Units

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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.

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    Our Earth’s Magic Materials

    Students understand the properties, uses, and impact of everyday materials. They investigate the Cultural, Environmental and Social impacts of mining in Australia.

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    Buangans (Dolphins)

    Students learn about the special relationship between dolphins and the Quandamooka peoples. They investigate symbiotic relationships, echolocation and electric reception. They gain insight into the impact of colonisation on ecosystems in Australia.

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    The Min Min Lights

    Students investigate various light phenomena including the Min Min Lights, the Northern Lights, lightning, rainbows and mirages. They explore First Nations perspectives which have come to explain or give insight regarding the phenomena and create their own hypothesis.

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    The Native Police

    Students explore the historical impact of colonial regimes, including the Native Police Force. They critically examine the enduring effects of past policies and laws on contemporary social and cultural contexts and its relevance to present-day issues.

  • 1 Focus Area

    Life on the Station

    Students explore life on the cattle stations and the industries which shaped Australian Society. They investigate the racist laws and policies which saw the opppression of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the important role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pastoral workers had on building Australia’s economic growth

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