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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An Introduction to Aboriginal Art Unit Plan
This Visual Arts unit addresses the history of Aboriginal art in Australia and the variety of techniques used in different artworks.
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How Much Waste Do We Throw Away?
An inquiry-based assessment task in which students will apply waste management strategies to reduce classroom waste.
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Sustainable Forestry
A 60 minute lesson in which students will investigate sustainable forestry practices.
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Sustainable Fishing
A 60 minute lesson in which students will investigate sustainable fishing practices.
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Sustainable Water Use
A 60 minute lesson in which students will investigate sustainable water use.
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Adapting to Country/Place
A 60 minute lesson in which students will investigate how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' ways of living were adapted to the resources of their Country/Place.
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Sustainability - Ask the Experts
A 60 minute lesson in which students will investigate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' views about sustainability.
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Overfishing
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore the effects and potential consequences of overfishing.
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Overuse of Water
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore the effects and potential consequences of water overuse.
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Natural Resource Use in the 21st Century
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore how humans use natural resources and raw materials in the present day.
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What Are Natural Resources?
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify both renewable and non-renewable resources and where they come from.
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Reflection of Learning
A 60 minute lesson in which students will reflect on what they have learned about the continents of Africa and South America.
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The Natural Environment of South America - Inquiry Task
A 60 minute lesson in which students will demonstrate their understanding of the natural environment of South America through an open-ended inquiry.
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The Natural Environment of South America
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore the natural environment of the continent of South America.
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The Topography of South America
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore the topographical features of the continent of South America.
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Welcome to South America!
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify some of the countries and major cities on the continent of South America.
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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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Assessment: Living Wax Museum – Australian Gold Rush
A 60-minute assessment designed to assess students' knowledge and understanding of the people, politics and events of the Australian Gold Rush.
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The Natural Environment of Africa
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore the natural environment of the continent of Africa.
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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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Melting Pot – Exploring the Cultures That Made the Australian Gold Rush
A 60-minute lesson about the influence different cultures had on Australia during the gold rush years, the challenges newcomers faced, and how they made Australia what it is today.
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The Topography of Africa
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore the topographical features of the continent of Africa.
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First Nations – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Involvement in the Gold Rush
A 60-minute lesson in which students explore the impact the Australian Gold Rush had on Indigenous peoples.
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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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Welcome to Africa!
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify some of the countries and major cities on the continent of Africa.
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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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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 History - Revisiting the Past
A 60-minute lesson in which students recap their prior knowledge of Australian history and the British colonisation of Australia.
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The Importance of Environments - Inquiry Task
An inquiry-based assessment task in which students will demonstrate their understanding of the importance of their local environment.
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Vegetation and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore the significance of vegetation endemic to the survival of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.