Floods in Queensland and the role of the armed forces in flood recovery
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Introduction
Students investigate flooding in Queensland to identify the causes and effects of flooding and how the community responds, with a focus on the role of the armed services in assisting with flood recovery. They are asked to consider if the use of the defence force in this way is a reasonable use of taxpayers’ money.
This activity focuses on the geographical concepts of place, space, environment and interconnections.
Achievement standard
By the end of Year 7, students describe how the characteristics of places are perceived and valued differently by people. They describe the importance of environments to people. They describe the features of a distribution. They explain the interconnections between people and places and environments, and describe how these interconnections change places or environments. Students describe a response or strategy to address a geographical phenomenon or challenge.
Students develop questions about a geographical phenomenon or challenge. They collect, organise and represent relevant data and information, using primary research methods and secondary research materials. They identify similarities and differences, and describe patterns in data and information. They draw conclusions about the impact of the geographical phenomenon or challenge on people, places and environments. They develop a strategy for action. Students use geographical knowledge, concepts, terms and relevant findings from sources to create descriptions, explanations and responses.
Content descriptions
Geographical Knowledge and Understanding
The causes and impacts of an atmospheric or hydrological hazard, and responses from communities and governments. (AC9HG7K04)
Geographical Inquiry and Skills
Develop questions for a geographical inquiry related to a phenomenon or challenge. (AC9HG7S01)
Collect, organise and represent data and information from primary research methods, including fieldwork and secondary research materials, using geospatial technologies and digital tools as appropriate. (AC9HG7S02)
Draw conclusions based on the analysis of the data and information. (AC9HG7S04)
Create descriptions, explanations and responses, using geographical knowledge and methods, concepts, terms and reference sources. (AC9HG7S06)
Teacher resources
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The armed forces and flood relief
Student learning resources
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Floods and the role of the armed forces
Suggested activity sequence
This sequence is intended as a framework to be modified and adapted by teachers to suit the needs of a class group.
- Draw a large Y-chart on the board.
- As a class, brainstorm what flooding in the local area might look like, sound like and feel like.
- Introduce the concept of the defence force’s role in aiding flood recovery by displaying and explaining the visualiser
- Discuss with students that defence is funded by the Australian Government and paid for by tax revenue.
- Student complete the research task.
- Invite students to share their answers as to why the Australian Government often deploys the Australian armed services to assist in recovery after natural disasters in Australia.
- Ask: Is this a good use of taxpayers’ money? Why?