People and Their Beliefs

Water a Precious Resource

(An Integrated Unit)

Stage 3

Quality Teaching

This unit implements the “Quality teaching in NSW public School Discussion Paper” as it fosters:

· Intellectual Quality by using Blooms and Multiple Intelligences so that Intellectual Quality is encouraged.

· A Quality Learning Environment by encouraging children to be engaged as a variety of learning styles are considered and catered for, with all activities having a high expectation.

· Significance as the children are; provided with background information, cultural knowledge, and knowledge integration while engaging in activities throughout the unit.

Multiple

IntelligencesBloom’s Taxonomy: Six Thinking Levels

Knowing

Understanding

Applying

Analysing

Creating

Evaluating

Verbal

I enjoy reading, writing & speaking

7. Class divided into groups read information books, magazines. internet about Salinity and the Murray Darling River.

8. Make a crossword puzzle about the issue of Salinity and the Murray Darling River. Students can publish this on a crossword site.

16.Examine the man made structures (dams) built in river environments. What problems they overcame and what problems did they bring- explain this in an oral presentation.

25A to C.

Write an information report about the Murray Darling River and the importance of quality water.

Rigorous Assessment Tasks (RAT)

28. Invent a machine to improve water quality.

29. Invent a machine that saves water.

30. Design a magazine or book cover about the Murray Darling River.

31. Create a model of the Murray Darling river in ten years times if the problems are not solved.

32. Create a model of life a fish or other species living in the Murray Darling River in 2006.

33. Create a model of the Murray Darling River before European Settlement.

34. Design a new CD cover for a music group with an environmental cause about water.

35. Use a computer program- PowerPoint. Kids pix to create an electronic information book or narrative about the Murray Darling River.

36. Conduct a debate about “the state of our civilization can be judged by the quality of our rivers”. Complete Facts/opinion graphic organizer evaluate debate.

Mathematical

I enjoy working with numbers & science

1. Locate and label the different oceans and rivers on a world map.

2. Identify rivers within the Murray Darling Basin.

3. Longitude/latitude game

12. Conduct experiments about Salinity. See Insalting Problem Reference in Website list. Explain how salinity impacts upon ecosystems by preparing a flow chart.

22 Make an ecosystem- ant farm, fish tank using 2L drink bottles etc. Gould League activities (appendix)

23. Keep a log book- observations to analyse movement, eating habits etc.

37. Investigate the species diversity of an area using random sampling techniques and a quadrant. Present a report on biodiversity.

Visual

I enjoy painting drawing & visualising

4. Watch the video ‘ More than a River.

5. Write a list about the main messages after watching the video.

9A. Paint a scene depicting major issues facing Murray Darling River.

9B: Make a cartoon strip about the Murray’s problems.

21 Make a diorama using the information about the Murray Darling Basic Habitat when new species are introduced.

Make a flow chart to illustrate the impact the new species will have upon your ecosystem.

38. Complete Future Wheel on the Murray Darling River and its environmental issues.

Kinaesthetic

I enjoy doing hands-on activities

10. Test the quality of water from different sources. List the quality of the water by using temperature, ph

11. Explain the impact of ph and temperature on different species.

11A/B: Scientific Log- Journal.

17. Construct a model of to show how dams and farming (irrigation) have damaged the water system- Murray Darling Basin

17. Complete a Venn Diagram- to analyse the impact humans have had on the water ways in Australia.

39. Prepare a list of criteria to judge habitats created.

Musical

I enjoy making & listening to music

Students in groups

read and perform the

Mighty Murray Musical.

(On ongoing throughout

the unit in drama time)

13. Write a rap with an important environmental message about water conservation.

19. Collect examples of music with an environmental message.

20. Review one of the songs in terms of its effectiveness conveying its message, reasons instruments selected.

40. Perform your musical and rap- discuss the effectiveness conveying their environmental message.

Interpersonal

I enjoy working with others

14. Provide a definition for an ecosystem and biodiversity. Cut out pictures of cut/paste word doc different ecosystems around the world.

24. Make up a puzzle game about Water.

27. Make a board game about the Murray Darling River and the issues facing Australia if the water quality and supply continues to be damaged over time.

41. Choose, decide board games effectively achieved their goals. Make a rubric to determine this.

Intrapersonal

I enjoy working by myself

6. Listen to the Dreamtime Stories about the Murray Darling River on the computer: http://www.dreamtime.net.au/creation/index.cfm.

18. Explain by writing a letter to an Australian in another generation how their actions have damages our water system.

15. Make a scrapbook about Water Conservation and the Murray Darling River.

Write a letter to the local government explaining your concern about the Murray Darling River.

26. Design a questionnaire to determine how much water your family uses at home and if they use it wisely.

42A.Write a letter advising on changes needs either way we use water or to Murray Darling River.

42B. Mapping Assessment.

Overview:

This unit provides opportunities for students to explore water. The unit will teach children about the importance of water quality and how humans can determine if their rivers are healthy now and into the future by ways in which they interact with their environment. The unit focuses heavily upon teaching children to identify the current issues facing the Murray Darling River and the ways in which humans have caused many of its problems.

The children as a result of the unit will be able to:

· Identify the difference between fresh and sea water.

· Identify the different water sources (rivers and oceans) on a world map.

· Recognise that there is more sea water than fresh water available.

· Understand that humans need to save water.

· Identify ways humans can save water.

· Identify how humans can stop destroying their water system.

· Test the quality of water.

· Build and understand what an ecosystem is and what systems come into play.

· Learn specifically about the Murray Darling River.

· Identify the problems facing the Murray Darling River.

· Listen to Aboriginal Dreamtime Stories about the Murray Darling River.

· Understand the crisis for humans without a quality water supply.

· Identify possible solutions to the problems facing Australia’s water quality and supply.

Overview:

This unit provides opportunities for students to explore water. The unit will teach children about the importance of water quality and how humans can determine if their rivers are healthy now and into the future by way in which they interact with their environment. The unit focuses heavily upon teaching children to identify the current issues facing the Murray Darling River and the ways in which humans have caused many of its problems.

Learning Experiences for Water is a Precious Resource Unit

Task

Black line Masters

Register

1

1A: Locate the different oceans around the world using an atlas- world map.

1B: Complete a KWL chart about Water Issues and the Murray Darling River.

2

Locate and label the different rivers within the Murray Basin

3

3A:Play the longitude and latitude games to identify the major towns in the Murray Darling Basin. 3B: Game Recording Sheet.

4

More than a River Video- Basin Commission

5

Listing the main messages within the video.

6

The Murray Darling River- The Dreamtime Story.

7

Research Study: Murray Darling River

8

Crossword Puzzles and Salinity

9

9B: Cartoon Strips- The Murray

10

Experiments- Testing Water Quality- Sites for teacher reference.

11

Water Quality and its Impact- Science Log/Journal- Record Observations.

12

12A: Salinity Experiment ( See Insalting Problem- Website References)

13

Rap Murray Music

14

Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Pictures- A Computer Task 14A to 14F.

15

Scrapbook- No Black line Masters

16

Dams-Built Environments Example: http://www.beg.utexas.edu/education/aquitank/tank01.htm

17

Model Making- No Black line Master

18

Letter with a Cause

Overview:

This unit provides opportunities for students to explore water. The unit will teach children about the importance of water quality and how humans can determine if their rivers are healthy now and into the future by way in which they interact with their environment. The unit focuses heavily upon teaching children to identify the current issues facing the Murray Darling River and the ways in which humans have caused many of its problems.

Learning Experiences for Water is a Precious Resource Unit

Task

Black line Masters

Register

19

Music with a Message- No Black line Master

20

Reviewing Music

21

Diorama’s and Habitats 21A and 21B

22

Building an Ecosystem

23

Scientific Log Book- No Black Line Master- See site:www.sciencebuddies.org

24

Puzzle Game – No Black Line Master

25

Information Report 25A to 25C.

26

Water Usage Questionnaire- No Black Line Master

27

Board Game

28

Invent a Machine- Improve Water Quality

29

Invent a Machine –Saves Water

30

Design a Magazine Cover- Murray Darling

31

Model Making- Problems of the Murray

32

Model Habitat Species in the Murray

33

Model Making European Settlement

34

Design a CD Cover

35

Computer Creations- Electronic Book – No Black line Master

36

Debate: No Black line Master

37

Biodiversity- Sampling

38

Future Wheel: Murray Darling River

39

Judging Habitats- No Black line Master

40

No Black line Master

41

Rubric Creation

42

Letter with a Recommendations

Websites for Teachers to Research Background

Teachers need to check the suitability of the websites for their class/school based upon cultural, parental and school expectations. Websites change frequently so teachers need to vigilantly review them to assess ongoing suitability.

Four Corners- The Water Shortage Problem- Australia

· http://abc.net.au/4corners/special_eds/20050209/default_3.htm

Repairing Wetlands MDB

· http://www.deh.gov.au/minister/env/2001/mr9jan01.html

Resources for Teachers and Students

· http://www.csiro.au/helix/websites/enviro.shtml

· http://www.cwmb.sa.gov.au/kwc/programs/teaching_resource_packs.htm

· http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/reporting/education/online_resources.html

· http://www.murrayusers.sa.gov.au/resources.htm#maps

· http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/mwater.html

Dreamtime Story- Creation Murray Darling River

· http://www.dreamtime.net.au/creation/index.cfm

· http://aboriginalart.com.au/gallery/gallery_intro.html

· http://www.murrayusers.sa.gov.au/aboriginal_occupation.htm

Images used in dreamtime stories

· http://www.aboriginalart.com.au/culture/dreamtime2.html

· http://www.dreamtime.net.au/dreaming/storylist.htm

· http://www.embassyworld.com/maps/Maps_Of_Australia.html

Map Australian Rivers

· http://www.nativefish.asn.au/ozrivers.html

· http://www.rivermurray.sa.gov.au/

· http://geography.about.com/library/blank/blxaustralia.htm

Graphic Organisers

· http://www.teachervision.fen.com/graphic-organizers/printable/6293.html

Water Experiments (ph levels)

· http://www.epa.gov/docs/acidrain/education/experiments.html

Websites for Teachers to Research Background

Teachers need to check the suitability of the websites for their class/school based upon cultural, parental and school expectations. Websites change frequently so teachers need to vigilantly review them to assess ongoing suitability.

Salinity- Science Experiments

http://www.murrayusers.sa.gov.au-insalting problem

How the Murray was Formed and European Settlement

http://www.murrayusers.sa.gov.au/RMformed.htm

Irrigation

http://www.murrayusers.sa.gov.au/irrigation.htm

Murray- Teaching Resources Year 6-9

http://www.murrayusers.sa.gov.au/teaching_resources.

Site for building diorama’s Murray Habitat- Introduced Species.

http://www.murrayusers.sa.gov.au/teaching_resources.htm#Middle%20Years%20BandYear%206-%20Year%209

Publications- Murray Darling River

http://www.murrayusers.sa.gov.au/publications.htm

Future Wheel- Graphic Organisers

http://www.mcps.k12.md.us/curriculum/science/instr/wrgrorg.htm

Biodiversity Unit- Department of Education and Training ( K-12 Directorate)

This unit provides practical experiments on the different aspects of gathering information in relation to biodiversity.

Aquifer Model in a Tank (Understanding ground water)

http://www.beg.utexas.edu/education/aquitank/tank01.htm

Websites for Teachers to Research Background

Teachers need to check the suitability of the websites for their class/school based upon cultural, parental and school expectations. Websites change frequently so teachers need to vigilantly review them to assess ongoing suitability.

The Murray Darling Basin Commission

· The Murray Darling Basic Commission is an excellent resource for teachers when collecting material to teach this unit.

· The Communication Department is able to supply teachers with resource (stickers, posters and videos).

· We highly recommend you contacting them when collecting resources to teach this unit.

Telephone: 02 6279 0100

Fax: 02 6248 8053

Post: GPO Box 409, Canberra ACT 2601

Email: thelivingmurray@mdbc.gov.au

Websites:

http://thelivingmurray.mdbc.gov.au

http://publications.mdbc.gov.au/

The contact details are:

 

Videos/DVDS

· More that a River-

· Water Inland Rivers- Lifelines or polluted pools.

· Murray Darling Basin Commission Tributaries- Murray Darling Basin Commission.

Foundation Statement

Stage 3

Human Society and Its Environment

Change and Continuity, Cultures, Environments, Social Systems and Structures

Students explore the principles of Australian democracy and explain its development over time. They investigate significant events in Australia's past and explain the implications for the development of Australian identity, heritage and cultural diversity. They locate information from a variety of primary and secondary sources, presenting their findings in a range of ways.

Students explain how shared culture, heritage and language, including those of Aboriginal peoples, contribute to Australian and community identity. They explore cultural diversity by examining how cultures change through interactions with other cultures and the environment.

Students analyse Australian and global environments, identifying environmental issues and problems and they explore in which individuals and groups can contribute to solutions for these. They investigate human interactions with environments and recognise ecologically sustainable development. Students recognise various beliefs and practices and explain how these influence interactions with environments. They sketch, label and use maps, applying appropriate conventions and terminology.

Students identify Australia's social and economic connection to the world and the rights and responsibilities of Australian and global citizens. They examine decision-making processes at state and federal levels and explain the structures, roles and responsibilities of government. They examine changes in work practices and the rights and responsibilities of producers and users of goods and services. Students apply knowledge of participatory democracy to formulate plans and create possible solutions illustrating fairness and social justice for school, local, national and global problems.

The Foundation Areas treated within this unit are shaded.

Integrated Outcome Links:

HSIE

CCS3.1

· Explains the significance of particular people, places, groups, actions and events in the past in developing Australian identities and heritage

ENS3.5

· Demonstrates an understanding of the interconnectedness between Australia and global environments and how individuals and groups can act in an ecologically responsible manner.

ENS3.6

· Explains how various beliefs and practices influence the ways in which people interact with. change and value their environment.

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SCIENCE

LTS3.3

· Identifies, describes and evaluates the interactions between living things and their effects on the environment.

INV3.7

· Conducts their own investigations and makes judgments based on the results of observing, questioning, planning, predicting, testing, collecting, recording and analyzing data, and drawing conclusions.

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ENGLISH

RS3.5

· Reads independently an extensive range of texts with increasing content demands and responds to themes and issues.

TS3.1

· Communicates effectively for a range of purposes and with a variety of audiences to express well developed, well organised ideas, dealing with more challenging topics.

WS3.9

· Produces a wide range of well structured and well presented literary and factual texts for a wide variety of purposes and audiences using increasingly challenging topics. ideas, issues and written language features.

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MATHEMATICS

SCS3.3

· Uses a variety of mapping skills.

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CREATIVE ART

The Might Murray Musical

· MUS3.1 Sings, plays and moves to a range of music, individually and in groups, demonstrating knowledge of musical concepts.

Name:_______________________

Class:______

Oceans and Rivers –A Mapping Exercise

Task: (Enlarge to A3 Size)

· Locate the different oceans around the world using your atlas.

· Label all the major oceans on the map below.

Name:_______________________

Class:______

KWHL Chart- Water & Murray Darling River

K

(What I Know)

W

(What I want to find out)

H

(How can I learn more)

L

(What I have learned)

Name:_______________________

Class:______

Rivers in the Murray Darling Basic –A Mapping Exercise

Task: Note:

· Use the numbers to locate and label the rivers in the Murray Darling Basin.

· Check your map by using an atlas to determine if all the rivers were labeled correctly.

1

Murray

2

Darling

3

Murrumbidgee

4

Lachlan

5

Campaspe

6

Yarra

7

Goulburn

8

Latrobe

9

Ovens

10

Snowy

11

Derwent

12

Shoalhaven

13

Hunter

14

Macleay

15

Clarence

16

Bogan

17

Macquarie

18

Namoi

19

Barwon

20

Condamine

21

Warrego

22

Dawson

23

Fitzroy

24

Mackenzie

25

Isaac

26

Burdekin

27

Suttor

28

Mitchell

29

Alice

30

Jardine

31

Staaten

32

Flinders

33

Leichhardt

34

Nicholson

35

Roper

36

Wilton

37

Daly

38

Katherine

39

Victoria

40

Ord

41

Drysdale

42

Fitzroy

43

Margaret

44

De Grey

45

Fortescue

46

Ashburton

47

Gascoyne

48

Murchison

49

Swan/Avon

50

Blackwood

51

Coopers Creek

52

Barcoo

53

Thompson

54

Diamantina

55

Georgina

56

Finke

57

Palmer

Name:__________________________

Class:___________

Longitude and Latitude Atlas Game

Equipment:

· Stop Watch or Clock

· Atlas/World Map

· Ruler

· Pencil

Task:

· Divide the class into pairs.

· Players 1: Writes down the co-ordinates for 5 major cities within Australia onto their Game Recording Sheet,

· Player 2: Writes down the co-ordinates of 5 towns within the Murray Darling Basin onto their Game Recording Sheet.

· Player 1: Calls out the co-ordinates and Player 2 has to find the cities

· Player 1 times how long it takes Player 2.

· Player 2: Calls out the co-ordinates for 5 towns within the Murray Darling Basin.

· Player 2 times player 1.

· The fastest time wins. (The children can repeat the game with different places).

Please note:

· The time aspect can be removed from the activity if this causes stress for some children.

· The teacher will need to demonstrate how to use longitude and latitude to locate a place on the map. The children will need to have turns doing this before they can play the game.

Name:__________________________

Class:___________

Longitude and Latitude Recording Game Sheet

Name:______________________________

Class:_______________

More Than a River DVD

The Murray – Darling System and its people

Tasks:

· Watch the DVD More Than A River- A Murray Darling Basin Commission Production

· Highlight the towns (on the map of Australia) which rely on the water supply of the Murray Darling River while you watch the video.

· Identify and label the Australian towns on your map of Australia (BLM2).

Town/Place

How does the town rely upon the river?

How will the town’s lifestyle/productivity change if the water quality continues to worsen?

What changes does the town need to make to improve the water quality?

Name:______________________________

Class:________________

The Messages within ‘More than a River’ DVD

Task: Write a list of the main messages presented in the DVD- More than a River.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name:____________________________

Class:_________

Dreamtime Stories- The Murray Darling River

Tasks:

· Type in http://www.dreamtime.net.au/creation/index.cfm

· Listen to the Dreamtime Stories about the Murray Darling River.

· Type in http://www.aboriginalartonline.com/culture/symbols.php

· Paint a picture which represents one of the stories you listened to.

· Look at the symbols used within Aboriginal paintings.

· You painting needs to include some of the techniques and symbols used by Aboriginal painters.

· Write a short recount for one of the Dreamtime Stories you listened to and illustrate it.

Name: _____________________________

Class:________

Research Study: Murray Darling Basin

Grouping

The children are able to work in pairs, by themselves or larger groups.

Research Task:

Gather information on one the following topics:

· Salinity and the Murray Darling Basin

· Species living within the Murray Darling Basin- the issues for it.

· European Settlement and the Murray Darling Basin.

· Water Quality- Murray Darling River

Presenting you Research

Your will need to present the information/research you have gathered in one of the following ways:

· A power-point slideshow with text.

· Poster- Make the poster interesting ( cut out a shape which represents the area you are studying and the write you information within)

· Other ideas could include: Using flap/windows to hide information to questions posed.

· Dioramas

You will need to also present you work to the class in the form of an oral presentation (5-10 minutes)

Week

Plan

Name: __________________________

Class: ______

Crossword Creations

Task:

· Create a Crossword Puzzle with at least 15 clues about the Murray Darling River.

· Find a Crossword Puzzle Maker on the net and then publish your crossword.

· The class will receive a Crossword Book which has all the Crosswords created by the class.

· Happy Solving.

Murray Darling River

Name: __________________________

Class: ______

Crossword Clues

Up

Down

Name: __________________________

Class: ______

Crossword Clues- Solution Page

Up

Down

1

Clue:

Answer:

Name: __________________________

Class:______________

Cartoon Strip- The Murray

Name:____________________ Class:______________

Testing Water Quality- Science Experiments

The following sites have Science Experiments for teaching the students about:

· Salinity

· Ph- Differences.

· http://www.epa.gov/docs/acidrain/education/experiments.html#a2

· http://www.csiro.au/helix/experiments/dhexpcabbage.shtml

Black line Master 12- Reference

Science Experiments- Salinity (This is an outstanding resource)

· www.murrayusers.sa.gov.au/pdfs/The%20inSalting%20Problem

· http://www.beg.utexas.edu/education/aquitank/tank01.htm

· http://www.sciencebuddies.org/mentoring/?gclid=CNntvbbY74cCFQ8aYQodd2Mrjg

Name:____________________________

Class:

Science Log/Journal - A Record of Observation

Date

Event

Observation

Name:____________________________

Class:

Science Log/Journal - A Record of Observation

Date

Event

Observation

Name:__________________

Class: ______

Rap Murray Music

Task:

· Write a rap about the Murray Darling River.

· Perform your rap.

____________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name:___________________________

Class:_________

Ecosystems – A Computer Task

Teacher:

· Save this in a shared folder for the children to access the template.

· Print the student instruction sheets and store in a folder near the computer.

Name:___________________________

Class:_________

Ecosystems – A Computer Task

Student Instructions:

1. Open the file called Ecosystems- A Computer Task in the class shared folder

2. Click on File Save As:

3. Name your document

Type in your name with eco after it jennyeco

3. Click Save

4. Click on Insert, Picture, Clipart

5. Type in the name of the ecosystem you would like to get pictures for ( desert, mangrove, rainforest etc)

6 Click on the pictures you want.

9. Add a heading to your work called: Ecosystems Around the World

10. Make your heading colourful.

11. Type a definition for the word ecosystem.

12. Type a definition for the word biodiversity.

13. Add a page border

14. Save your work.

15. Print your work

Name:_________________________

Class:________________

Built Environments

Tasks:

· Use the internet site http://www.murrayusers.sa.gov.au to research how European Settlement and people since then, have built structures (dams) which have changed the Murray Darling River.

· Use the fishbone diagram to show how man made structures have change the water quality and the environment for the different species living within the Murray Darling River.

 

Name:_______________________

Class:_______________

Task: Write a letter to an Australian in a previous generation and explain how their actions have changed the Murray Darling River System.

__________________

___________________

Dear ________________

I am writing this letter to

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Yours Sincerely,

________________________

Name: ________________________ Class: _______________

Music with a Message

Tasks:

· Select one of the songs you listened to this term with an environmental message.

· Review the song- You are a music critic writing for The Sydney Morning Herald

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name:___________________________________

Class:___________

Dioramas and Habitats

Task: Make a diorama using the site below:

1. Open the following site:

http://www.murrayusers.sa.gov.au/teaching_resources.htm#Middle%20Years%20BandYear%206-%20Year%209

2.Click on the Middle Year Band Activities

3. Click on the Activity 1 and Activity 2 and print off the sheets.

4. Build your diorama!

Name:______________

Class: ____________

Building an Ecosystem

Task:

· Build an Ecosystem: Ant Farm, Fish Tank, Plant Terrarium

· Research different ways to build these ecosystems so that you are using 2L plastic bottles for the Ant Farm and Terrarium.

· The following site could be a starting point:

· http://www.csiro.au/helix/experiments/

· Equipment Needed ( Write a list):

· Procedure (How are you going to build it?):

· Draw a picture for your plan below:

Name: _____________

Class:_____

Information Report- Note Taking

Paragraph 1

Classification Statement

Paragraph 2

Location

Paragraph 3

Appearance

Paragraph 4

Mans Impact/Damage

Paragraph 5

Species specific to the area

Paragraph 6

Other Information:

Paragraph 7

Other Information

Paragraph 8

Conclusion: Recommendations for action needed in the future

Name:______________________

Class:__________

Information Report- The Murray Darling River

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name: _________________________

Class:_____________

· Draw a diagram to illustrate the environmental problems for the Murray Darling River.

· Label your diagram.

Name:___________________________ Class:______________

Task: Make a Murray River Board Game.

Equipment:

· Cardboard

· Glue

· Scissors

· Rulers

· Colourful paper

· Dice

· A list of facts about the Murray Darling River – Its problems, species and interesting information

Instructions:

· You need to make a board game which teaches the players the problems facing the Murray Darling River

· You need to make question cards (with answers on the back).

· Write a rule book for playing the game.

· Make counters or items for the players to move (these need to be species which live in/on the Murray Darling River.

· The board game can be in squares, a racing car track or any other interesting design you can think of.

Remember have fun building your game- and make it original.

Name:__________________________________

Class:_______________________

Task: Invent an original machine which improves water quality. Label your diagram!

Name:__________________________________

Class:_______________________

Task: Invent a machine which saves water. Draw a diagram below and label it!

Name:_______________________________

Class:__________

Task:

Design a magazine/book cover about the Murray Darling River.

Name:____________________________ Class:_____________

Model Murray Darling River

Task:

· Create a model of the Murray Darling River in ten years time if its problems are not solved.

· Draw a plan for your model below.

· Construct your model.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Name: ____________________________

Class:___________

What Lives in the Murray Darling River?

Task:

· Create a model (diorama) which represents life for a particular species in the Murray Darling River today.

· Draw a plan for your model below.

· Construct your model.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Name:____________________________ Class:_____________

Model of the Murray Darling River- The European Settlement

Task:

· Create a model of the Murray Darling River which shows the impact of European Settlement.

· Draw a plan for your model below.

· Construct your model.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Name:____________________________ Class:_____________

Task:

Design a new CD cover for a music group with an environmental cause about water.

Name: _________________________________

Class:____________

Biodiversity- Sampling

Task:

· Find an area around the school (which is safe to access) and will have different species.

· Make a square with sides which are 1 metre. ( Use string)

· Record all the different species you see during your observation time.

Date

Species

Describe or draw what is happening

Drawing the Species

Name: ______________________ Class:_____________

Future Wheel

· A futures wheel is used to explore the consequences that can follow a particular decision or event in the present.

· Draw another 2 concentric circles

· First identify the immediate consequences and place them roughly around the first ring.

· Continue to add rings if you are able to.

Name:__________________________

Class:______________

Rubric Creation

Name:_______________________

Class:_______________

Task: Write a letter to a member in the Local Government advising of the changes needed to improve the quality of water in the Murray Darling River

__________________

___________________

To ______________

I am writing this letter to ________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Yours Sincerely,

______________________

Name:________________

Class:______

Mapping- Assessment Task

Task: ( Enlarge to A3 size)

· Draw in the States. Colour each state in a different colour.

· Draw in the rivers within the Murray Darling Basin.

· Label the names of the oceans surrounding Australia.

· Label the Capital Cities.

· Label the towns within the Murray Darling Basin.

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Name: __________

School___________

· Please spend a few minutes filling out this evaluation, so that we can continue to improve this unit over time. Please email your evaluation to TESS. trish@tess.com.au

The areas which worked the best:

The areas which need to be improved:

I would like to see more:

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� EMBED PBrush ���

Man has changed the Murray River

What Impact did this have on the Environment?

Dams

Changed the water temperature- changing the species which thrived there. For example:

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Humans Interaction & impact on the Murray Darling River if nothing changes from 2006

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