Exploring Our World

Curriculum Area

Geography – Level 3 (Year 3)
This lesson addresses the following Victorian Curriculum standards:

• VCGGK077: Location of major countries of Africa and South America in relation to Australia, and their major characteristics including types of vegetation and native animals.
• VCGGK078: Location of Australia’s neighbouring countries and the diverse characteristics of their places.
• VCGGK079: Representation of Australia as states and territories, and Australia’s major natural and human characteristics.
• VCGGK080: The many Countries/Places of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their custodial responsibility for Country/Place, and views about sustainability.
• VCGGK081: Main climates of the world and the similarities/differences between climates in different places.

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Lesson Duration

45 minutes

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Identify major countries in Africa and South America and locate them on a world map in relation to Australia.
2. Describe the major vegetation and native animals in two selected countries from Africa and South America.
3. Locate Australia’s neighbouring countries and describe at least one characteristic of each.
4. Understand the representation of Australia as states and territories, and its major natural and human characteristics.
5. Identify the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Countries/Places and their views on sustainability.
6. Explain the main world climates and compare the climate of Australia with that of another place.

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Resources Needed

• Large printed world map or a digital projector with a world map image.
• Printed or digital atlas.
• Flashcards with key terms/images (vegetation, animals, climate zones, etc.).
• Sticky notes or small flags for mapping activity.
• Whiteboard or interactive display and markers.
• A3 paper and coloured pencils for group work.
• Photos/images of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Country/Place, vegetation, animals, and world climates.
• Video clip (1–2 minutes) introducing sustainability in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

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Lesson Outline

1. Warm-Up Activity – “Where in the World?” (10 minutes)

• Begin by projecting the large world map onto the screen or using a printed version distributed across tables.
• Ask:
  • “Where is Australia on the map?”
  • “What do you notice about its location compared to other continents?”
  • “Can you locate Africa and South America?”
• Use sticky notes or small flags to mark the locations of Australia, Africa, and South America on the map.
• Pose a fun question: “What do you think animals like lions in Africa, jaguars in South America, and kangaroos in Australia have in common? Do they live in the same kind of places?”

Purpose: Engage students’ curiosity about the diversity of places and foster geographical thinking.

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2. Guided Exploration – Comparing Countries and Climates (15 minutes)

Step 1: Understanding Africa and South America

• Highlight Kenya (Africa) and Brazil (South America) on the world map.
• Discuss:
  • Kenya: Known for grasslands (savannahs), big cats like lions, and elephants.
  • Brazil: Famous for the Amazon rainforest, piranhas, sloths, and jaguars.
• Show pictures or brief videos of the vegetation and animals.

Step 2: Comparing Australia’s Neighbours

• Highlight neighbouring countries like New Zealand, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.
• Discuss one characteristic for each, e.g., “New Zealand has mountain ranges and native birds like the kiwi,” or “Indonesia is an island archipelago with tropical rainforests.”

Step 3: Australia’s Unique Representation

• Briefly show students how Australia is organised into states and territories. Use a map marked with natural features (e.g., deserts like the Simpson Desert) and human characteristics (e.g., cities like Sydney).

Step 4: Climates of the World

• Explain the concept of global climates (e.g., tropical, desert, temperate).
• Discuss how Kenya has a tropical climate, Brazil has a rainforest climate, and how Australia has a mix of climates, including temperate and desert.

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3. Activity – Mapping and Exploration (15 minutes)

1. Group Work (10 minutes): Divide the class into four groups of five students. Provide each group with:
   • A blank A3 map.
   • Images/descriptions of vegetation, animals, and climates for Kenya, Brazil, New Zealand, and Australia.
   • Instructions to:
     • Mark the location of their assigned country on the map.
     • Decide what type of climate it has.
     • Draw a picture or write 1–2 sentences about the vegetation and animals found there.
2. Quick Presentations (5 minutes): Each group briefly shares their findings.

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4. Closing Reflections – Caring for Country/Place (5 minutes)

• Play a short (1–2 minute) video or share images highlighting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' connection to Country/Place and the importance of sustainability.
• Discuss:
  • “What does it mean to take care of a place?”
  • “How can we care for the places we live in, like Australia?”
  • Encourage students to think about how valuing and respecting nature helps us live sustainably.

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Assessment

• Observe students’ participation during the mapping activity and presentations.
• Assess their understanding of climates, vegetation, and animals through their group work outputs.
• Evaluate their ability to connect the concept of custodial responsibility to sustainability in the reflection activity.

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Extension Ideas

• Research and create a booklet about another neighbouring country of Australia or explore additional African or South American countries.
• Write a creative story about an adventure through the climates and landscapes of the world.
• Investigate the different Aboriginal language groups in students’ local area.

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Differentiation

• For students needing extra support: Pair them with confident peers during activities and provide simplified worksheets with visuals.
• For advanced learners: Challenge them to research an additional country or climate zone independently and present it to the class.

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Conclusion

Through this lesson, students will develop their understanding of the diverse geographical, cultural, and ecological characteristics of places across the world. They will strengthen their comparative and critical thinking skills while gaining an appreciation of sustainable practices inspired by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This interactive, hands-on lesson aligns closely with the Australian Curriculum standards and encourages curiosity, collaboration, and care for our world.