Unit 13: Australia & Oceania

WG. 13: The student will analyze the characteristics of the Australian and Pacific Islands regions by

a) identifying and analyzing the location of major geographic regions and major cities on maps and globes; 

b) describing major physical and environmental features; 

c) explaining important economic characteristics; 

d) recognizing cultural influences and landscapes.

Essential Understandings

The Australian and Pacific Islands regions have vast and diverse landforms, resources, people, cultures, and economies.

The Australian and Pacific Islands regions contain peninsulas, volcanoes, coral reefs, and an abundance of islands.

The physical environment of the region influences the distribution of economic activities.

Although many locations are isolated and populations are small, the vast ocean environment of the region influences contemporary culture.

Essential Knowledge

Major countries

• Australia

• New Zealand

Major cities

• Canberra and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

• Sydney

• Auckland

Major physical and environmental features

• Wide range of vegetation, from tropical rain forests to desert shrubs (Australia is mostly desert)

• The Great Dividing Range

• The Great Barrier Reef

• Australia: Isolation, resulting in unique animal life

• Pacific Islands: Volcanic, coral, or continental

Economic characteristics

• Air and water travel bring goods and services to remote areas

• Arid areas of Australia well suited to cattle and sheep ranching

• Consequences of introducing nonnative plants and animals

• Ranching, mining (primary activities)

• Communication and financial services (tertiary and quaternary activities)

• Tourism and traditional economies in the Pacific Islands

Cultural influences

• Pacific Islands are sparsely populated.

• Most of Australia’s population lives near the coasts.

• Traditional culture continues to shape life in the Pacific Islands.

• Lifestyles range from subsistence farming to modern city living.

• Cultures reflect the interaction of European and indigenous cultures (e.g., Maori, Aboriginal people).

Cultural landscape

• Sydney Opera House

• Cattle and sheep stations (Australia)

• Thatched-roof dwellings (Pacific Islands)