Units

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    Historical Landmarks

    Students investigate how European colonists acquired land in the 1770s. They reflect on the Frontier Wars and how these influenced place names and landmarks. #invasionday

    free

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    The Frontier Wars

    Students learn the history of the convicts and colonists on the First Fleet and critically reflect on the commemoration of those who fought in the Frontier Wars. #invasionday

    free

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    The First Fleet

    Students investigate the reasons for British expansion and explore the perspectives of European convicts, colonists, and First Nations' peoples. #invasionday

    free

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    Work in Western Australia

    In this unit, students will explore the history and current issues of Aboriginal labour in Australia. Through personal stories, films, and activities, they will learn about key industries, the exploitation of Aboriginal workers, and the impact of stolen wages policies. Students will also study the contributions of First Nations activists who fought for their rights.

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    Biographies, Autobiographies and Memoirs

    In this unit, students will analyse films, conduct online research, and engage in creative writing to explore biographies, autobiographies, and memoirs. Inspired by the stories of Ballardong Noongar Elders, they will learn about life in 1960s Western Australia. Students will then write and publish their own biography, autobiography, or memoir, focusing on themselves or someone they value, deepening their sense of identity and understanding of others.

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    Rebels and Trailblazers

    In this unit, students investigate the historical injustices faced by First Nations peoples in Australia, including the impacts of systemic racism and the significance of individuals who challenge unjust systems. They will research and create profiles on rebels and trailblazers, like Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, and explore parallels with global movements for rights and freedom. They create visual timelines to illustrate historical events and present their findings.

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    Life on the Reserve

    This unit explores the distinctions between Missions, Reserves, and Stations. Students will engage in research activities and creative writing, investigating the impact of government policies on First Nations communities and life on York Reserve.

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    Wurundjeri Interactive Map

    Students will engage with the Birrarung Multi-touch Book and specifically the Wurundjeri Interactive Map to explore significant places on Wurundjeri Country from pre-contact to today, researching native plants, traditional engineering, and cultural heritage. They will reflect on these insights and create poems, paintings, or stories showcasing their understanding of First Nations perspectives and connections to the land. This unit can be self-directed or taught as a class.

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    Our Ancestors

    Students engage with the multi-touch book Birrarung and explore First Nations portraits to learn about Wurundjeri Ancestors and their role in shaping identity. They create a personal ancestry map or visual representation, reflecting on how their own Ancestors, wherever they are from, influence who they are today.

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    Dear Birrarung

    Students engage with the Birrarung multi-touch book, create story maps, and investigate the Yarra River Protection Act 2017 to learn about the Birrarung’s role in preserving cultural heritage and fostering a connection to Country.

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    Does the River Know its Name?

    Students explore First Nations languages, land, and culture through the Wurundjeri Multi-Touch Book Birrarung. They research language loss, create presentations on preservation efforts, and reflect on the connection between language, culture, and heritage.

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    Muyi Mir Mathematics “Leaf it to us!”

    Students engage with the Muyi Mir and Pondi stories found in the Wamba Wamba multi-touch book. They will identify and extend mathematical concepts such as number, sequence and patterns within the narratives, and engage in hands-on activities using collected natural materials.

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    Nurayill, Curlew, Platypus, Pondi!

    Students engage with the Wamba Wamba multi-touch book and explore both Muyi Mir and Pondi stories. They gain an understanding of animal characteristics, habitats and behaviours. They research food chains, create artistic visual representations of the animals from the stories, and develop an appreciation for the cultural significance of native animals.

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    Tree Huggers

    Students explore the cultural, environmental, and historical significance of trees. They research the critical roles trees play in maintaining biodiversity and carbon sequestration for a healthy environment as well as investigating the harmful effects of deforestation and its widespread repercussions.

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    Under Threat – Health of the Murray

    Students investigate the Murray River’s geographical features and trace the impact of historical events on its health. They identify the challenges facing the river, deepening their understanding of its current state and sustainability concerns. This unit fosters environmental stewardship and advocates for honouring First Nations cultural connections.

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    The Arts – Sculptures and Carvings

    Students explore Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sculptures and carvings. They gain insight into the history of Australia’s artefact collection practices in First Nations’ communities, including repatriation of sacred objects and ancestral remains. Be sure to explore the films and links in the Arts Discovery Map

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    The Arts – Fashion and Culture

    Students gain insight into the cultural meaning of tribal markings and possum skin cloak making. They study the evolution of traditional clothing styles and materials into contemporary First Nations' fashion designs that are sought after in mainstream markets.

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    The Arts – Weaving and Painting

    Students explore First Nations' Arts Practices in various communities. They see the weaving and painting practices of the Wagilak community and experiment with the process of botanical dyeing. They create their own unique artworks using natural elements.

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    Echoes on Country: Oodgeroo Noonuccal

    Students explore stories, poetry, and contemporary art by the Quandamooka peoples and other First Nations’ communities. They gain profound insights into the histories, experiences and perspectives of First Nations peoples and the power of art in contributing to the political discourse and amplifying marginalised voices.

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    Dimboona and the Wail Rock

    Students explore narrative through the Wail Rock Creation story. They unpack the elements of stories and recognise that stories have a beginning, a middle and an end.

Warning

 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that the content on this site may contain images and references to deceased persons.

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