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Browse by Grade: Year 7

Australia · ACARA Content Descriptions

Year 7 HASS

Year 7 HASS: the ancient world. Students investigate deep time history, methods of historical inquiry, and the ancient civilisations of the Mediterranean, Asia, and beyond.

7 units·58 topics·Ages 12-13

01Investigating the Ancient Past

9 topics·Term 1

Students learn how historians and archaeologists investigate the ancient past, examining sources, evidence, and the methods used to reconstruct history from fragments.

Introduction to Historical Inquiry

Students will explore the fundamental questions historians ask and the types of evidence they seek to understand the past.

Think-Pair-ShareConcept MappingDocument Mystery
Archaeological Methods and Discoveries

Students will investigate the techniques archaeologists use to uncover and interpret physical remains of ancient civilisations.

Stations RotationProblem-Based LearningGallery Walk
Oral Traditions and Indigenous Histories

Students will examine the significance of oral traditions as historical sources, focusing on their role in preserving the histories of Australia's First Peoples.

Socratic SeminarDocument MysteryWorld Café
Deep Time: Evidence of First Peoples

Students will explore archaeological and scientific evidence demonstrating the deep time history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia.

Gallery WalkJigsawInquiry Circle
Timelines and Chronological Thinking

Students will practice constructing and interpreting timelines, understanding the concept of periodisation and its implications for historical narratives.

Timeline ChallengeHexagonal ThinkingThink-Pair-Share
Cause, Effect, Continuity, and Change

Students will apply historical thinking concepts to analyse how events and developments in the past are interconnected and how societies evolve or remain stable over time.

Concept MappingCarousel BrainstormCase Study Analysis
Protecting Cultural Heritage

Students will explore the reasons for preserving ancient sites and artefacts, considering the threats they face and the efforts made for their protection.

World CaféFour CornersExpert Panel
Ethics of Artefact Ownership

Students will engage in discussions about the controversial issue of ownership and repatriation of ancient artefacts, considering different perspectives.

Formal DebatePhilosophical ChairsMock Trial
Radiocarbon Dating Explained

Students will learn the scientific principles behind radiocarbon dating and how it provides chronological data for archaeological finds.

Stations RotationProblem-Based LearningFlipped Classroom

02Ancient Egypt

8 topics·Term 1

Students investigate the civilisation of ancient Egypt, one of the most remarkable and enduring societies in human history.

Geography and the Nile's Influence

Students will explore the geographical features of ancient Egypt and analyse how the Nile River was central to its development and survival.

Hexagonal ThinkingConcept MappingSimulation Game
The Pharaoh as God-King

Students will examine the role of the pharaoh as both a political and religious leader, and the concept of divine kingship in ancient Egypt.

Role PlaySocratic SeminarJigsaw
Building the Pyramids and Tombs

Students will investigate the engineering marvels of the pyramids and other monumental architecture, exploring the labour, resources, and beliefs behind their construction.

Simulation GameProblem-Based LearningGallery Walk
Social Structure and Daily Life

Students will explore the hierarchical social structure of ancient Egypt, from peasants to priests, and examine the daily routines and customs of ordinary people.

Stations RotationDocument MysteryRole Play
Egyptian Religious Beliefs and Afterlife

Students will investigate the complex polytheistic religion of ancient Egypt, focusing on their beliefs about the gods, creation, and the journey to the afterlife.

Concept MappingJigsawMuseum Exhibit
Women of Power: Hatshepsut

Students will examine the reign of Hatshepsut, a female pharaoh, and analyse the challenges and achievements of women in positions of authority in ancient Egypt.

Hot SeatCase Study AnalysisTrading Cards
Hieroglyphs and Scribes

Students will explore the development and function of hieroglyphic writing, the importance of scribes, and the process of deciphering ancient Egyptian texts.

Escape RoomStations RotationFlipped Classroom
Trade Networks and Foreign Relations

Students will investigate Egypt's interactions with neighbouring civilisations through trade, diplomacy, and warfare, focusing on regions like Nubia and the Levant.

Trading CardsRole PlayConcept Mapping

03Ancient Greece

9 topics·Term 2

Students explore the world of ancient Greece, the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and ideas that shape the modern world.

Geography and the Rise of City-States

Students will examine the mountainous geography of Greece and how it contributed to the development of independent city-states rather than a unified empire.

Hexagonal ThinkingConcept MappingJigsaw
Athens vs. Sparta: A Comparison

Students will compare and contrast the political systems, social structures, and cultural values of Athens and Sparta.

Four CornersFormal DebateJigsaw
The Birth of Athenian Democracy

Students will investigate the origins and evolution of Athenian democracy, focusing on key reforms and the mechanisms of citizen participation.

Socratic SeminarSimulation GamePhilosophical Chairs
Democracy: Inclusion and Exclusion

Students will critically examine the limitations of Athenian democracy, particularly regarding the exclusion of women, slaves, and foreigners.

Mock TrialHuman BarometerCase Study Analysis
Greek Philosophy and Thinkers

Students will be introduced to key Greek philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, and explore their enduring contributions to Western thought.

Socratic SeminarExpert PanelChalk Talk
Art, Architecture, and the Olympics

Students will explore the artistic and architectural achievements of ancient Greece, including temples, sculptures, and the origins and significance of the Olympic Games.

Gallery WalkMuseum ExhibitHexagonal Thinking
The Persian Wars: Marathon and Thermopylae

Students will investigate the key battles of the Persian Wars, focusing on the strategies, heroes, and significance of Marathon and Thermopylae.

Simulation GameTimeline ChallengeCase Study Analysis
The Delian League and Peloponnesian War

Students will examine the formation of the Delian League, the rise of Athenian power, and the causes and consequences of the Peloponnesian War.

JigsawFormal DebateConcept Mapping
Alexander's Conquests and Empire

Students will trace the military campaigns of Alexander the Great and the rapid expansion of his empire across three continents.

Trading CardsTimeline ChallengeExpert Panel

04Ancient Rome

8 topics·Term 2

Students investigate the rise and fall of Rome, from a small city-state to a vast empire.

Founding Myths and Early Rome

Students will explore the legendary founding of Rome, its early monarchy, and the transition to a republic.

Role PlayDocument MysteryConcept Mapping
The Roman Republic: Structure and Conflict

Students will examine the political structure of the Roman Republic, including the roles of consuls, the Senate, and the ongoing conflict between patricians and plebeians.

JigsawSimulation GameMock Trial
Julius Caesar and the End of the Republic

Students will investigate the life and political career of Julius Caesar, his rise to power, and his role in the transition from Republic to Empire.

Formal DebateHot SeatCase Study Analysis
Life in the Roman Empire: City and Country

Students will explore daily life in the Roman Empire, focusing on urban centres like Rome and Pompeii, and the lives of people in rural areas.

Stations RotationGallery WalkDocument Mystery
Slavery and Social Hierarchy in Rome

Students will examine the institution of slavery in ancient Rome, its economic importance, and the social hierarchy that defined Roman society.

Socratic SeminarPhilosophical ChairsRole Play
Roman Engineering and Architecture

Students will investigate the technological achievements of the Romans, including aqueducts, roads, and the Colosseum, and their lasting impact.

Problem-Based LearningMuseum ExhibitStations Rotation
The Decline and Fall of the Western Roman Empire

Students will explore the various internal and external factors that contributed to the decline and eventual fall of the Western Roman Empire.

Hexagonal ThinkingSocratic SeminarConcept Mapping
Roman Law and Governance

Students will investigate the development of Roman law, from the Twelve Tables to the Justinian Code, and its influence on modern legal systems.

Mock TrialCase Study AnalysisPhilosophical Chairs

05Ancient India and China

8 topics·Term 3

Students explore the ancient civilisations of India and China, their achievements and lasting influence.

Indus Valley: Urban Planning and Mystery

Students will investigate the advanced urban planning, sanitation systems, and enigmatic script of the Harappan civilisation.

Document MysteryGallery WalkStations Rotation
The Mauryan Empire and Ashoka

Students will explore the unification of India under the Mauryan Empire and the transformative reign of Emperor Ashoka, particularly his conversion to Buddhism.

Trading CardsSocratic SeminarCase Study Analysis
The Gupta Empire: India's Golden Age

Students will investigate the achievements of the Gupta Empire, often considered India's 'Golden Age,' in science, mathematics, and art.

Museum ExhibitJigsawConcept Mapping
Qin Shi Huang: Unifier or Tyrant?

Students will examine the reign of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of unified China, focusing on his centralising policies, the Great Wall, and the Terracotta Army.

Formal DebateSimulation GameGallery Walk
Confucianism: Social Harmony

Students will explore the core tenets of Confucianism, its emphasis on social harmony, filial piety, and its profound impact on Chinese society and governance.

Philosophical ChairsSocratic SeminarRole Play
Daoism: Nature and Balance

Students will investigate the philosophy of Daoism, its focus on living in harmony with nature, and its contrast with Confucianism.

Four CornersJigsawConcept Mapping
The Han Dynasty: Golden Age of China

Students will explore the Han Dynasty, often considered a golden age, focusing on its political stability, technological innovations, and cultural achievements.

Gallery WalkExpert PanelTimeline Challenge
The Silk Road: Trade and Cultural Exchange

Students will investigate the Silk Road, its routes, the goods traded, and its profound impact on cultural and religious exchange between East and West.

Simulation GameWorld CaféTrading Cards

06Economics and Business

8 topics·Term 3

Students explore the basic concepts of economics, including scarcity, resource allocation, and the role of consumers.

Scarcity, Wants, and Needs

Students will differentiate between wants and needs and understand the fundamental economic problem of scarcity: unlimited wants versus limited resources.

Think-Pair-ShareCarousel BrainstormSimulation Game
Opportunity Cost and Decision Making

Students will learn about opportunity cost as the value of the next best alternative foregone when a choice is made, and apply it to personal and societal decisions.

Decision MatrixProblem-Based LearningCase Study Analysis
Consumers: Choices and Influences

Students will explore the factors that influence consumer choices, including price, advertising, and personal preferences.

Role PlayCarousel BrainstormInquiry Circle
Producers: Supply and Demand Basics

Students will be introduced to the basic concepts of supply and demand and how producers respond to consumer needs and market conditions.

Simulation GameConcept MappingStations Rotation
Career Pathways and Future Skills

Students will explore diverse career pathways, the changing nature of work due to technology, and the importance of developing future-ready skills.

Expert PanelStations RotationWorld Café
Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Students will investigate the concept of entrepreneurship, the characteristics of successful entrepreneurs, and the role of innovation in business.

Project-Based LearningCase Study AnalysisCollaborative Problem-Solving
Business Structures and Goals

Students will learn about different types of business structures (e.g., sole trader, partnership, company) and their varying goals, including social enterprises.

Case Study AnalysisJigsawExpert Panel
Budgeting and Financial Planning

Students will develop basic financial literacy skills, including creating a personal budget, understanding income and expenses, and the importance of saving.

Simulation GameProblem-Based LearningLearning Contracts

07Civics and Citizenship

8 topics·Term 4

Students investigate the features of Australia's democracy and the role of citizens in a diverse society.

Foundations of Australian Democracy

Students will explore the core values and principles that underpin Australia's democratic system, including freedom, equality, and justice.

Philosophical ChairsSocratic SeminarFour Corners
The Australian Constitution

Students will investigate the purpose and key features of the Australian Constitution, including its role in establishing the framework of government.

JigsawConcept MappingExpert Panel
Parliamentary System and Separation of Powers

Students will examine the Westminster system of government in Australia, focusing on the roles of the Parliament, Executive, and Judiciary, and the principle of separation of powers.

Simulation GameJigsawFlipped Classroom
Political Parties and Elections

Students will explore the role of political parties in Australian democracy, how they form policies, and the process of federal elections.

Simulation GamePress ConferenceFormal Debate
Citizen Participation Beyond Voting

Students will investigate various ways citizens can actively participate in their democracy, including advocacy, protest, and community engagement.

Project-Based LearningTown Hall MeetingWorld Café
From Bill to Law: The Legislative Process

Students will trace the journey of a bill through the Australian federal parliament, from its introduction to becoming an Act of Parliament.

Simulation GameConcept MappingRole Play
The Australian Legal System

Students will gain an understanding of the structure of the Australian court system, the difference between civil and criminal law, and the importance of an independent judiciary.

Mock TrialCase Study AnalysisExpert Panel
Multiculturalism and Australian Identity

Students will explore the concept of multiculturalism in Australia, the contributions of diverse cultural groups, and how it shapes national identity.

Inside-Outside CircleGallery WalkHuman Barometer