History
Concepts for developing understanding
The content in the history sub-strand provides opportunities for students to develop historical understanding through key concepts including sources, continuity and change, cause and effect, perspectives, empathy and significance. The Year 4 curriculum introduces world history and the movement of peoples. Students study the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, their connection to place (sources, perspectives, significance) and their contact with other societies (change and continuity, perspectives, empathy). Through a study of navigation, exploration and/or trade (sources), students come to learn about Australia's early colonisation and develop understandings about contact between societies (continuity and change, cause and effect) and its effects on people and their environments (perspectives, empathy).
Inquiry Questions
- Why did the great journeys of exploration occur?
- What was life like for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples before the arrival of the Europeans?
- Why did the Europeans settle in Australia?
- What was the nature and consequence of contact between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and early traders, explorers and settlers?
(source: www.australiancurriculum.edu.au)
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An Introduction to Aboriginal Art PowerPoint
A 54 slide editable PowerPoint to use in the classroom when learning about Aboriginal art.
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Early Explorers - Inquiry Task
An inquiry-based assessment task for students to demonstrate their understanding of early explorers and the impacts they had on other societies.
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Original Inhabitants PowerPoint
A 43 slide editable PowerPoint presentation to use when teaching students about the original inhabitants of Australia.
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Significant Individuals During Colonisation/Invasion Poster Set
Explore this collection of 9 posters with your Grade 4 HASS students, when learning about impactful persons during the period of colonisation, or invasion, in Australia.
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Life as a Convict - Journal Writing Task
A journal writing worksheet for students to complete in the classroom, or as a homework task, when learning about convicts.
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Convict Identification Cards - Template
A convict identification card template to use in the classroom when learning about the convicts of the First Fleet.
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Why Teach About Aboriginal Languages? Poster
An educational poster providing a rationale for teaching Australian children about Aboriginal languages.
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The Rabbits – Worksheet
A worksheet that explores the ideas and issues within the plot of The Rabbits by John Marsden.
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The Natural Environment of Africa - Inquiry Task
An inquiry task focusing on the natural environment of the grasslands of Africa.
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The Natural Environment of South America — Inquiry Task
An inquiry task focusing on the natural environment of the Amazon rainforest in South America.
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The Story of Gulaga - Comprehension and Activity Worksheet
A comprehension and linked activity based on an Aboriginal Dreaming Story.
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The First Fleet PowerPoint
A 15 slide editable PowerPoint presentation to use when teaching students about the First Fleet.
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Ships of the First Fleet - Writing Templates
A set of 3 ship templates to use in the classroom when learning about the ships of the First Fleet.
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Timeline of James Cook's First Voyage on the Endeavour
A historical timeline to display in the classroom when learning about James Cook's voyage to Australia.
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An Early Explorer's Map
An early explorer's map to display in the classroom when learning about European exploration.
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Celebrations Around The World Inquiry Task
A four page inquiry task, assessing students' knowledge of cultural celebrations from around the world.
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Acknowledgement of Country Poster
A simple Acknowledgement of Country poster to display in your classroom.
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British Colonisation Areas in Australia - 1846 Map and Worksheet
A map to display in the classroom when learning about areas in Australian that were colonised by the British in 1846.
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NAIDOC 2021 – Heal Country! - Word Search (Middle Years)
A puzzle related to key concepts of the NAIDOC theme.
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I Am Sorry – Poem and Discussion Questions
A poem to promote thoughtful discussion around issues of reconciliation on National Sorry Day.
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Early Explorer Profiles - Abel Tasman, James Cook and Willem Janszoon
Three individual posters showing the expeditions of Abel Tasman, James Cook and Willem Janszoon.
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Timeline of the First Fleet's Journey to Australia - Banner
A four-page timeline of the history of the voyage of the First Fleet.
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First Fleet - Inquiry Task
An inquiry-based assessment task for students to demonstrate their understanding of the people impacted by the First Fleet.
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Significant Explorers of Australia - Captain James Cook
A poster to display in the classroom when learning about Captain James Cook.
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Captain James Cook and the Endeavour — Teaching Slides
Discover the journey of Captain James Cook on the HMS Endeavour with your students with this teaching presentation.
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Early Explorers PowerPoint
A 25 slide editable PowerPoint presentation to use when teaching students about the early explorers of Australia.
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Classroom Energy Audit Worksheet
An investigation that will have students observing the energy usage in their classroom and proposing action to reduce energy waste.
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Timeline of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People 66 000 BCE to 1788 CE - Banner
A four-page timeline of the history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people between 66 000 BCE and 1788 CE.
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Waste Management Investigation - How Much Waste Do We Throw Away?
A practical investigation related to sustainable waste management.
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Water Wastage Investigation - How Much Water is Lost to Leaks?
A practical investigation related to sustainable resource use.
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NAIDOC 2021 – Heal Country! - Crossword Puzzle
A puzzle related to key concepts of the NAIDOC theme.
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NAIDOC 2021 – Heal Country! - Word Search (Upper Years)
A puzzle related to key concepts of the NAIDOC theme.