Activity: Ancient and modern energy sources – fire and electricity

Quick summary: Students will explore the ways in which Aboriginal and Torres Islander peoples interacted with one of their environment’s key natural energy resources – fire. They will also investigate the ways in which electrical energy does some of the jobs previously achieved by fire, and will explore fire safety.

Activity developed in partnership with 

Hydro Tasmania has been at the forefront of clean energy innovation for one hundred years. It is Australia’s largest producer of clean energy – generating hydro and wind power – and the largest water manager. Hydro Tasmania has 55 major dams, operates 30 hydropower stations and has built some of Australia’s largest wind farms.

Hydro Tasmania also sells energy in the National Electricity Market through its retail business Momentum Energy, and sells its expertise internationally through its consulting business Entura. Visit the Hydro Tasmania website to learn how the business is working towards Australia’s clean energy future.

Learning goals:

• Students understand that fire is an energy source that shaped the histories and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Islander peoples prior to colonisation.
• Students recognise fire and electricity as two sources of energy that involve certain hazards that must be approached responsibly.

General capabilities: Literacy, Critical and creative thinking, Ethical understanding, ICT skills.

Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability OI.8., Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures OI.5, OI.6.

Australian Curriculum content descriptions:

Year 3 History

• ONE important example of change and ONE important example of continuity over time in the local community, region or state/territory; for example, in relation to the areas of transport, work, education, natural and built environments, entertainment, daily life (ACHHK061).

Year 4 History

• The diversity of Australia’s first peoples and the long and continuous connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to Country/Place (land, sea, waterways and skies) (ACHASSK083)

Year 3 & 4 HPE

• Identify and practise strategies to promote health, safety and wellbeing (ACPPS036).
• Describe strategies to make the classroom and playground healthy, safe and active spaces (ACPPS040).

Syllabus Outcomes: HT2-1, HT2-2, HT2-3, HT2-4, HT2-5,  SLS2.13 

Topic: Hydro Tasmania, Energy.

Time required: 60 mins.

Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – oversee activity.

Resources required: Internet access, double-sided copies of the Ancient and modern energy sources – student worksheet (one copy per group).

Digital technology opportunities: Digital sharing capabilities.

Homework and extension opportunities: Includes opportunities for homework and extension.

Keywords: Aboriginal and Torres Islander peoples, fire, electricity, Hydro Tasmania.

Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.