Humanities and Social Sciences
In a world that is increasingly culturally diverse and dynamically interconnected, it is important that students come to understand their world, past and present, and develop a capacity to respond to challenges, now and in the future, in innovative, informed, personal and collective ways.
The Australian Curriculum for the Humanities and Social Sciences plays an important role in harnessing students’ curiosity and imagination about the world they live in and empowers them to actively shape their lives; make reflective, informed decisions; value their belonging in a diverse and dynamic society; and positively contribute locally, nationally, regionally and globally.
Thinking about and responding to issues requires an understanding of different perspectives; the key historical, geographical, political, economic and societal factors involved; and how these different factors interrelate. The Humanities and Social Sciences in F–6/7, which encompasses the knowledge and understandings of history, geography, civics and citizenship, and economics and business, gives students a deep understanding of the world they live in from a range of perspectives, past and present, and encourages them to develop an appreciation and respect for social, cultural and religious diversity.
The Australian Curriculum for the Humanities and Social Sciences empowers students to shape change by developing a range of skills to enable them to make informed decisions and solve problems. The subject provides students with the skills, behaviours and capabilities that will equip them to face challenges in their lifetime and to participate in and contribute to the wellbeing and sustainability of the environment, the economy and society. Through studying Humanities and Social Sciences, students are given opportunities to develop their ability to question, think critically, solve problems, communicate effectively, make decisions and adapt to change.
Through the Humanities and Social Sciences, students become well placed to contribute to Australia’s ideas of a cohesive society, sustainable environment, productive economy and stable democracy.
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The Dreaming, Stories and Songlines
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify the importance of The Dreaming, Dreamtime stories and songlines in Aboriginal cultures.
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Eureka Stockade – Fighting for a Vote
A 60-minute lesson in which students learn about the events that led to the Eureka Stockade and how they changed Australian society.
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First Fleet Assessment Task
An inquiry-based assessment task in which students will demonstrate an understanding of the people impacted by the arrival of the First Fleet.
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The First Maps - Stories and Songlines
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore the oral traditions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples use to map landscapes.
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Toys From the Past
A 60 minute lesson in which students will compare toys from the past with the present.
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The Age of Exploration, Discovery and Expansion Unit Plan
This History unit covers a range of concepts relating to the early explorers of the Age of Exploration and the 'discovery' of Australia.
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Celebrations Around The World Unit Plan
This Humanities and Social Sciences unit addresses the topic of celebrations. It covers personal, family and community celebrations; national days; Australia-specific commemorations and religious/cultural celebrations from around the world.
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The Natural Environment of Africa - Inquiry Task
A 60-minute lesson in which students will demonstrate their understanding of the natural environment of Africa through an open-ended inquiry.
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A Golden Democracy – Laws, Taxes and Voting Equality
A 60-minute lesson designed to explain how events during the gold rush influenced Australian laws, taxes, equality and voting rights, and how they shaped our current democracy.
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A Digger's Life – Exploration of Life on the Goldfields
A 60-minute lesson in which students learn about the working and living conditions of miners on the Australian goldfields.
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Aboriginal Dot Painting
A 60 minute lesson in which students will understand the history and traditional techniques of Aboriginal dot painting.
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Totems
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify the meaning of totems for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
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Australian States and Territories
A 60 minute lesson in which students will investigate how Australia can be represented on a map as states and territories.
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The Missing Mona Lisa – Chapter 8: Process of Elimination
It's getting closer now - the Adventure Agents are closing in of the thief. They now need to write a persuasive piece in order to get a warrant. Time is of the essence!
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The Impact of Federation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
A 60 minute lesson in which students will investigate the impact of Australian Federation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
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The Missing Mona Lisa - Chapter 1: The Case
Your students, the Adventure Agents, will be taken on a learning journey where they are required to piece together the clues and information provided to crack the case of the Missing Mona Lisa!
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Who Lived Here Before?
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify that their place is also the place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
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Caring for Our School
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore their responsibility in caring for their school environment.
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Transport - Then and Now
A 60 minute lesson in which students will compare past and present transport and describe how it has changed over time.
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Identifying and Classifying Toys
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify an everyday object as a toy and describe how it is used in daily life.
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Occupations and Sustainability in Technologies Unit Plan
This Technology unit has been designed to investigate the role that technology plays in occupations within the community. Additionally, it introduces and explores the concept of sustainability.
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Gold Fever - Kick Starting the Australian Gold Rush
A 60-minute lesson in which students learn about the discovery of gold and initial phases of the Australian Gold Rush.
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Where in the World?
A 60 minute lesson in which students will revise world geography.
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Gold – Defining It
A 60-minute lesson in which students will learn what gold is and how it helped shape the currency we use today.
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Australian Commemorations and Celebrations
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore some significant Australian commemorations and celebrations.
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Impact of Colonisation on Australia's First Peoples
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify the impact a British colony had on the First Nations people of Australia.
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The Arrival into Botany Bay
A 60 minute lesson in which students will understand the events that took place when the First Fleet arrived in Australia.
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Spanish, Portuguese and Dutch Explorers
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify how the Spanish, Portuguese and Dutch explorers contributed to the European 'discovery' of Australia.
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An Introduction to Aboriginal Art
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify the different types of Aboriginal art in Australia.
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Shelters
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples used the land for shelter.
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Our Place - Australia Inquiry Task
An inquiry-based assessment task in which students will demonstrate an understanding of the natural and human features of Australia.
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Deserts of Australia
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify, describe and locate deserts in Australia.