Activity:

Investigate our Neighbours!

Targeted year
Year 3, Geography (Asia and Australia's
level:
engagement with Asia)
Overview of Activity
In this activity students will explore the location of Australias
neighbouring countries through a hands on activity that allows the
students to investigate their diverse characteristics. This provides a
good opportunity to practice researching.
Learning Objectives
In this activity students will:
Utilise an atlas to find the location of New Zealand, the Pacific
Island nations, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and Indonesia.
Use a compass to identify the direction of each country
(ACMMG044) from Brisbane, Australia and record in a table
(ACHGK016)
Investigate the similarities and difference between the
landscape and buildings using ICT. (ACHGK016)
Learning Intention
Through this lesson students will use spatial reasoning to navigate a
world map to identify the direction of travel our neighbours are. To
then investigate a chosen destination.
Literacy & Numeracy Requirements
Literacy:
Numeracy:
Students analyse and identify
Students utilise a table to record
informative texts to research a
and organise simple information
chosen topic whilst navigating
ACMSP069)
websites efficiently. (ACELY1679), Students interpret a map to find
(ACELA1790)
the direction from Brisbane.
(ACMMG044)
General Capabilities:
Numeracy: Using spatial reasoning to navigate the atlas and find
positions on the map and the direction from Brisbane. (ACMMG044)

Background Knowledge
To complete this lesson students require the background knowledge
of:
How to use a Compass, and identify directions.
How to use an Atlas to locate a country.
Work in a collaborative group setting.
How to effectively and efficiently use Google, and be safe on
the Internet.

Resources

World Map
Ribbon
Pins
Compass
ICT resources
Atlas

Assessment
Of:
For: Whilst students are mapping and researching educators can
provide feedback, observe and probe students to understand their
thinking through questions like: If we know if Indonesia is to the
northwest, which is left of us and New Zealand is to right, what
direction is that?, What makes these facts interesting?, are they
similar to life here?
As:
Modification
Diverse needs: Through the eye colour students are paired in
mixed abilities, which assists with learning needs and allows
for ZPD to occur. School officer can also provide assistance.
If a student is unable to operate ICT due to diverse needs,
school officer may provide assistance.
For physically impaired students unable to manipulate pins,
peers will be able to assist and move pins for them.