Investigating Lake Mungo

Overview

This lesson is designed for Year 7, Stage 4 History students in Australian schools and aligns with the Australian Curriculum: History – ACHHS206. The focus is on introducing students to the Ancient Past and the significance of the Lake Mungo archaeological site, exploring its historical, cultural, and environmental importance. Students will work collaboratively and engage in critical thinking, inquiry skills, and creative tasks throughout a dynamic and interactive 90-minute lesson.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

• Understand the significance of Lake Mungo as part of the ancient history of Australia and its relevance to First Nations Peoples.
• Explain how evidence (e.g., artefacts, skeletal remains) is used to investigate and construct an understanding of the past.
• Begin to develop inquiry and analysis skills by interpreting sources and considering the perspectives of First Nations Peoples.
• Collaboratively create a group response, integrating historical concepts and evidence.

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (15 minutes) – Hook & Context

Objective: Engage students in the historical and cultural significance of Lake Mungo.

1. Visual Hook (5 minutes): Start the lesson with a speculative image reveal activity. Divide the class into groups of 4 and show an image (projected or printed) of the Lake Mungo site, with sections deliberately blurred out or pixelated (e.g., the Mungo skeleton).

   • Ask: “What do you think this might be? Why might it be significant?” Encourage group discussions and predictions.
   • Prompt them to consider location, evidence, and time period to hypothesise connections to Australia’s history.

2. Mini Lesson (10 minutes):

   • Give students a brief historical overview of Lake Mungo as a key archaeological and ceremonial site for the First Nations Peoples of Australia, framing it within its broader historical context (~42,000 years ago).
   • Use a physical timeline in the classroom (attach labels like "Lake Mungo," "Arrival of Europeans," "Modern period") to help hold a discussion about deep time.
   • Highlight key details of the discovery, including the skeletons known as Mungo Lady and Mungo Man, the world's oldest cremation site, and the significance of oral traditions in preserving historical knowledge.

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2. Body (60 minutes) – Source Analysis & Class Activities

Objective: Develop students' critical thinking through the interpretation of evidence relating to the ancient past.

Activity 1: “Uncovering the Past” Group Source Investigation (30 minutes)

1. Setup:
   Distribute a Source Kit (one per table), including:

   • Image of Mungo Lady/Mungo Man alongside burial sites.
   • Map of the Lake Mungo basin.
   • Written transcript of oral stories from the Paakantji, Ngyiampaa, and Mutthi Mutthi Peoples.
   • Scientific data explaining the age of the discoveries and their cultural context.

2. Task:
   Each group will be tasked with examining the sources and completing a worksheet with the following sections:

   • What questions does this source raise?
   • What does it tell you about life in ancient Australia?
   • Why might this be important for understanding Australian history?
     Groups then prepare a 2-minute presentation summarising their findings and perspectives.

3. Class Share:
   Groups will share key insights, and the teacher will guide a discussion on the multi-disciplinary ways we study the past: Indigenous oral history, archaeology, environmental science.

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Activity 2: Perspective Writing – “A Message from Mungo” (20 minutes)

1. Setup:
   Individual creative writing task. Ask students to imagine they are either:

   • A First Nations person explaining the cultural significance of Lake Mungo to young community members.
   • A modern archaeologist discussing the discovery during an interview.

2. Task:
   Students write a short article or diary entry (~150 words), incorporating historical evidence from the class activities (e.g., skeletal finds, cultural practices, oral history).

3. Class Share:
   Invite volunteers to read their entries. Use this time to celebrate creativity and link back to historical themes.

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3. Conclusion (15 minutes) – Reflection & Wrap-Up

Objective: Encourage reflection on key learnings and reinforce the importance of preserving history.

1. Think-Pair-Share (10 minutes): Ask students to answer the following questions:

   • What was the most interesting thing you learned today?
   • Why do you think understanding Lake Mungo is important?
   • How can we ensure ancient sites like Lake Mungo remain valued and preserved?
     Allow students to jot down their thoughts individually, share with their partner, and finally contribute to a class discussion.

2. Quick Quiz (5 minutes):
   Conduct a brief review quiz using questions about the day’s key points:

   • Where is Lake Mungo located?
   • Who are the traditional custodians of the Lake Mungo area?
   • What is significant about Mungo Lady and Mungo Man?
     Keep the tone fun and engaging, using visuals or props for extra interaction.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Formative assessment through group presentations (source analysis).
• Written reflection in the creative Perspective Writing activity.
• Questioning and quiz during the conclusion to assess understanding of key concepts.

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Resources Needed

1. Projector/Smart Board for visuals.
2. Physical or digital “Source Kits” (images, maps, oral history texts, scientific data summaries).
3. Reflection worksheets for group and individual tasks.
4. Whiteboard/markers for timeline and class discussions.

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Links to Australian Curriculum

This lesson aligns with the following key components:

• ACHHS205 (Comprehension and use of sources): Students analyse and interpret different types of sources to understand ancient Australia.
• ACHHS206 (Perspectives and interpretations): Students consider how different perspectives contribute to our understanding of Lake Mungo.
• ACHHS207 (Collaboration and communication): Through group discussion and class sharing, students practise presenting evidence-based findings.

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Extension/Homework Option

• Ask students to create a mini-poster or infographic about Lake Mungo’s significance using their notes and research from today’s lesson.
• Provide a video suggestion for homework (e.g., a clip about Mungo Man from a documentary) and ask them to summarise 3 interesting facts.

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Classroom Atmosphere

Make the lesson interactive by fostering curiosity and empathy through practical activities, group work, and creative discussions. This approach helps students develop cultural awareness and a deeper appreciation for First Nations histories.

The vibrancy of exploring Australia’s deep past at Lake Mungo brings the concept of ancient history closer to home for Year 7 students while building essential skills for historical inquiry.