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.
- Plus Plan
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.
- Plus Plan
James Cook and His Voyage to Australia
A 60 minute lesson in which students will investigate the significance of James Cook's voyage to Australia.
- Plus Plan
Aboriginal Rock Art
A 60 minute lesson in which students will understand the history and traditional techniques of Aboriginal rock art.
- Plus Plan
Chinese Exploration
A 60 minute lesson in which students will investigate the exploration of the Chinese during the fifteenth century.
- Plus Plan
An Introduction to Aboriginal Art
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify the different types of Aboriginal art in Australia.
- Plus Plan
Terra Australis Incognita
A 60 minute lesson in which students will understand why the fifteenth century was known as the Age of Exploration.
- Plus Plan
The History of Technology in Occupations
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore how technology has been used within occupations throughout history.
- Plus Plan
Occupations Using Technologies
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore how technological devices are used within occupations in the community.
- Plus Plan
Technology and Occupations
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify and explore the need for technology within occupations in the community.
- Plus Plan
Defining Terms - Technology and Occupations
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore and define the terms 'technology' and 'occupations'.
- Plus Plan
Australia's First People Inquiry Task
An inquiry-based assessment task in which students will demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of Australia's first people and the long and continuous connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country.
- Plus Plan
Art
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify how Aboriginalcultures use art as a language to document their history.
- Plus Plan
Tools
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples used the land to make tools.
- Plus Plan
Shelters
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples used the land for shelter.
- Plus Plan
Food
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples sourced their food from the land.
- Plus Plan
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.
- Plus Plan
Totems
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify the meaning of totems for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- Plus Plan
Human Features of Australia
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify the human features of Australia and explore some Australian landmarks.
- Plus Plan
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.
- Plus Plan
A Natural Wonder - Our Great Barrier Reef
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore the unique natural environment of the Great Barrier Reef.
- Plus Plan
Indigenous Language Groups
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify the diverse range of Indigenous language groups in Australia.
- Plus Plan
Rainforests of Australia
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify, describe and locate rainforests in Australia.
- Plus Plan
The Original Inhabitants
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the original inhabitants of Australia.
- Plus Plan
Deserts of Australia
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify, describe and locate deserts in Australia.
- Plus Plan
Mountains of Australia
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify, describe and locate mountains in Australia.
- Plus Plan
Rivers of Australia
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify, describe and locate rivers in Australia.
- Plus Plan
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.
- Plus Plan
Australian Capital Cities and Regional Centres
A 60 minute lesson in which students will investigate the geographical location of capital cities and regional centres around Australia.
- Plus Plan
Great Southern Land
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore the natural and human features of Australia.
- Plus Plan
The Bill Process
A 60 minute lesson in which students will understand the process of passing a bill in Australia.
- Plus Plan
Australian Laws
A 60 minute lesson in which students will understand why we have laws in Australia.
- Plus Plan
Three Levels of Government
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify the roles and responsibilities of each level of the Australian government.