This unit of work links to the Creative Arts, English and Human Society and Its Environment [HSIE] Key Learning Areas [KLAs]. Lessons 1, 4, 9, 10, 11 and 12, link to the creative arts because in these lessons the children have the opportunity to represent or develop their understandings through the visual arts or music. It is important for children to be able to represent their thinking in this way as it allows them to develop knowledge, skills and understandings that are informed by their investigations of the world (Board of Studies NSW, 2006). This is evident in the lessons mentioned as the children are required to use and engage with the visual arts and music to show their understanding and knowledge of the science being engaged with.
Lessons 9, 10 and 12 link to HSIE as they allow children to explore and engage with Aboriginal culture. This is important because according to the Board of Studies NSW (2006), students need to understand and appreciate the diverse cultures that make up Australia. By incorporating HSIE into this unit students will have the opportunity to learn more about the relationship that Aboriginal peoples have with the land (Board of Studies NSW, 2006). It also breaks some of the cultural and academic barriers that exist today (Bull, 2008) because these lessons provide students with the opportunity to engage with Aboriginal stories about the land and listen to Aboriginal stories and songs (Board of Studies NSW, 2006).
Additionally, lessons 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 12 link to the English KLA as they provide children with the opportunity to develop and build on their skills in writing, reading, talking and listening. This is important because to be able to communicate with others, children must first learn how to interact with their classmates, speak with confidence, listen attentively and read and write in a way that is well-structured and comprehensible (Board of Studies NSW, 2007). These lessons mentioned encourage children to develop and use these skills throughout the unit, which is important as it will support then in understanding the power and value that language has when used to communicate or gain knowledge (Board of Studies NSW, 2012).
Lessons 9, 10 and 12 link to HSIE as they allow children to explore and engage with Aboriginal culture. This is important because according to the Board of Studies NSW (2006), students need to understand and appreciate the diverse cultures that make up Australia. By incorporating HSIE into this unit students will have the opportunity to learn more about the relationship that Aboriginal peoples have with the land (Board of Studies NSW, 2006). It also breaks some of the cultural and academic barriers that exist today (Bull, 2008) because these lessons provide students with the opportunity to engage with Aboriginal stories about the land and listen to Aboriginal stories and songs (Board of Studies NSW, 2006).
Additionally, lessons 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 12 link to the English KLA as they provide children with the opportunity to develop and build on their skills in writing, reading, talking and listening. This is important because to be able to communicate with others, children must first learn how to interact with their classmates, speak with confidence, listen attentively and read and write in a way that is well-structured and comprehensible (Board of Studies NSW, 2007). These lessons mentioned encourage children to develop and use these skills throughout the unit, which is important as it will support then in understanding the power and value that language has when used to communicate or gain knowledge (Board of Studies NSW, 2012).