Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand the lifestyle and survival techniques of the First Australians, appreciate their traditional musical instruments and art materials, and create your own boomerang or Aboriginal-inspired artwork.

Materials and Prep

• History of Australians workbook (pages 16-17)
• Pencil and paper
• Optional: Colored pencils or markers

Before starting the lesson, make sure you have read pages 16 and 17 of the History of Australians workbook to familiarize yourself with the topic.

Activities

1. Discuss the lifestyle of the First Australians as nomadic people. Talk about how they relied on the environment to survive and made their own tools for hunting.
2. Show examples of Aboriginal traditional musical instruments and discuss their significance. Encourage the student to listen to recordings or watch videos of Aboriginal music to get a sense of the unique sounds.
3. Introduce Aboriginal art materials, such as ochre pigments and natural brushes. Explain how these materials were used to create meaningful artworks that often depicted stories and cultural symbols.
4. Give the student the option to either design their own boomerang or create an Aboriginal-inspired artwork. Provide guidance and encourage creativity.
5. Once the artwork is complete, ask the student to explain the inspiration behind their design and any cultural elements they incorporated.

Eighth Grade Talking Points

• "The First Australians were nomadic people, which means they did not settle in one place but moved around in search of food and resources."
• "Living off the land was essential for the survival of the First Australians. They had to rely on the environment for food, water, and shelter."
• "The First Australians made their own tools for hunting, such as spears and boomerangs. These tools were carefully crafted to be effective in their hunting techniques."
• "Aboriginal traditional musical instruments, like the didgeridoo and clapsticks, played an important role in their culture. They were used for ceremonies, storytelling, and connecting with the spiritual world."
• "Aboriginal art materials often included natural pigments, like ochre, and brushes made from natural materials. These materials were used to create artworks that represented cultural stories and symbols."
• "Creating your own boomerang or Aboriginal-inspired artwork allows you to explore the creativity and cultural significance of the First Australians. It's a way to connect with their traditions and express your own ideas."