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.

View Unit details

Cross Curriculum Priorities

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures

Country/Place

A_TSICP1

First Nations communities of Australia maintain a deep connection to, and responsibility for, Country/Place and have holistic values and belief systems that are connected to the land, sea, sky and waterways.

A_TSICP2

The occupation and colonisation of Australia by the British, under the now overturned doctrine of terra nullius, were experienced by First Nations Australians as an invasion that denied their occupation of, and connection to, Country/Place.

Culture

A_TSIC3

The First Peoples of Australia (Aboriginal Peoples) belong to the world’s oldest continuous cultures. First Nations Australians demonstrate resilience in the maintenance, practice and revitalisation of culture despite the many historic and enduring impacts of colonisation, and continue to celebrate and share the past, present and future manifestations of their cultures.

Sustainability

Systems

SS1

All life forms, including human life, are connected through Earth’s systems (geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere) on which they depend for their wellbeing and survival.

SS2

Sustainable patterns of living require the responsible use of resources, maintenance of clean air, water and soils, and preservation or restoration of healthy environments.

Worldviews

SW1

World views that recognise the interdependence of Earth’s systems, and value diversity, equity and social justice, are essential for achieving sustainability.

Design

SD2

Creative and innovative design is integral to the identification of new ways of sustainable living.

SD3

Sustainable design requires an awareness of place, past practices, research and technological developments, and balanced judgements based on projected environmental, social and economic impacts.

Curriculum Links

Humanities and the Social Sciences

AC9HS4K05

The importance of environments, including natural vegetation and water sources, to people and animals in Australia and on another continent

AC9HS4K06

Sustainable use and management of renewable and non-renewable resources, including the custodial responsibility First Nations Australians have for Country/Plac

AC9HS4S01

Develop questions to guide investigations about people, events, places and issues

AC9HS4S02

Locate, collect and record information and data from a range of sources, including annotated timelines and maps

AC9HS4S03

Interpret information and data displayed in different formats

AC9HS4S04

Analyse information and data, and identify perspectives

AC9HS4S06

Propose actions or responses to an issue or challenge that consider possible effects of actions

AC9HS4K01

The diversity of First Nations Australians, their social organisation and their continuous connection to Country/Place