Sustainability of the Great Barrier Reef

SubjectGeography YearYear 9 CurriculumAC v9.0 Time50

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Introduction

Students examine the impact of agricultural run-off on the water quality of the Great Barrier Reef. They consider the various strategies that have been implemented by the Australian Government and how these strategies, particularly The Reef 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan 2017-2022, have succeeded in improving the water quality of the Great Barrier Reef.

This activity focuses on the geographical concepts of place, space, environment, interconnection, sustainability and change.

Australian Curriculum or Syllabus

Achievement standard

By the end of Year 9, students explain how peoples’ activities or environmental processes change the characteristics of places. They explain the effects of human activity on environments, and the effects of environments on human activity. They explain the features of biomes’ distribution and identify implications for environments. They analyse the interconnections between people and places and environments. They identify and explain how these interconnections influence people, and change places and environments. Students analyse strategies to address a geographical phenomenon or challenge using environmental, social or economic criteria.

Students develop a range of questions about a geographical phenomenon or challenge. They collect, represent and compare relevant and reliable geographical data and information by using a range of primary research methods and secondary research materials in a range of formats. They interpret and analyse data and information to explain patterns and trends and infer relationships. They draw evidence-based conclusions about the impact of the geographical phenomenon or challenge. They develop and evaluate strategies, predict impacts and make a recommendation. Students use geographical knowledge, concepts, terms and digital tools as appropriate to develop descriptions, explanations and responses that acknowledge research findings.

Content descriptions

Geography Knowledge and Understanding

The effects on environments of human alteration of biomes to produce food, industrial materials and fibres. (AC9HG9K02)

Geographical Inquiry and Skills

Evaluate geographical data and information to make generalisations and predictions, explain patterns and trends and infer relationships. (AC9HG9S03)

Develop and evaluate strategies using environmental, economic or social criteria; recommend a strategy and explain the predicted impacts. (AC9HG9S05)

Teacher resources

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Visualiser

Agricultural run-off and the sustainability of the GBR

 
Video

Great Barrier Reef Water Science Taskforce Final Report Animation

Student learning resources

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Worksheet

Improving the water quality of the Great Barrier Reef

 
Video

Protecting the Great Barrier Reef – Farming

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.

  1. Display and explain or discuss the information on the visualiser.
  2. Students complete the worksheet.
  3. As a class, discuss whether supporting farming communities to implement more sustainable practices is a good use of taxpayers’ money.

As part of the worksheet, students will watch the following videos: