Australia's First Nations Journey

Name:

Date:

📚 Part 1: Multiple Choice

1. Approximately when did First Nations peoples first arrive on the continent of Sahul?

40,000 years ago

65,000 years ago

80,000 years ago

100,000 years ago

2. What is stratigraphy in archaeology?

The study of DNA in ancient bones

The study of rock layers and what they contain

The study of ancient climate patterns

The study of ancient languages

3. Which methods do scientists use to learn about early First Nations peoples? (Select all that apply)

DNA analysis from ancient remains

Studying layers of soil and rock (stratigraphy)

Carbon dating of artefacts

Written records from 65,000 years ago

4. What was Sahul?

A large island that included present-day Australia and New Guinea

The name of the first Aboriginal settlement

An ancient river system

A type of stone tool

✏️ Part 2: Short Response Questions

5. Explain how DNA studies help scientists understand the journey of First Nations peoples to Australia.

6. Complete the sentence: When archaeologists dig down through different layers of soil and rock, the _____________ layers contain _____________ evidence of human activity.

7. Describe two major changes that occurred to the Australian landscape since First Nations peoples arrived 65,000 years ago.

8. Why is the arrival of First Nations peoples to Australia considered such an extraordinary achievement in human history?

🎨 Part 3: Creative Thinking

9. Imagine you are an archaeologist who has just discovered a new site with evidence of early First Nations peoples. Draw and label what you might find in different layers of soil.

10. In your own words, explain what "deep time history" means and why it's important for understanding Australia's past.