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 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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Our Place - Australia Unit Plan
This Humanities and Social Sciences unit addresses a range of concepts relating to the natural and human features of Australia.
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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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Deforestation
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore the effects and potential consequences of deforestation.
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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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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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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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Human Features of Australia
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify the human features of Australia and explore some Australian landmarks.
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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.
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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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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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The Importance of Environments Unit Plan
This Geography unit addresses the importance of environments to animals and people and the ways in which they can be protected.
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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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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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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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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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Where in the World?
A 60 minute lesson in which students will revise world geography.
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National Celebrations
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore how nations celebrate their unique history, culture and identity.
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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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Aboriginal X-Ray Art
A 60 minute lesson in which students will understand the history and traditional techniques of Aboriginal x-ray art.
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Food
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples sourced their food from the land.
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Three Levels of Government
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify the roles and responsibilities of each level of the Australian government.
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Australian Parliament
A 60 minute lesson in which students will understand the place and purpose of Australian Parliament.
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The Missing Mona Lisa – Chapter 5: More Questions and Answers
This chapter provides the Adventure Agents with the two remaining police interview transcripts and an extra very important piece of evidence has just been discovered!
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Egypt
A 60-minute lesson in which students learn how people lived in and adapted to the desert environment in Egypt.
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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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Toys From the Past
A 60 minute lesson in which students will compare toys from the past with the present.
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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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Sustainable Forestry
A 60 minute lesson in which students will investigate sustainable forestry practices.