Fitzroy River. Defining places The inquiry question for this unit is: · What is a place? The unit develops children’s understanding of the location of the major geographical divisions of the world in relation to Australia and the definition of places as parts of the Earth’s surface that have been given meaning by people, and how places can be defined at a variety of scales. Children will: · use geographical tools (e.g. a globe and world map, or digital application like Google Earth) to locate and name the continents, oceans, equator, North and South Poles, tropics and hemispheres · describe the location of continents relative to Australia using simple geographical terms to describe the direction and location of places such as north, south, opposite, near and far · examine the names of features and places in the local area, the meaning of these names and why they were chosen · investigate the names and meanings given to local features and places by the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples · describe the hierarchy of places from the personal scale of their home through the local scale of their suburb or town, to the regional scale of their state, and the national scale of their country · recognise major geographical divisions of the world.

Geography

• The student has learned the concept of using geographical tools such as a globe, world map, or digital applications like Google Earth to locate and name continents, oceans, equator, North and South Poles, tropics and hemispheres.
• They have developed the ability to describe the location of continents relative to Australia using simple geographical terms to describe the direction and location of places such as north, south, opposite, near and far.
• They have investigated the names and meanings given to local features and places by the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, promoting an understanding of the cultural significance of place names.
• Recognizing major geographical divisions of the world has been achieved, allowing the student to comprehend the global scale of the world's geography.

For continued development, encourage the children to create their own maps, labeling them with the geographical tools they have learned. They can also engage in role-playing activities where they pretend to navigate the world using the concepts they have learned.

Related Educational Toys and Games

• Interactive Talking World Map for Kids by Little Experimenter: A fun and interactive way for kids to learn about geography, continents, countries, and capital cities through touch and sound.
• National Geographic Kids Beginner's World Atlas by National Geographic: An informative and visually appealing atlas designed to introduce young readers to the world and its continents, countries, oceans, and more.
• GeoBingo World - Educational Geography Board Game by GeoToys: A bingo-style game that helps kids learn world geography, with country highlights, flags, and more.

HASS

• Children have developed an understanding of the definition of places as parts of the Earth’s surface that have been given meaning by people and how places can be defined at a variety of scales.
• They can describe the hierarchy of places from the personal scale of their home through the local scale of their suburb or town, to the regional scale of their state, and the national scale of their country.
• By examining the names of features and places in the local area, as well as investigating the names and meanings given to local features and places by the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, they have gained an appreciation for the historical and cultural significance of place names.
• The unit has enabled them to recognize major geographical divisions of the world, fostering a broader understanding of the world's geographical and cultural diversity.

For continued development, encourage the children to explore their local communities, documenting and discussing the different features and places they encounter. They can also engage in discussions about local histories and traditions with family and community members.