Australia's Deep Time History Journey

Exploring 65,000+ Years of First Nations Australian Culture Years 3-7 History South Australian Curriculum

What is Deep Time?

Time periods much longer than human lifespans Thousands and tens of thousands of years Like comparing one day to an entire year First Nations Australians have the world's oldest continuous culture

First Nations Migration Timeline

Mapping First Nations Countries

Look at the map of Australia showing First Nations territories Find your local area - which First Nations group lived here? Notice how the whole continent was home to different groups Each group had their own language, customs, and Country

Archaeological Evidence

Stone tools from 65,000+ years ago Ochre pigments for art and ceremony Shell middens showing what people ate Rock art galleries - some of the world's oldest art

Evidence vs. Oral Traditions

{"left":"Archaeological Evidence: Stone tools, bones, shells, rock art, charcoal from fires","right":"Oral Traditions: Stories passed down through generations, Dreamtime stories, songs and dances, knowledge of Country"}

The Power of Oral Traditions

Stories are not just entertainment - they are libraries of knowledge passed down for thousands of years - First Nations oral traditions preserve history, science, and culture

Timeline Detective

Work in groups to arrange these events in order: First people arrive in Australia Ice Age begins Sea levels rise and Tasmania becomes an island Rock art created at Kakadu Use the evidence cards to help you!

Continuity and Change

Continuity: What stayed the same over thousands of years? Connection to Country, storytelling traditions, use of native plants Change: What changed over time? Climate, sea levels, new tools and techniques

Reflecting on Deep Time

What amazes you most about Australia's deep time history? How do oral traditions help us understand the past? Why is it important to learn about First Nations Australian cultures? What questions do you still have?