Emergency tax levy debate
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Introduction
Students explore the cost of natural disasters in Australia at a national and state level. They represent data showing these costs and discuss reasons for differences and the predicted growth in costs over time. Students debate whether it is appropriate for the Australian Government to raise taxes to cover costs associated with natural disasters that only affect some areas of Australia and communicate their discussion in writing.
This activity focuses on the geographical concepts of place, space, environment, interconnection and change.
Achievement standard
By the end of Year 8, students explain how the interactions of people and environmental processes impact on the characteristics of places. They explain how the characteristics of places are perceived and valued differently by people. They describe the effects of human activity or hazards on environments. They explain the features of a distribution and identify implications. They explain the interconnections between people and places and environments. They explain how these interconnections change places or environments. Students explain responses or strategies to address a geographical phenomenon or challenge, referring to environmental, economic or social factors.
Students develop relevant questions about a geographical phenomenon or challenge. They collect, organise and represent relevant and reliable data and information, using primary research methods and secondary research materials. They interpret and analyse data and information to explain patterns and trends and infer relationships. They draw reasoned conclusions about the impact of the geographical phenomenon or challenge. They decide on appropriate strategies for action and explain potential impacts. Students use geographical knowledge, methods, concepts, terms and reference findings from sources to create descriptions, explanations and responses.
Content descriptions
Geographical Knowledge and Understanding
The causes and impacts of a geomorphological hazard on people, places and environments, and the effects of responses. (AC9HG8K05)
Geographical Inquiry and Skills
Interpret and analyse geographical data and information to identify similarities and differences, explain patterns and trends and infer relationships. (AC9HG8S03)
Draw conclusions based on the analysis of the data and information. (AC9HG8S04)
Identify a strategy for action in relation to environmental, economic, social or other factors, and explain potential impacts. (AC9HG8S05)
Create descriptions, explanations and responses, using geographical knowledge and methods, concepts, terms and reference sources. (AC9HG8S06)
Teacher resources
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Cost of natural disasters in Australia
Student learning resources
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Cost of natural disasters in Australia
Writing paragraphs in Geography
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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.
- As a class read the explainer. Alternatively, students can read the explainer individually or in pairs. If they need support, encourage them to use the reading for meaning strategy or the Cornell note taking system.
- Display slide 2 of the visualiser.
- Students complete the questions on the visualiser using table 1 on the explainer as a stimulus.
- Use a grouping strategy to organise students into groups of 3 or 4.
- Display slide 3 of the visualiser.
- Groups discuss answers to the questions posed.
- Conduct a class debate on the following proposition:
It is appropriate for the Australian Government to raise taxes to cover costs associated with natural disasters that only affect some areas of Australia’. - Students write 2 paragraphs based on the Writing paragraphs in Geography – Model to summarise the key ideas for and against the proposition being debated.