Overview of Learning Experience
Week 2: Putting the Pieces Together
-
Define: Atmosphere, Lithosphere, Hydrosphere,
Biosphere, Barysphere
-
Discuss rotation and revolution of the earth
-
Outline the seasons, how they work, compare and
contrast the northern and southern hemisphere’s
experience of the seasons
Activities

Read pp. 6-7, Learning Activities qu 1-5

Brainstorm main ideas

Discussion

Drawing exercise

Graphing
Week 3: Weather & Climate
-
Define: Weather, Temperature, Rainfall, Wind, Air
Pressure, Humidity, Cloud Cover, Climate, Latitude,
Prevailing Winds, Altitude, Distance from Sea
-
Describe how synoptic charts work and encourage students
to watch the news for the weather report
-
Discuss the different instruments that are used to measure
weather e.g.: barometer (refer p. 9)
-
Outline the different types of clouds
-
List various factors that affect climate
-
How is the climate of a region recorded? What graphs are
used?
Assessment Strategy - focus
Research Assignment:
Outcomes: Natural & Social Systems
Aspects: 1&2
DUE END OF WEEK 4
Resources
- Longman Sose 1 + wk sheets
- Atlas
- Library
Activities

Skills exercise p. 13 on constructing a climograph

Read pp. 8-14, Learning Activities pp. 14-5, qu. 1-9
(Note that qu 7-9 are good for library or homework
activity)
Week 4:Atmosphere Alert
- Define greenhouse effect and depletion of ozone
layer
- Draw diagrams explaining both atmospheric
processes
- Outline reasons for the greenhouse effect and
depletion of the ozone layer
- List the pollutants responsible (refer p. 17)
- Discuss strategies to minimize atmospheric pollution
- Discuss alternative energy sources
Activities
 Read pp. 16-8, Learning Activities p. 19, qu 1-5
(Note that qu 3 requires internet & 5 is a good
homework activity)
 Write a letter to PM about importance of
conservation and lowering carbon emissions through
alternative energy
Week 5: Finding Your Way Around the Planet
- Discuss what longitude and latitude are
- Outline reasons as to why it is important to be able to
read maps.
Activities
 Read pp. 20-2, Learning Activity qu. 1-4 (Note that
qu 4 requires an Atlas)
- Longman Sose 1 + wk sheets
- Atlas
Incidental assessment (teachers discretion)
DUE END OF WEEK 6
- Longman Sose 1 + wk sheets
- Atlas
- Mapping exercises book
Week 6: The Layout of the Lithosphere:
- Describe what the lithosphere is
- List the continents of the world and compare and
contrast the difference between country and continent
- Discuss various natural landforms found on
landmasses

Read pp. 23-4, Learning Activity qu. 1-3 (Atlas
required)
Purnululu: A remarkable landscape
- Discuss the Purnululu national park where the Bungle
Bungle ranges are
- Discuss the geological features and how this amazing
natural wonder was formed
Activities
 Read pp. 25-7, Learning Activities qu. 1-4
Week 7: Using the Land:
- Outline land uses in Australia, including the
following: urban areas, farming, mining, industry,
tourism, national parks
- Describe each land use and give specific examples
Students can create a tourist pamphlet or
advertisement promoting Australia
Activities
 Read pp. 28-9, Learning Activities, qu. 1-4 (Note that
qu 4 could be used as a in class project)
- Longman Sose 1 + wk sheets
- Atlas
- Australian Landscapes text
Week 8: Jewels within the Earth
- Define: sustainable development, economic
sustainability
- Outline the importance of the mining industry to the
Australian economy
- Discuss the environmental impact of tourism here in
Australia and abroad
- List the various precious metals, stones and other
minerals found in Australia
- Describe the rehabilitation process used by mining
companies such as BHP when they have finished
mining in one area. Is it adequate?
Activities
 Read pp. 30-4, Learning Activities, qu. 1-7
- Longman Sose 1 + wk sheets
- Atlas
(p 35)
Week 9: Who will Save the Earth?
- Discuss the issue of conservation
- Why is protecting the environment so important?
- Why do governments act so slowly or not at all?
- What are the reasons for treating the environment so
badly?
- Can we make a difference? If so how?
(Refer to
p. 37)
- Is protecting the environment achievable?
Biblical Aspect: Stewardship of the Earth
Activities:
 Read pp. 36-8, Learning Activities p. 39, qu 1-7
(NOTE most require further research in library)
- Longman Sose 1 + wk sheets
- Atlas
Week 10: Conservation Groups
- Research various conservation groups found, eg:
WWF, Greenpeace, Zoo Peru etc
- Discuss why these organisations have come about.
What do they represent? What are they protesting or
fighting for?
- Are their methods reasonable?
- Is there some urgency to address the problem of
pollution etc?
Activities:
 Students must research one conservation group and
inform class about this group
 Students need to construct a poster for this activity
Test: Students are to complete a term test that
covers the topic studied
Outcome: Natural & Social Systems
Aspects: 2&3