Airwatch - Geography Stage 5 unit
A study of a contemporary issue affecting Australia's environment
About the Unit
The unit is written for the Stage 5 Geography syllabus. In particular, it is linked to the 5A3 Topic, 'Issues in Australian Environments', where 'air quality' can be studied as part of 'Group B: Issues relating to Human Elements of the Environments'. The nature of the program then allows, where required, the natural articulation of the issue into the compulsory fieldwork task.
The unit would take approximately six weeks to work through. The material for much of the unit is provided in the Airwatch-make the link booklet and provides the techniques required for fieldwork, either with or without equipment, and for carrying out the 'gathering the data' section of the fieldwork task.
The unit has been written using the NSW Department of Education and Training's preferred model for units focussing on outcomes and indicators of achievement and for the outcomes that link directly to teaching strategies. The indicators are only suggestions and other indicators may be derived from the work of students.
Fieldwork task
The fieldwork task can be done as a final part of the geographical issue on air quality or it can be carried out continuously during the time the students do the unit. The fieldwork task allows students to exercise active citizenship as they make a real contribution towards improving our air quality.
To obtain an Airwatch – make the link booklet call the DECC's Pollution Line on 131 555.
Acknowledgements
This unit was written by Celia Finnie with assistance from Sue Fields, Senior Geography Consultant, Department of Education and Training Curriculum Directorate.
Page last updated: 27 February 2011
