Wellbeing and the natural environment
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Introduction
Students develop an understanding of the functions of ecosystem services and their impact on human wellbeing. They come to appreciate the role of government policies in initiating or preventing changes to the natural environment and identify policies that have been implemented in their local area. Students assess the impact of some of these policies on environmental change and on human wellbeing.
This activity focuses on the geographical concepts of place, space, environment, interconnection, sustainability and change.
Achievement standard
By the end of Year 10, students explain how interactions between geographical processes at different scales change the characteristics of places. Students identify, analyse and explain significant interconnections between people, places and environments and explain changes that result from these interconnections and their consequences. They predict changes in the characteristics of places and environments over time, across space and at different scales and explain the predicted consequences of change. They evaluate alternative views on a geographical challenge and alternative strategies to address this challenge using environmental, economic, political and social criteria and draw a reasoned conclusion.
Students use initial research to develop and modify geographically significant questions to frame an inquiry. They critically evaluate a range of primary and secondary sources to select and collect relevant, reliable and unbiased geographical information and data. Students record and represent multi-variable data in of the most appropriate digital and non-digital forms, including a range of graphs and maps that use suitable scales and comply with cartographic conventions. They use a range of methods and digital technologies to interpret and analyse maps, data and other information to make generalisations and inferences, propose explanations for significant patterns, trends, relationships and anomalies across time and space and at different scales, and predict outcomes. They analyse and synthesise data and other information to draw reasoned conclusions, taking into account alternative perspectives. Students present findings, arguments and explanations using relevant geographical terminology and graphic representations and digital technologies in a range of selected and appropriate communication forms. They evaluate their findings and propose action in response to a contemporary geographical challenge, taking account of environmental, economic, political and social considerations. They explain the predicted outcomes and consequences of their proposal.
Content descriptions
Geographical Knowledge and Understanding
Different ways of measuring and mapping human wellbeing and development, and how these can be applied to measure differences between places (ACHGK076).
The role of international and national government and non-government organisations' initiatives in improving human wellbeing in Australia and other countries (ACHGK081).
Geographical Inquiry and Skills
Apply geographical concepts to synthesise information from various sources and draw conclusions based on the analysis of data and information, taking into account alternative points of view (ACHGS077).
Student learning resources
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Wellbeing and the natural environment
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.
- Students will need access to the worksheet.
- As a class, read the background on the worksheet.
- Students complete the questions on the worksheet.
- As a class discuss the question:
To what extent does human wellbeing rely on environmental sustainability?