students to share their Wonderings.
Share the learning intentions and Success Criteria. Display them in the room for the whole term.
Activity 2: What makes Australia unique?
Learning Intention:
I can determine the difference between Natural and Human features of Australia.
TUNING IN
Watch the You tube clip Great Southern Land
Ask the questions:
What country is the Great Southern land featured in the video? How do you know?
Did you notice any famous places in the video? Which ones?
Why do you think this video was made? What is the message?
Watch the video again. During the second time, students list in their Inquiry books the special features of Australia that they notice in the video.
WHOLE GRADE
Read and attach the ‘What makes Australia unique’ posters to the board.
Using the student’s lists, create a list of examples under each poster. (Culture, History, Geography and Climate, Natural Landmarks, Architecture, Flora and Fauna). Decide if the features of each of the poster categories are natural features or human man-made features.
GUIDED / INDEPENDENT
Sorting Activity – In your Inquiry Book, cut, paste and sort the features into Natural Features or Human Features.
WRAP UP
Watch the You tube clip There’s nothing like Australia.
Complete and write the following sentence. There is nothing like Australia because….
Activity 3 : Australian States and Territories.
Learning Intention:
I can locate, name and label states and territories within Australia and record them on a map.
WHOLE GRADE
Display slides 6 and 7 of States and Territories of Australia PowerPoint. Discuss the history of the current map of Australia. Ensure the students understand that the current map of Australia is linked historically to the British colonisation of Australia in the late 1700’s.
Watch the You tube clip Australian States and Territories
Ask the questions:
How many states and territories does Australia have?
What are the names of the states and territories?
What famous natural and human features are mentioned in the video?
Discuss the location and size of each Australian state – PowerPoint slides 8-15. Ensure that the students are familiar with the 4 main compass points (north, east, south, west) when referring to relative position and location.
GUIDED / INDEPENDENT
Mapping activity - Display slide 17 of States and Territories of Australia PowerPoint.
Draw the boundary lines for each Australian state and territory on your own Map of Australia. Label each state and territory.
Use an atlas, a wall map or an online resource to help you position the boundaries. Accuracy is important in mapping, so use a ruler and take care with your work!
WRAP UP
As a class to construct the Map of Australia Puzzle. Use the State and Territory pieces only.
Activity 4: Australian Capital Cities and Regional Centres.
Learning Intention:
I can locate, name and label capital cities and regional centres within Australia and record them on a map.
TUNING IN
Watch the You tube clip How to pronounce Australian Cities names.
Ask the students:
Where are most of Australia’s major cities located and why?
What are some of the major cities that you can remember from the video?
What is the Capital City of Australia and where is it located?
WHOLE GRADE
Display slides 18-25 of PowerPoint - States and Territories of Australia
Discuss the capital cities and regional centres of each Australian state and territories.
Encourage the students to share any personal experiences they have had visiting these cities and regional centres, focusing on natural and human features.
Display slide 26. Discuss who has travelled where. Make a display if you have time.
GUIDED / INDEPENDENT
Look at slide 27.
Add the capital city for each Australian state and territory on your previous Map of Australia.
Use an atlas, a wall map or an online resource to help you position the boundaries.
Accuracy is important in mapping, so take care with your work!
WRAP UP
As a class to construct the Map of Australia Puzzle. Use the State and Territory capital city labels to complete the puzzle.
Display in your room.
Activity 5: Rivers of Australia
Learning Intention:
I can find and locate, name and label Australian rivers from an atlas and record them on a map.
TUNING IN
Remind students of natural features of Australia explored earlier. Explain that we are going to investigate the natural features of Australia’s landscape.
Watch the You tube clip What is a river? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kgQNRQjIUU&t=24s
Ask the students:
What is the definition of a river?
Where does the water in rivers come from?
Where do rivers begin and end?
WHOLE GRADE
Display and discuss slide 5 and 6 of PowerPoint Natural Features of Australia – Rivers.
Display slide 7 - Research the location and length of the longest river in each state and territory.
Display slide 9 (Murray River)
Ask the students:
What do you know about the Murray River?
Watch the You tube clip The Murray River
Ask the students:
What do you now know about the Murray River and its environment?
Display and discuss slides 10-12.
GUIDED / INDEPENDENT
Display slide 14.
Draw and label the Murray River on your own Map of Australia.
Add any other rivers to your map if you have time.
Use an atlas, a wall map or an online resource to help you locate and draw the rivers.
Accuracy is important in mapping, so take care with your work! Add any other rivers to your map.
WRAP UP
Have we been successful? Do you know
What is the definition of a river?
Where does the water in rivers come from?
Where do rivers begin and end?
Activity 6: Mountains of Australia
Learning Intention:
I can find and locate, name and label Australian mountains from an atlas and record them on a map.
TUNING IN
Watch You tube clip Where do mountains come from.
Ask the students:
What are mountains made from?
What happens when two of the earth’s plates push against each other?
How long does it take mountains and mountain ranges to form?
WHOLE GRADE
Display and discuss slide 5 and 6 of PowerPoint Natural Features of Australia – Mountain Ranges.
Display slide 7 – Research the location and height of the highest mountain in each state and territory.
Display slide 9 – (The Great Dividing Range)
Ask the students: What do you know about the Great Dividing Range?
Watch You tube clip Great Forest National Park
Ask the students:
What do you now know about the Great Dividing Range and its environment?
Display and discuss slides 10-12.
GUIDED / INDEPENDENT
Display slide 14.
Draw and label The Great Dividing Range on your own Map of Australia.
Use an atlas, a wall map or an online resource to help you locate and draw the mountains.
Accuracy is important in mapping, so take care with your work!
Add any other mountains to your map.
WRAP UP
Play World Geography and locate the highest mountain ranges in the world.
Activity 7: Deserts of Australia
Learning Intention:
I can find and locate, name and label Australian deserts from an atlas and record them on a map.
TUNING IN
Watch You tube clip Earth to Blorb: The Desert
Ask the students:
What is the definition of a desert?
What types of animals live in the Australian Desert?
What adaptation do these animals need to be able to survive in such a dry environment?
WHOLE GRADE
Display and discuss slide 5 and 6 of PowerPoint Natural Features of Australia – Deserts.
Display slide 7 – Research the location and area of the ten deserts of Australia.
Display slide 9 – (The Simpson Desert)
Ask the students: What do you know about the Simpson Desert?
Watch You tube clip Protecting Desert Animals
Ask the students: What do you now know about the Simpson Desert and its natural environment?
Display and discuss slides 10-12.
Display slide 14.
Turn and Talk with your friend.
Discuss and explain what you would take in your backpack and why.
GUIDED / INDEPENDENT
Turn back to display slide 7.
Draw and label The Simpson Desert onto your own Map of Australia.
Use an atlas, a wall map or an online resource to help you locate and draw the deserts.
Accuracy is important in mapping, so take care with your work!
Add any other deserts to your map.
WRAP UP
Play Explore the Outback game.
Activity 8: Rainforests of Australia.
Learning Intention:
I can find and locate, name and label Australian rainforests from an atlas and record them on a map.
TUNING IN
Watch You tube clip What is the Rainforest.
Ask the students:
What conditions are needed for a rainforest to form?
Where are most of the world’s rainforests found?
Why are so many of the animals that live in rainforests never seen?
WHOLE GRADE
Display and discuss slide 5 and 6 of PowerPoint Natural Features of Australia – Rainforests.
Use slide 7 – Research the location of rainforests around Australia.
Display slide 9 – (The Daintree Rainforest)
Ask the students: What do you know about the Daintree Rainforest?
Watch You tube clip Daintree National Park: Land Before Time
Ask the students: What do you now know about the Daintree Rainforest and its natural environment?
Display and discuss slides 10-12.
Display and discuss slide 14. Turn and Talk with your friend.
Discuss and explain what you type of climate the rainforest would have and why.
GUIDED / INDEPENDENT
Turn back to display slide 7.
Locate and label the Daintree National Rainforest on your own Map of Australia.
Use an atlas, a wall map or an online resource to help you locate and label the major rainforests of Australia.
Accuracy is important in mapping, so take care with your work!
COLLECT STUDENT MAPS OR PUT INTO INTEGRATED / INQUIRY BOOK.
WRAP UP
Play Jewel of the Earth game. Explore the 4 layers of the rainforest.
Activity 9: Welcome to Africa (Part 1)
Learning Intention:
I can identify the main characteristics of the continents of Africa and the location of their major countries in relation to Australia.
WHOLE GRADE
Display slides 6 and 7 of The continent of Africa PowerPoint.
Identify the equator, the continent of Africa and the continent of Australia.
Ask the students:
Are Africa and Australia located in the same hemisphere?
How might someone from Australia travel to Africa?
How long might this take?
Display and discuss slides 8-11. Use Google Maps to locate the
continent of Africa.
As a class, use the search function to locate:
1. some of the largest countries.
2. some of the most populated countries.
3. some of the major cities.
GUIDED / INDEPENDENT
Mapping Activity - Display slide 12 of The continent of Africa PowerPoint.
Add some of the major countries and cities on the continent of Africa to your own Map of Africa.
Add the surrounding oceans and seas.
Use an atlas, a wall map or an online resource to help you.
Accuracy is important in mapping, so use a ruler and take care with your work!
WRAP UP
Watch You tube clip African Countries Song
Point to each country on your map during the song.
Activity 9: Welcome to Africa – Topography (Part 2)
Learning Intention:
I can find and locate, name and label African mountains, rivers and lakes from an atlas and record them on a map.
TUNING IN
Use Google Maps to display a satellite map of Africa.
Ask the students to comment on what they notice about the image. (Encourage students to look at the different colours on the map and suggest what these may represent).
Display slide 13 of The continent of Africa PowerPoint.
Discuss the meaning of ‘Topography’.
Ask the students:
Do you predict whether Africa contains any of the topographical features listed on the slide?
WHOLE GRADE
Display and discuss slides 14-18. Read the information about mountains, valleys, plains, rivers and lakes.
Revisit the satellite map of Africa.
(Do not have to search for all – time permitting)
Use the search function to find some of Africa’s mountain ranges.
1. The Atlas Mountains
2. The Rwenzori Mountains
3. The Ethiopian Highlands
Use the search function to find some of Africa’s rivers
4. Nile River
5. Congo River
6. Niger River
Use the search function to find some of Africa’s lakes
7. Lake Victoria
8. Lake Tanganyika
9. Lake Malawi
GUIDED / INDEPENDENT
Mapping Activity - Display slide 20 of The continent of Africa PowerPoint.
Add some of the major mountains, rivers and lakes on the continent of Africa to your own Map of Africa.
Use an atlas, a wall map or an online resource to help you.
Accuracy is important in mapping, so use a ruler and take care with your work!
WRAP UP
Use the student completed maps to revise the countries, cities, topographical features of the continent of Africa.
Ask the students:
Name a country in Africa
List 3 cities in Africa
Describe the position of one of Africa’s major lakes
Activity 10: The Natural Environment of Africa
Learning Intention:
I can compare the natural environment of Africa with the natural environment of Australia.
I can identify the major climate zones of the world.
TUNING IN
Write the phrase “Natural Environment” on the board.
As a class brainstorm the features of a ‘natural environment’ (climate, weather, air, water, soil, vegetation, animals) and record these as a mind map on the board.
Watch You tube clip A Drone through Africa
Class discussion:
What topographical features of Africa did you see in the video?
Which vegetation types could you see in the video?
Which plants and animals were featured in the video?
WHOLE GRADE
Display slide 5 and 6 of The Natural Environment of Africa PowerPoint. Display and discuss the major climate zones of the world.
Display Climate Zone Posters.
Display slide 7 - Introduce the climate zones of Africa. Identify the arid, tropical and temperate zones using the images.
Look at slides 8-10 - Explore the climate, plant life and animals of the African arid zone (deserts).
Look at slides 11-15 – Explore the climate, plant life and animals of the African tropical zones (rainforests and tropical grasslands).
GUIDED / INDEPENDENT
Return to slide 6 – Compare and discuss the map of Africa with the map of Australia in reference to the climate zones.
Ask the students:
What do you notice about the climate zones in Africa and the climate zones in Australia?
Does Australia have any deserts, rainforests or grasslands? If so, where?
How might these natural environments be similar or different in Africa and Australia?
In partners or groups – provide each group with and enlarged copy of the Venn Diagram. Students compare the natural environment of Africa with the natural environment of Australia. Encourage the students to consider environmental factors, such as temperature, rainfall, plant life, and native animals in their response.
WRAP UP
Share the Venn Diagrams with the class.
Use guiding questions to help the students draw conclusions from their diagrams.
Ask the students:
What is similar about the natural environment of Africa and Australia?
What is different about the natural environment of Africa and Australia?
Why might these similarities and differences exist?
Activity 11: Welcome to South America (Part 1)
Learning Intention:
I can identify the main characteristics of the continents of South America and the location of their major countries in relation to Australia.
WHOLE GRADE
Display slides 6 and 7 of The continent of South America PowerPoint. Identify the Equator, the continent of South America and the continent of Australia.
Ask the students:
Are South America and Australia located in the same hemisphere?
How might someone from Australia travel to South America?
How long might this take?
Display and discuss slides 8-11. Use Google Maps to locate the continent of South America. As a class, use the search function to locate:
some of the largest countries
some of the most populated countries
some of the major cities.
GUIDED / INDEPENDENT
Mapping Activity - Display slide 12 of The continent of South America PowerPoint.
Add the surrounding oceans and seas.
Use an atlas, a wall map or an online resource to help you.
Accuracy is important in mapping, so use a ruler and take care with your work!
WRAP UP
Watch You tube clip South American Countries
Point to each country on your map during the song.
Activity 11: Welcome to South America – Topography (Part 2)
Learning Intention:
I can find and locate, name and label South American mountains, rivers and lakes from an atlas and record them on a map.
TUNING IN
Use Google Maps to display a satellite map of South America.
Ask the students to comment on what they notice about the image. (Encourage students to look at the different colours on the map and suggest what these may represent).
Revise the meaning of ‘Topography’.
Display slide 13 of The continent of South America PowerPoint.
Ask the students:
Do you predict whether South America contains any of the topographical features listed on the slide?
WHOLE GRADE
Use the search function to find some of South America’s mountain ranges.
Display, read through and discuss slides 14-18. Read the information about mountains, valleys, plains, rivers and lakes.
Revisit the satellite map of South America.
(Do not have to search for all – time permitting)
Use the search function to find some of South America’s mountain ranges.
Ø The Andes
Ø The Guiana Highlands
Ø The Brazilian Highlands
Use the search function to find some of South America’s rivers
Ø Amazon River
Ø Orinoco River
Ø Paraguay River
Use the search function to find some of South America’s lakes
Ø Lake Titicaca
Ø Lake Junin
Ø Lake Poopo
GUIDED / INDEPENDENT
Mapping Activity - Display slide 20 of The continent of South America PowerPoint.
Add some of the major mountains, rivers and lakes on the continent of South America to your own Map of South America. Use an atlas, a wall map or an online resource to help you.
Accuracy is important in mapping, so use a ruler and take care with your work!
WRAP UP - QUIZ QUESTIONS
Use the student completed maps to revise the countries, cities, topographical features of the continent of South America.
Ask the students:
Name the largest country in South America
List 3 cities in South America
Describe the location of the Andes mountain ranges.
Activity 12: The Natural Environment of South America
Learning Intention:
I can compare the natural environment of Africa with the natural environment of Australia.
I can identify the major climate zones of the world.
TUNING IN
Watch You tube clip South America by Drone
Class discussion:
What topographical features of South America did you see in the video?
Which vegetation types could you see in the video?
Which plants and animals were featured in the video?
WHOLE GRADE
Display slide 5 and 6 of The Natural Environment of South America PowerPoint. Revisit the major climate zones of the world.
Look at slide 7 - Introduce the main climate zones of South America. Identify the arid, tropical and temperate zones using the images.
Look at slides 8-12 - Explore the climate, plant life and animals of the South American tropical zone (tropical rainforests and tropical grasslands).
Look at slides 13-17 - Explore the climate, plant life and animals of the South American temperate zone (deciduous forests and temperate grasslands).
GUIDED / INDEPENDENT ACTIVITY
Return to slide 6 – Compare and discuss the map of South America with the map of Australia.
Ask the students:
What do you notice about the climate zones in South America and the climate zones in Australia?
Does Australia have any rainforests, grasslands or forests? If so, where?
How might these natural environments be similar or different in South America and Australia?
In partners or groups – provide each group with and enlarged copy of the Venn Diagram. Students compare the natural environment of South America with the natural environment of Australia. Encourage the students to consider environmental factors, such as temperature, rainfall, plant life, and native animals in their response.
WRAP UP
Share the Venn Diagrams with the class.
Use guiding questions to help the students draw conclusions from their diagrams.
Ask the students:
What is similar about the natural environment of South America and Australia?
What is different about the natural environment of South America and Australia?
Why might these similarities and differences exist?
Activity 13: KWL Chart
Learning Intention:
I can complete a KWL chart by recording my new understandings and what I have learnt.
Provide each student with their KWL chart from Lesson 1.
Students record what they have learnt for the past 6 weeks about the continents of Africa, South America and Australia.
Students can draw pictures, write words, sentences or paragraphs.
Students may come up with names of continents, countries, cities, places, plants, rivers, mountains and animals, new and interesting words or information they have learnt.
They may also come up with or consider climate, environment, landscapes and topography.
Students may or may not use resource displayed in the room.
Collect the KWL Chart
Our inquiry project this term will be in the form of a News Media Report (Online News Paper).
Everyone will be creating a page for a school newspaper. Your newspaper requires different features.
You must first include:
International News - a news report about a chosen country.
National News- an article informing the reader about a chosen Australian landmark (natural or man made).
You can then add:
Local News- sporting event or community news article.
Advertisement- holiday destination in another country to your article.
Another chosen feature - cartoon/comic, crossword, sudoku, classifieds, weather report or entertainment article.
International News Country
National News Australian Landamrk
Local News Sporting Event
Advertisement
Early Finishers Activity
Learning Intention:
I can begin researching a chosen BIOME for inquiry.
TUNING IN
Watch You tube clip Introduction to BIOMES
Class Discussion:
What is a biome?
Can you name any of the world’s biomes?
Display Biome Posters
WHOLE GRADE
Watch You tube clip Biomes of the World
Introduce Inquiry Project
Students will become an expert in a Specific Environment / Biome
Introduce Biome Fact File to guide students through their research.
Use Biome Fact File – Research your chosen Biome – DO NOT LOSE YOUR BIOME FACT FILE
Students choose a Biome to research.
Biomes to choose from include:
Ø Coniferous Forest
Ø Deciduous Forest
Ø Freshwater (Pond, Lake, River, Wetland)
Ø Desert
Ø Temperate Grasslands or Savannah
Ø Marine (Ocean)
Ø Tropical Rainforest
Ø Tundra
GUIDED / INDEPENDENT
Students work individually or in partners on a chosen / allocated environment or Biome. They must research the landscape in geographical terms and structures, the impact of inhabitants on the area, how they protect or do not protect, the habitats, plants and wildlife as well as climate, and types of food grown.
Collect and record data, illustrate the characteristics of the environment, where it is in relation to Australia, and similarities and differences to Australia.
Students start researching their chosen Biome.
Activity 15 and 16 : Become an expert in a chosen Biome
Learning Intention:
I can continue researching my chosen BIOME for inquiry.
Use Biome Fact File to continue researching chosen Biome.
Students work individually or in partners on a chosen / allocated environment or Biome.
Activity 17 and 18: Become an expert in a chosen Biome
Learning Intention:
I can continue researching my chosen BIOME for inquiry.
I can use the information I have researched to create an artefact to exhibit and reflect my knowledge.
Use Biome Fact File to continue researching chosen Biome.
Students work individually or in partners on a chosen / allocated environment or Biome.
Students continue to work individually or in partners to create a chosen artefact from the lists below.
EASY
Poster / Photography
PowerPoint
Flow Chart
Graphs
Make Signs / Advertisement
Paper Chain of knowledge
Box of knowledge
Word Document
Scrap Book
MODERATE
Write a story
Factual Booklet
Brochure / Pamphlet
Newspaper / Newsletter
Write a debate
Interview
Oral Presentation
Poetry
Puzzle
HARD
Board Game
Shoe Box Diorama
Collage
Mobile
Model
Multimedia Project
Internet Site / Web Page
Video Play
Radio Report