Visual Literacy in Informational Media
Analyzing how infographics, charts, graphs, and photographs support and sometimes influence informational texts.
Key Questions
- Explain how an infographic can simplify complex data for a general audience.
- Critique the ways images can be used to bias a reader's view of a factual event.
- Analyze the relationship between a caption and the image it describes in conveying information.
ACARA Content Descriptions
About This Topic
Indigenous Australian Art is an exploration of the world's oldest continuous living culture. In this topic, Year 7 students learn that First Nations art is not just 'decoration' but a sophisticated system of maps, legal documents, and spiritual narratives. This aligns with ACARA's emphasis on understanding the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art practices and their deep connection to Country.
Students investigate regional styles, from the x-ray art of Arnhem Land to the dot painting of the Western Desert. They learn about the significance of natural pigments (ochre) and the protocols surrounding certain symbols and stories. This topic is handled with care, acknowledging the impact of colonisation while celebrating the resilience and innovation of contemporary Indigenous artists. It comes alive through collaborative investigations of 'visual storytelling' and respectful engagement with First Nations perspectives.
Active Learning Ideas
Inquiry Circle: Regional Style Map
Groups are assigned a specific region of Australia (e.g., Tiwi Islands, Kimberley, Central Desert). They research the unique artistic techniques and materials of that region and create a visual 'fact sheet' to share with the class.
Gallery Walk: Contemporary Voices
Display works by modern Indigenous artists like Lin Onus or Tracey Moffatt. Students move in pairs to discuss how these artists use 'modern' materials (like acrylics or photography) to tell 'ancient' stories about Country and identity.
Think-Pair-Share: Art as a Map
Show an aerial view of a landscape alongside an Indigenous painting of the same area. Students discuss with a partner how the painting acts as a 'map' of water sources, food, and sacred sites.
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Common MisconceptionAll Indigenous art is 'dot painting.'
What to Teach Instead
Dot painting is specific to certain regions (like the Western Desert) and became popular in the 1970s. Active research into regional styles helps students see the incredible diversity of First Nations art, including weaving, carving, and bark painting.
Common MisconceptionIndigenous art is 'primitive' or 'simple.'
What to Teach Instead
Indigenous art is highly sophisticated, often containing multiple layers of meaning (some of which are 'secret/sacred'). Active 'decoding' exercises help students appreciate the complex social and legal functions of these works.
Suggested Methodologies
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Country' in Indigenous art?
Is it okay for non-Indigenous students to make 'dot paintings'?
How can active learning help students understand Indigenous art?
What is ochre?
Planning templates for English
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