Whole+Class

= The Beginning = = = __**1. Start with KWL chart before excursion.**__ Students will have the opportunity to record what they 'Know' about the subject prior to the introduction of the topic to provide an understanding of knowledge to build upon. As a class, students look at the history of the Aboriginal People and their relationship to the White Settlers who arrived in Australia. As a pre-excursion activity students consider the following questions in discussion sessions and create mind maps:
 * When did the Aboriginal people arrive in Australia?
 * What were their key beliefs and traditions?
 * When did the white settlers arrive in Australia and why had they come?
 * Draw a timeline to show these events (not date specific)
 * What changes have resulted from the white settlement?
 * What impact did the white settlement have on the Aboriginal People?
 * How did the white settlement affect their use of the land?

PRINT: KWL chart for each student to complete:

__**2. The first Two Weeks of the unit**__ begin with an overview of the culture, through whole class brainstorming, discussion and investigation (as seen above). This is followed by an introduction excursion to the Australian Museum, where students partake in a tour, showcasing Indigenous Australian artifacts, to immerse them in the culture, as well as set the //Hands-on, Minds-on// feel to the whole unit. Students may refer to the 'L' column in their KWL charts here and scribe what they 'Wonder' or 'Want' to know about a part of the subject matter. Here students gain an appreciation of their subject area, motivating them for their investigation projects to come. By completing this activity booklet, students are gaining more knowledge to bring back with them to the classroom.

PRINT: Activity Booklet for each student to complete:

PRINT: Museum Map/Guide for class:



Students will be provided with time to share general observations and reactions to their museum experience including what they learned and what they wish to explore further (with reference to KWL charts here). Create a classroom bulletin board displaying materials developed or collected while on the field trip including notes taken, pamphlets and photographs. The class may wish to add a vocabulary list to the bulletin board which is compiled of language they picked up along their journey so far including, tucker, billabong, reconciliation, tribe names etc. This list and bulletin board will be built upon throughout the process of inquiry.
 * __3. Post Excursion Activities__**

Based on teacher observations of students interests and mixed abilities, students will be arranged into groups and allocated their specific task. Upon completion of their projects students may further reflect upon their KWL charts.