LAND MANAGEMENT THROUGH
IRRIGATION
Year 10 – A case study of farming land around the
Murray-Darling Basin
Australian Curriculum learning objectives
ACHGK0741 - the application of geographical concepts and methods to the
management of the environmental change being investigated
ACHGK0732 - The application of human-environment systems thinking to
understand the causes and likely consequences of the environmental change
being investigated
Cross curriculum priority area sustainability organising ideas
OI8 - Designing action for sustainability requires an evaluation of past practices, the
assessment of scientific and technological developments, and balanced
judgments based on projected future economic, social and environmental
impacts.
OI9 - Sustainable futures result from actions designed to preserve and/or restore the
quality and uniqueness of environments.
Resources required
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The Use of Irrigation in the Murray-Darling Basin DVD (Classroom Video 19
minutes)
Australian Conservation Foundation Infographic3 for starter activity
Inference map - video analysis worksheet x class set
Printed copies of Murray-Darling Basin information page4
Run the River5 app download from iTunes6 or Google Play7
Lesson outcome:
Students evaluate environmental concerns and sustainable management for
irrigation of the Murray-Darling Basin
http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/Curriculum/ContentDescription/ACHGK074
http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/Curriculum/ContentDescription/ACHGK073
3 http://bit.ly/1fNIxTO
4 http://www.murrayriver.com.au/river-management/murray-darling-basin-commission/
5 http://www.mdba.gov.au/what-we-do/education
6 https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/run-the-river/id826169995?mt=8
7 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=mdba.runtheriver
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Lesson outline
1) Starter activity - analyse and mind map the key issues facing the MurrayDarling Basin from the Australian Conservation Foundation Infographic
2) Students read fact sheet on Murray-Darling Basin
3) In books, students identify key regional centres and cities that rely on The
Murray-Darling Basin.
4) As a class, define irrigation as a concept. Students are to fill in a concept
map8 (p.3)
5) Students are to answer documentary questions and complete activities.
6) Students complete a two paragraph reflection using the ‘I used to think/Now
I think’ strategy9 from Visible Thinking as a guide.
Topic: The importance of irrigation for land management
“I used to think……
“Now I think……”
Homework/extension
Students could play Run the river - an app-based game developed by the
Australian Government and the Murray-Darling Basin Authority.
Teachers can adapt strategies from the Murray-Darling Basin Authority education page10.
http://teacher.scholastic.com/reading/bestpractices/vocabulary/pdf/sr_allgo.pdf
http://bit.ly/1mJcn08
10 http://www.mdba.gov.au/what-we-do/education/education-links
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