Welcome again to our Y3 Blog as we discuss our Geography and Citizenship learning.
In this learning sequence we are taking a deeper look at the natural features of our great country Australia. We will be investigating some of the amazing natural elements of our continent utilising a range of sources such as books, photographs, videos and programs such as Google Earth to locate images and information about these natural elements. This links in with some of the inquiry questions located in the Humanities and Social Sciences curriculum, continuing our learning within this area.
We will then be narrowing our scope to the marvellous natural features of Tasmania, and comparing how some of our natural elements are similar or different to others in Australia - for example our Tarkine Rainforest and the Daintree Rainforest in Northern Queensland or our Tamar River and the Murray River in Victoria/New South Wales.
As we investigate the similarities and differences, students will demonstrate their learning in creating a profile detailing the characteristics of a local natural feature. This will include it's location on a map, a description and images of the natural feature. This enquiry-based learning opportunity also develops General Capabilities of Literacy and Critical and Creative Thinking as they select and analyse information sources and compose Geography-specific texts themselves.
We will also continue our Citizenship learning as we enquire into ways we can be active in conserving and maintaining some of our local natural elements.
We will be undertaking a class vote to choose between some of the local natural areas investigated by students and once decided, we will be participating in a Schools Clean Up (in conjunction with Clean Up Australia) excursion to our chosen location to clean up the area of litter and rubbish.
In this way, our students are not only contributing actively in a local community project but they are linking their learning about their local natural environment to a real-world location. This is an example of active learning, where students learning through active participation, not simply hearing or seeing someone else's perspective. Teaching and learning in this way encourages deeper connections between content and children's own lives which fosters a developed and rich understanding.
Following our excursion, student's will be compiling photographs of the day along with their own reflections for display in our classroom. These photographs and reflections will highlight student's understandings of how their efforts contributed to the protection of our local natural area whilst also linking to the cross curriculum priority of Sustainability.
Throughout this diverse learning sequence, students are developing knowledge and skills across a range of Australian Curriculum areas including:
This learning sequence is designed to create a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural elements of our great country as well as our local area. If you are able, I encourage you to join us in exploring and investigating our local natural elements. It could be as simple as a walk through the Gorge or perhaps cruise on the Tamar but these experiences all contribute to your child's learning through authentic experiences that consolidate understanding. Furthermore, if you would like to join us on our Schools Clean Up excursion we would love your help.
Thank you for partnering with our class in this way!
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References
Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (2016). Australian Curriculum: Foundation to year 10 curriculum:HASS, Year 3 (Version 8.3). Retrieved from http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/download/f10
CQNews. (2016, June 30). Students clean up for environment. Retrieved from https://www.cqnews.com.au/news/students-clean-up-for-environment/3054589/
Ignatius Park College. (2019, March 4). Clean Up Australia Day. Retrieved from https://www.ipc.qld.edu.au/clean-up-australia-day/
Into The Wild Films (2016, August 6). Natural Wonders of Australia [Video File] Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWan2YcodSM
Ignatius Park College. (2019, March 4). Clean Up Australia Day. Retrieved from https://www.ipc.qld.edu.au/clean-up-australia-day/
Into The Wild Films (2016, August 6). Natural Wonders of Australia [Video File] Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWan2YcodSM
Marsh, C., Clarke, M., & Pittaway, S. (2014). Marsh’s becoming a teacher (6th ed.). Frenchs Forest, NSW: Pearson.
Morrison, C. D. (2014). From 'Sage on the Stage' to 'Guide on the Side': A Good Start. I Morrison, C. D. (2014). From 'Sage on the Stage' to 'Guide on the Side': A Good Start. International Journal For The Scholarship Of Teaching & Learning, 8(1), 1.
Tea Collection. (2019). Destination: Australia, Inspirational Photos & Stories. Retrieved from https://i.pinimg.com/originals/17/fe/bb/17febb3c44047a1cb290f53a8c123cc0.jpg
Vladimira, H. (2014). Projecting and Methods of Active Learning in Primary and Pre-Primary Education. Procedia, social and behavioral sciences, 112, 806-812.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.01.1234
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ReplyDeleteHi Reuben,
ReplyDeleteLike the previous two blogs, I like the way you embedded the images and video in your blog. Also, you did a good job of articulating what the students will learn, and what pedagogies that you will use and how parents/carers could be involved in the learning process.
When you mentioned Clean up Australia, I want to get more information about it, so clicked the clickable words you put there, but it showed the site can’t be reached, you may want to double check it and fix it.
Here are some suggestions and questions:
1. Like previous blogs, in-text reference.
2. Like previous blogs, CCPs and GCs integration.
3. Font size of reference list.
4. Small errors in reference list.
5. In the second last paragraph, you wrote: “will hopefully inspire others in our school community to do the same”, actually I didn’t see how to achieve this goal by what you have done.
6. I just realized that you didn’t greet at the beginning of your blogs, I think it might be better to do so because your audience is parents/carers.
Kind regards
Mary
Hi Reuben
ReplyDeleteFirstly, I like your use of images. It gave your blog some nice colour. I agree with Mary that there needs to be a welcoming statement into your blog post, as it is designed for parents/carers.
You have mentioned what the students will be learning about in your first couple of paragraphs, but to me it is not really clear what type of activities the students will be doing. I think you need to include an example of a task the students might complete, that could somehow be assessed. For example, you have said ‘We will locate and utilise a range of sources including books, photographs, videos and programs such as Google Earth’. But what are you planning on doing with the information you find? Here is where you could give an example. Maybe they could create a small portfolio?? I just think there is something missing here, even if it as simple as having a class discussion. I hope what I have said makes sense.
I like the clean up Australia day idea, which also shows the students how important it is to look after and care for these areas. I also like your justification on why this is a good idea (authentic) and the class activities that follow.
Overall, good job. :)
Sophie
Hi Reuben,
ReplyDeleteGreat blog post! Your layout is really interesting and engaging and looks professional and confident.
I wasn't sure which grade this is for (something I also need to add to my posts). I imagine that the photo compilation will be in some way the assessment, but it might be good to state this explicitly. Or if it's not the assessment then it would be good to include an explanation of how you will assess their learning.
Your progression from national to local from the geographical perspective is great, and the practical application of this learning using the Clean Up Australia activity is a great idea.
Cheers,
Lea