aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	History
What age group	Year or Grade 11
What topic	sustainable societies-Aboriginal contributions to Australian society, and Empowering people
Quantity	1
Any other preferences

Engaging Lesson Opening for Year 11 History: Sustainable Societies & Aboriginal Contributions

Introduction: Setting the Stage

Begin your lesson on Sustainable Societies and Aboriginal Contributions to Australian Society by immersing the students in an engaging narrative.

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Activity: The Time Travel Journal

Objective

To ignite students' curiosity and set the context for the lesson by connecting past Aboriginal contributions to contemporary sustainable practices.

Materials Needed

• Blank journals or sheets of paper
• Pencils or pens
• Indigenous music playing softly in the background (optional)
• A projected image of stunning Australian landscapes (optional)

Procedure

1. Create the Atmosphere:

   • Dim the lights slightly and play some gentle traditional Indigenous music to create a thoughtful environment.
   • Project a stunning image of an Australian landscape that showcases the natural beauty and diverse ecosystems of Australia.

2. Introduce the Concept:

   • Explain to students that they are about to embark on a journey through time, exploring the deep connections between Aboriginal practices and the concept of sustainability.

3. Journal Prompt:

   • Ask students to imagine they are historians in the year 2500, reflecting on the practices of the Aboriginal peoples prior to European colonisation. Give them the following prompt:
     • “Imagine you have discovered a time-travel device that allows you to go back to the time when Aboriginal Australians were the custodians of the land. Write an entry in your journal as if you were observing their way of life, paying special attention to how they lived sustainably off the land and with each other.”

4. Reflection:

   • After allowing 10-15 minutes for students to write, invite a few volunteers to share their entries. Encourage them to discuss how they perceived Aboriginal contributions to sustainability and the empowerment of their communities during that time.

Conclusion

Wrap up the activity by guiding a brief discussion on the significance of understanding Aboriginal practices and their contributions to contemporary Australian society. Explain how these insights will be crucial as they delve deeper into the lesson content, particularly in understanding how we can learn from the past to build sustainable futures.

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By starting your lesson with this engaging and reflective exercise, you set the tone for an in-depth exploration of Aboriginal contributions and the concept of sustainability. This approach not only enhances students' understanding but also fosters a sense of respect and appreciation for Indigenous cultures and practices.