Places and Connections · Term 2

Mapping Skills: Latitude, Longitude, and Scale

Students will learn to use latitude, longitude, and understand map scale to locate places and measure distances.

About This Topic

Caring for Country is a vital topic that introduces students to the profound connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have with the land, sea, sky, and waterways. In the Foundation year, students learn that 'Country' is not just a place, but a living entity that requires respect and care (AC9HASSFK05). This topic emphasizes that First Nations peoples are the traditional custodians of the land and have looked after it for tens of thousands of years. It encourages all students to consider their own responsibility in keeping the environment healthy.

By learning about Caring for Country, students develop a sense of stewardship and environmental ethics. They learn that their actions have an impact on the world around them. This topic is most effective when students can engage in practical, hands-on conservation activities and listen to stories from First Nations perspectives that illustrate the reciprocal relationship between people and nature.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle: The Health Check

Students act as 'Environmental Rangers' in the school garden. They look for signs of a 'healthy' place (birds, green leaves, clean water) and signs of an 'unhealthy' place (rubbish, dry plants), recording their findings on a simple checklist.

⏱ 30 min·Small Groups

Generate mission

Role Play: The Council of Animals

Students take on the roles of local animals (e.g., a magpie, a lizard, a frog). They sit in a circle and 'talk' about what they need from humans to keep their home on Country safe and clean.

⏱ 20 min·Whole Class

Generate mission

Stations Rotation: Caring Actions

Set up stations for weeding, picking up litter, and watering plants. Students rotate through the stations, performing a 'Caring for Country' task at each one and discussing why it helps the land.

⏱ 45 min·Small Groups

Generate mission

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Students might think 'Country' just means the countryside or a farm.

What to Teach Instead

Explain that in Australia, 'Country' (with a capital C) refers to the specific land an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander group belongs to, including cities and schools. Using the local language name for the land helps clarify this.

Common Misconception

Children may believe that only adults can look after the environment.

What to Teach Instead

Highlight small, daily actions like saving water or not littering. Active participation in school gardening or recycling programs helps students to see themselves as active 'carers' right now.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I explain 'Country' to five-year-olds?

Use the analogy of a home. Just like we look after our house and the people in it, First Nations peoples look after the land like it is their family. Use stories and picture books by Indigenous authors to show this deep, loving connection.

How can active learning help students understand Caring for Country?

Active learning moves the concept from a 'lesson' to a 'practice.' When students physically weed a garden or create a 'Welcome to Country' poster, they are participating in the act of caring. This hands-on involvement makes the responsibility feel real and achievable.

What is the difference between 'sustainability' and 'Caring for Country'?

Sustainability often focuses on resources for the future, while Caring for Country is about a spiritual and reciprocal relationship with the land as an ancestor. In the classroom, you can bridge these by showing how both involve respect and careful use of what the earth provides.

How can I involve the local Indigenous community in this topic?

Invite a local Ranger or Elder to show students how to identify local plants or tell stories about the land's features. If a visit isn't possible, use videos of First Nations people talking about their connection to their specific Country.

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