Blog 2

Year 4
Geography

What we are learning

Your child will be learning within the topic of geography about the environment and sustainability. We will be addressing the issue of “the use and management of natural resources and waste, and the different views on how to do this sustainably” (Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority [ACARA], 2018a, ACHASSK090). We will also be developing skills in the areas of “posing questions to investigate…issues” (ACARA, 2018a, ACHASSI073) and “locating and collecting information and data from different sources, including observations” (ACARA, 2018 a, ACHASSI074). We will also be exploring the general capability of ethical understanding outlined in the Australian curriculum (2018b) that students will explore ethical concepts, values, traits, and reasoning to assist judgement. The cross-curriculum priority of sustainability will also be involved in this unit as students “develop the knowledge, skills, values and world views necessary to contribute to more sustainable patterns of living” (ACARA, 2018c).

Photo sourced from VectorStock.com

Why we are learning this

Learning about the environment and sustainability is an important part of your child’s education as this content will enable them to understand and consider the impact that is being made by individuals and communities on the environment. MCEETYA (2008) highlights sustainability as a key aspect of your child becoming an active and involved citizen. This learning journey will educate your child about the variety of resources that are available naturally and the importance of sustainability and its impact on the Earth. While learning this content, your child will also be exposed to situations which will develop their ability to create and answer appropriate, thoughtful questions. By the end of this unit, your child should be able to integrate sustainable practices into their days.

How we are learning

We will be learning about resources and sustainability through a lesson sequence provided by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) of Tasmania. The lessons in this sequence are aligned with the Australian curriculum, ensuring that your child will be learning according to the guidelines of education. This learning sequence focuses on plastics and their effect on the environment, also outlining alternatives to plastics and how to reduce, reuse, and recycle (Environmental Protection Authority [EPA], 2013). Through this sequence, the class will be investigating commonly used plastics (such as plastic bottles) and what happens to these items after they have been used, outlining things such as plastic in the sea and micro plastics. Art lessons will also be incorporated into this learning sequence to highlight reusing resources in creative ways.

Your role

Throughout this unit, I ask that you encourage your child to investigate and ask questions about the resources that are being used in your home and community. This is inquiry learning and will help them to develop the skills that we are focusing on in class. Also, as your child comes home with ideas about sustainability and lifestyle options, I ask that you endeavour to apply these into your lives to help your child explore the application of sustainable practices.

References (Minimum of 2 references in APA format – not included in Word count)

Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority. (2018b). Ethical understanding. Retrieved from the Australian curriculum website: https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/f-10-curriculum/general-capabilities/ethical-understanding/

Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority. (2018a). HASS. Retrieved from the Australian curriculum website: https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/f-10-curriculum/humanities-and-social-sciences/hass/

Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority. (2018c). Sustainability. Retrieved from the Australian curriculum website: https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/f-10-curriculum/cross-curriculum-priorities/sustainability/

Environmental Protection Agency. (2013). Plastic waste teaching resource. Retrieved from the Environmental Protection Agency website: https://epa.tas.gov.au/sustainability/resources-for-schools/waste-education/plastic-waste-teaching-resource
MCEETYA. (2008). Melbourne declaration on educational goals for young Australians. Retrieved from http://www.curriculum.edu.au/verve/_resources/National_Declaration_on_the_Educational_Goals_for_Young_Australians.pdf