Activity Introduction
Quick summary: Students compare the ancient findings of Aboriginal life at Lake Mungo and findings from the Roman period with our own lives. The focus is on the volume of waste each period generated.
This lesson has been developed as part of the Schools Recycle Right Challenge for Planet Ark’s National Recycling Week. Register your lesson or other activities so they can be counted towards the national achievement and to receive other free support materials.
Learning intention:
- Students understand that the remains from past periods provide clues about how people lived.
- Archaeological sites are extremely valuable and must always be managed and protected.
21st century skills:
Australian Curriculum Mapping
- Year 7 History: The importance of conserving the remains of the ancient past, including the heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. (ACDSEH148)
Additional Cross-curriculum priorities: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures OI.5.
Year level: 7
Time needed: 60 min
Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – Discuss any issues that students bring up.
Resources needed: Computers or tables, Internet, paper for taking notes
Lake Mungo: Detailed information and curriculum is available at https://www.visitmungo.com.au/archaeology.
Assumed prior learning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have occupied Australia for at least 50,000 years. They have a very rich culture. When referencing The Romans, it refers to a period in Europe’s history around 2000 years ago.
Keywords: Archaeologist, archaeology, waste, rubbish, restoration, conservation.
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.
These Planet Ark resources were developed by Cool Australia with funding from the Alcoa Foundation.
Teacher Preparation