Landscapes
and landforms

STAGE 4 TEACHER RESOURCE
Years 7-8

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This project has been assisted by the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust

A volcanic remnant in New South Wales known as the Sphinx. Photo: Alec Portase

Landscapes and landforms around the world are extremely diverse and often revered. They form the structure of the natural world to which we are intrinsically linked. From the extremes of an arid landscape to the mysteries of karst landforms, much is explored in this teaching resource. Students will learn how certain landscapes are formed, and why many are protected. Cultural connections to land and landforms are integrated throughout the content.

A case study on the Cumberland Plain Woodland in Western Sydney takes a comprehensive look into the management of this endangered ecological community.

Complete the whole unit, step by step, or use a selection of the content and activities to support your current work in the classroom.

Acknowledging Country

Acknowledging the traditional custodians of the lands of Australia through a Welcome to or Acknowledgement of Country is a respectful way to start the day or a staff meeting.

Try practising the following tips with your class to increase understanding of and respect for Aboriginal culture.

Start the day with a Welcome to or Acknowledgement of Country. This site has a handy checklist and helpful hints to guide you.
Talk with your students openly about the need to understand and learn from traditional custodians – and discuss common misconceptions.

Please remember only First Nations people can interpret their own culture. All cultural content in this learning unit has been developed by NPWS First Nations staff and should not be altered.

There are many culturally-significant sites and artwork in our national parks, such as this mosaic in Yarriabini National Park. Photo: Greg Wallace/DPE

Syllabus alignment

GE4-1
GE4-2
GE4-4
GE4-5
GE4-7
GE4-8
ACGK049
ACHGK052

Geography: Landscapes and landforms

Students explore landscapes and landforms using examples from Australia and throughout the world. They explain processes that create landscapes and shape individual landforms and they describe the value of landscapes and landforms to different people.

Students examine issues of landscape degradation and ways to manage and protect landscapes and landforms.

Students will investigate ways people, including Aboriginal and Torres strait Island peoples manage and protect landscapes.

Inquiry questions

Why is there a diversity of landscapes?
Why do people value landscapes and landforms?
What environmental and human processes form and transform landscapes and landforms?
To what extent are landscapes and landforms sustainably managed?
What are the cultural and spiritual connections to landscapes or landforms in different places?

SC4-13ES
ACSSU111
ACSSU153
ACSSU180
ACSHE121
ACSHE223

Science: Living world, Earth and space, Science as a human endeavour

Students observe the effects of environmental changes on ecosystems and how scientific understanding influences the development of some management practices.

Students process and analyse data and information from first-hand investigations and secondary sources to identify trends, patterns and relationships, drawing relevant, evidence-based conclusions.

Science knowledge can develop through collaboration across the disciplines of science and the contributions of people from a range of cultures

Students explore the theory of plate tectonics and how it explains global patterns of geological activity.

Inquiry questions

How do the adaptations of some Australian plants and animals help them survive in various extreme conditions of landscapes?
How are landscapes formed over time?
How does physical and chemical weathering, erosion and deposition relate to the formation of landscapes and landforms?
How are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples knowledge being used in decisions to care for country and place?