Caring for Dharawal Country
HSIE Science and Technology
This excursion invites students to explore Dharawal Country and discover the deep connections between people, land, plants, and animals. Through hands-on and sensory learning experiences, students investigate Aboriginal resources and places while gaining an appreciation of sustainable living and Caring for Country.
Site options
| 10:00 | Introduction and Acknowledgement of Country (crunch and sip and toilets if needed) |
| 10:20 | Examine Aboriginal artefacts and preserved animals and consider their uses and materials |
| 10:50 | Play Aboriginal games using natural materials |
| 11:20 | Recess and toilets |
| 11:40 |
Explore plant uses on a bushwalk and use senses to observe natural features Paint with ochre and use natural fibres for weaving |
| 1:00 | Lunch and toilets |
| 1:30 | Make a model Gunyah and listen to a Dreaming Story relevant to the site |
| 2:00 | Conclusion and depart |
* There may be variations to timetable based on specific location, group size and weather
Tier 2:
art, connection, Cultural identity, resources, Sustainability, Interconnectedness
Tier 3:
Country, on-Country, dance, ochre, smoking ceremony, song, Totems, artefacts
Science and Technology, Geography, History K-6 Syllabus (2017)
Outcomes
Science and Technology
- identifies how plants and animals are used for food and fibre products ST1-5LW-T
- describes how the properties of materials determine their use ST1-7MW-T
- recognises observable changes occurring in the sky and on the land and identifies Earth’s resources ST1-10ES-SContent
Geography
- describes features of places and the connections people have with places GE1-1
- identifies ways in which people interact with and care for places GE1-2
History
- identifies and describes significant people, events, places and sites in the local community over time HT1-2
HSIE K-6 Syllabus (2024)
People are connected to places and groups
Outcomes
- describes interactions between Aboriginal Peoples and Country HS1-ACH-01
- describes ways people connect to and care for places, water environments and each other, using geographical information HS1-GEO-01
Content
Aboriginal Peoples have a responsibility to Country
- Describe ways in which Aboriginal Peoples use Knowledge of land, water and sky Country in everyday life
- Recognise Aboriginal Peoples’ responsibility to Country can incorporate physical, spiritual and Cultural connections
- Identify ways that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples value water Country and Place
People care for Australia's water environments
- Identify ways that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples value water Country and Place
People engage in active citizenship by working together to care for places and each other
- Participate in the school or local community by caring for places and others
People learn about the past by engaging with stories, images, objects and sites
Outcomes
- describes interactions between Aboriginal Peoples and Country HS1-ACH-01
Content
Aboriginal Peoples have rich and diverse Cultures and Histories
- Locate and discuss objects and sites that evidence Aboriginal Peoples as the oldest living continuous Cultures in the world
- Identify and describe significant Aboriginal sites across NSW and relate them to Dreaming Stories
- Identify ways in which Aboriginal Peoples share and celebrate their Cultures and Histories
"All of the hands on activities were really memorable for the kids and I believe this will make it a breeze to make lots of connections to our prior and future learning. The Caring for Country activities, in particular the bush walk, really helped students to appreciate nature and have an understanding for living on Dharawal Country and what that means."