australia unit - teller elementary...
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Teller Elementary: Passion Pursuit
1. Research the theories about Australia's geological beginnings. Present your findings to the class. Do you believe in the theory of plate tectonics?
2. Centuries before Australia’s existence was proven, early European mapmakers thought that it had to be there. They imagined that for the weight of Europe and Asia to be globally balanced, a great land mass must be present. They called it “Terra Australis Incognita” (Latin for Unknown South Land) and represented it on ancient maps. It was not until the 17th Century that any European actually saw the continent. Research one of the following people who came to Australia early on and determine the accomplishment and importance of that individual.
William Jansz William Dampier Marion DufresneMatthew Flinders Abel Tasman James CookEdward John Eyre Captain Arthur Phillip
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3. Australia is the smallest continent in the world and the only continent that is also a country. Using the map on the final page, complete the following map study.
Label the seas surrounding Australia. Label the states and territories. Locate and label the Great Barrier Reef. Locate the capital city and other major cities. Label other major sites that you find as you research Australia. Include Australia’s natural resources.
4. Choose a place in Australia where you would like to live and give at least 5 reasons why.
5. Go to http://www2.lhric.org/pocantico/australia/australia.htm for a variety of activities and resources.
6. Research the Australian flag and read what the flag's symbols mean. Design a new flag for Australia and tell the class why you chose the colors and symbols that you included.
7. Two of Australia's more famous animals are the koala bear and the kangaroo. Both are marsupials. What is a marsupial? Research both animals and create a way to show how these animals are similar and how they are different.
8. Another Australian native is the platypus. When it was first discovered, it was thought to be a hoax. What makes this creature so unique? What other animals share its most unusual trait?
9. 83% of Australia’s mammals, 89% of its reptiles, 90% of its fish and insects, and 93% of its amphibians are unique to Australia. Find out why!
10. Try to visit a local zoo and/or museum. At the zoo, locate and study animals native to Australia. At the museum, make sketches of the animals in the Australia exhibit.
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11. Research Australia's history. Make a timeline to represent the country's major events.
12. Research Australia's customs, traditions, holidays, and foods. Create a novel way to share your findings with the class. Perhaps make an Australian meal or dish for the class.
13. Make a travel poster, commercial, or travel brochure telling people why they should visit Australia.
14. Plan a trip to Australia. Where would you go? What would you see and do? How would you get around? Where would you stay? How much would this trip cost?
15. Read a book about Australia and create a story map or another type of alternative book report. Here are a few ideas. See your librarian for more titles appropriate to your reading level.
Dingoes at Dinnertime (Magic Tree House, No. 20) by Mary Pope Osborne: Wildfire! That's what Jack and Annie are up against when they are whisked away to the land of Australia. And they're not alone! Jack and Annie must help a baby kangaroo and a koala escape from a fire-filled forest. Will they be able to rescue the animals in time?
The Mystery on the Great Barrier Reef: Sydney, Australia (Around the World in 80 Mysteries) by Carole Marsh.
The Magic School Bus Chapter B ook #10: Expedition Down Under by Rebecca Carmi: Ms. Frizzle and the kids go all out in the outback. Catch up on all the amazing facts about the animals Down Under!
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Quicksand Pony by Alison Lester: This is a gripping adventure story, a tale of survival, an engaging mystery, a touching animal story, and a family saga. All of these elements are held together by a wonderful sense of place and incorporate important yet subtly delivered themes of resilience, independence, and dependence.
In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson: Every time Bill Bryson walks out the door, memorable travel literature threatens to break out. In A Sunburned Country is his report on what he found in an entirely different place: Australia, the country that doubles as a continent, and a place with the friendliest inhabitants, the hottest, driest weather, and the most peculiar and lethal wildlife to be found on the planet. The result is a deliciously funny, fact-filled, and adventurous performance by a writer who combines humor, wonder, and unflagging curiosity.
Walkabout by James Vance Marshall: Stranded in the Australian outback, Mary and her younger brother Peter are the only survivors of an air crash. Facing death from exhaustion and starvation they are befriended by an Aboriginal boy who helps them to survive and guides them on their journey. Walkabout is a haunting children's classic which looks at survival and the clash of cultures.
Don’t Pat the Wombat by Elizabeth Honey: Mark Ryder gives us the good, the bad, and the messy in this antic account of his friends’ misadventures during a week of school-camp in the Australian Outback. Camp is everything the boys expect and more–there are caves to explore, mud fights, bad showers, great food, hidden candy, wombats, and leeches. Then disaster strikes: Mr. Cromwell (a.k.a. Crom the Bomb, or simply The Bomb) arrives as a substitute chaperon. The boys are sure their summer is ruined. But in the end, it’s what the boys do to The Bomb that sets off an explosion.
16. Catch up on Australian’s current events. Write your response to a controversial issue facing Australia today.
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17. Two famous Australian songs can be found on YouTube; Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport and Waltzing Matilda. If music is your thing, try to compose your own song about Australian culture.
18. What is Australia’s relationship to/with Great Britain?
19. Who are the indigenous people of Australia? What is their history with European settlers? With parent permission, read Rabbit-proof Fence by Doris Pilkington.
20. Research the Aboriginal culture. Compare their history with the history of Native Americans in our country.
21. Create a piece of artwork in the style of Bronwyn Bancroft. While you are researching her, check out the books that she has written and illustrated.
22. What is dreamtime? What might dreaming compare to in other cultures?
23. Complete the fun sheets that follow!
24. Any other great ideas? See your teacher!
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G’day, Mate!While English is spoken in Australia, it is made up of colorful slang and idioms. See if you can match the Australian slang to its meaning.
_____stickybeak a. all wrong
_____onkus b. man
_____hooroo c. Aboriginal festival
_____fair dinkum d. a good party
_____furphy e. small can used for boiling water for tea
_____billabong f. good buddy, friend
_____fangs g. Australia
_____jumbuck h. small pond or waterhole
_____beano i. tramp
_____lolly j. good-bye
_____billy k. ears
_____lugs l. absolutely true
_____corroboree m. busybody, nosy person
_____cobber n. rumor
_____swagman o. sweets, candy, lollipop
_____bloke p. fingernails
_____Oz q. food
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_____tucker r. sheep
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The plants and animals of Australia are, for the most part, unique to Australia. Most exist naturally nowhere else in the world. Match Australia’s flora (plants) and fauna (animals) with their appropriate categories.
Wombat _____
Gecko _____
Cassowary _____
Banksia _____
Platypus _____
Wattle _____
Jarrah _____
Kangaroo _____
Trepang _____
Goanna _____
Dugong _____
Bandicoot _____
Budgerigar _____
Skink _____
Kookaburra _____
Karri _____
Wallaby _____
Waratah _____
Echidna _____
Koala _____
Gum _____
Categoriesa. Flowerb. Egg-laying mammalc. Marsupiald. Treee. Lizardf. Birdg. Sea animal
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