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In groups, choose one neighbouring country. Discover why it's important to its people by using the provided research template. Then, compare this with how a different culture values a similar geographic feature or place. Use a Venn diagram to visually represent and reflect on the similarities and differences between the cultural perspectives.

Learning Intention:

We are learning why places are important to people.

Success Criteria:

I can explain why a place holds significance for its people.

I can share information about a neighbouring country.

Activity:

Group work: choose one neighbouring country.

Research why it is significant (culture, environment, history).

Use the provided research template.

Curriculum Links:

ACHASSK090: The importance of places to people and their connections to those places.

Literacy & Intercultural Understanding (General Capabilities).

Assessment:

Group presentation of research (oral explanation, scaffolded with template).

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Let's explore how places are connected to First Nations peoples in Australia. Watch the short video and select a specific area to focus on.

Learning Intention:

We are learning about the significance of places to First Nations Australians.

Success Criteria:

I can describe a place that holds significance for First Nations Australians.

I can explain why it is meaningful.

Activity:

Watch a short video about Country/Place.

Class discussion: “What makes a place important?”

Students choose one local or national First Nations place to explore further.

Curriculum Links:

ACHASSK083: The similarities and differences between places in terms of their type of settlement, demographic characteristics, and functions.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures (Cross-curriculum Priority).

Assessment:

Written response: one paragraph about chosen place (formative check-in).

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Today we're designing our postcards! To make the task more manageable, you will segment your Padlet tasks into separate tiles for each element:

1. The map with labels

2. Caption explaining why the place is significant

Reflection.

This approach will help focus your efforts and reduce cognitive load. Please upload your draft components here for peer review and feedback.

Learning Intention:

We are learning to communicate information about places using maps and captions.

Success Criteria:

I can design a postcard with a labelled map.

I can write a caption explaining why the place is significant.

Activity:

Students draft their postcards (map + caption).

Upload draft to Padlet for peer feedback.

Curriculum Links:

ACHASSI082: Present ideas, findings, and conclusions in texts and modes that incorporate digital and non-digital representations.

Assessment:

Draft postcard submitted for feedback (peer and teacher).

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Here's your final step! Improve your postcard based on feedback, then upload it here. Also, post a short reflection answering these questions:

What did you learn?

What went well?

What's your next step?

Consider how you might use these mapping skills in real-life scenarios: When else might you need to read a map like this?

Linking your reflection to real-life situations will reinforce your understanding and help you apply these skills beyond the classroom.

We are learning to reflect on our learning and share our ideas clearly.

I can improve my postcard using feedback.

I can reflect on what I learnt and why it is important.

Students finalise postcards.

Upload final copy and short reflection (What did I learn? What went well? Next step?).

Curriculum Links:

ACHASSI083: Reflect on learning to propose actions in response to an issue or challenge and consider possible effects of proposed actions.

Assessment (Summative):

Final postcard product (map + caption).

Reflection paragraph.

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Visual Art Rubric Document in Blue and White Retro Style

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Unit Title: Australia and its Neighbouring Places

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Unit Title: Australia and its Neighbouring Places

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Year Levels:3–6 Geography

Overview:

This unit explores Australia’s location in the world and its connections with neighbouring countries. Students investigate the significance of places to different groups of people, including First Nations Australians, and communicate their learning creatively through a postcard project.

Rationale:

The unit is designed to build students' geographical knowledge and inquiry skills while promoting intercultural understanding. By investigating why places are important to people, students will connect local and global perspectives, develop empathy, and strengthen their critical thinking and communication skills. From this unit, students should take away a lasting understanding of the interconnection of cultures and the importance of places and their significance to various communities.

Skills Developed:

Map reading and spatial awareness

Research and inquiry skills

Intercultural understanding

Critical and reflective thinking

Creativity and communication (postcard task)

General Capabilities

Literacy: Reading, researching, and creating written reflections and captions.

ICT Capability: Using Padlet and digital tools to present drafts and final postcards.

Intercultural Understanding: Exploring the significance of places to different groups, including First Nations Australians and neighbouring countries. To encourage a deeper intercultural mindfulness, students will be prompted to reflect on their cultural assumptions as they research. A brief checklist will be provided to guide students through questions like, "What beliefs shape my view of this place?" or "How might my cultural background influence my understanding of this region?"

Critical & Creative Thinking: Analysing why places matter and designing engaging, informative postcards.

Personal & Social Capability: Working in groups, sharing feedback, and reflecting on learning.

Cross-Curriculum Priorities

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures: Understanding connections to Country/Place.

Sustainability: Exploring how people value, use, and sustain different environments.

Asia and Australia’s Engagement with Asia: Building knowledge of Australia’s neighbouring countries.

Task Description:

Students will create a postcard that communicates the significance of a chosen place. The postcard must include:

A labelled map

A short caption explaining why the place is significant

Visual elements (drawn or digital)

Steps:

1. Research a place (neighbouring country or First Nations connection).

2. Draft postcard design (map + caption).

3. Upload draft to Padlet for peer/teacher feedback.

4. Final postcard design.

5. Write a reflection (What did I learn? What went well? Next steps?).

Assessment Criteria and Alignment with Success Criteria:

Map accuracy and clarity

Explanation of significance –

Creativity and communication of ideas –

Reflection on Learning –

Final Products Submitted:

Completed postcard (map + caption)

Reflection paragraph

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Visual Art Rubric Document in Blue and White Retro Style

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Year 3 Geography

ACHASSK067: The location of Australia’s neighbouring countries and the diverse characteristics of their places.

ACHASSK068: The importance of environments to animals and people.

Year 4 Geography

ACHASSK087: The importance of environments and how people interact with them.

ACHASSK088: The custodial responsibility Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have for Country/Place.

Year 5 Geography

ACHASSK112: The influence of people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, on the environmental characteristics of places.

ACHASSK113: The environmental and human characteristics of places and the connections between people and places.

Year 6 Geography

ACHASSK140: Differences in the economic, demographic, and social characteristics of countries across the world.

ACHASSK141: Australia’s connections with other countries and how these change people and places.

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Today, we are learning what maps show and where Australia is in the world. (Download the blank map template and label Australia and its neighbouring countries.)

Learning Intention:

We are learning about the maps that show Australia and its neighbouring countries.

Success Criteria:

I can identify Australia on a world map.

I can label Australia’s neighbouring countries.

Activity:

Download a blank world map.

Label Australia and at least 5 neighbouring countries.

Class discussion: Why do we use maps?

Curriculum Links (ACARA):

ACHASSK084: The location of Australia’s neighbouring countries and their diverse characteristics.

ACHASSI074: Pose questions to investigate people, events, places, and issues.

Assessment:

Map labelling task (formative).

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ACARA. (2022). The Australian Curriculum. Australian Curriculum. https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au

Behind the News. (2021). Connection To Country - BTN Special. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9Oi6pJqYcs