Ancient Australia History 3-Week Unit: Slides, Worksheets (Digital & Print)

With this complete, no-prep 3-week activities and worksheets with slide decks for middle/high school students to the fascinating history of Ancient Australia course! Featuring editable lesson slides, printable and digital student worksheets, and a curriculum-aligned teacher guide, this resource is ideal for launching a unit on Indigenous Australian history and archaeology.

✔️ Includes engaging lessons on Lake Mungo, Murujuga Rock Art, archaeological methods, and source analysis

✔️ Covers key concepts such as spiritual connection to Country, cultural heritage, and historical evidence

✔️ Aligned with the Australian Curriculum for Years 7–8 History and CivicsWhat’s Included in the Resource

Teacher Guide & Curriculum Overview

• Full 3-week scope and sequence
• Student Digital Version
• PDF Version
• Curriculum alignment (Australian Curriculum) Document
  

Editable Slide Decks

• Welcome to Source Sorting: Introduces students to historical sources and evidence
• Dig It: Discovering Ancient Australia: A deep dive into Lake Mungo and First Nations history
• Discovering Lake Mungo: Stratigraphy, dating techniques, and the Mungo Lady
• Uncovering the Past – Archaeological Methods: Tools, excavation, dating, and preservation
• Murujuga Rock Engravings: Rock art as history, cultural heritage, and the importance of preservation

Student Worksheets (Digital & Printable)

• Comprehension tasks
• Source analysis
• Timeline activities
• Mapping and geography tasks
• Creative reflections
• Inquiry questions
• Editable Slides version included

Why This Resource Stands Out

This isn’t just a worksheet pack—it’s a ready-to-teach unit complete with background information, structured activities, and flexible delivery options. Whether you’re teaching in class or online, this resource will engage students with visuals, inquiry, and connection to Indigenous history.

How to Use This Resource

Here is the full Program Outline in text format for easy copy and paste:

Week 1: Investigating the Ancient Past

Lesson: Introduction to Australia’s Ancient Past (Digital & Printable)

• Introduce Ancient Australia
• Discuss the significance of Mungo Man and Mungo Lady discoveries
  Skill Focus: Understanding historical inquiry methods
  

Lesson: Introduction to History and Archaeology

• Discuss the nature of history and archaeology
• Explore how historians and archaeologists investigate the past
  Skill Focus: Understanding historical inquiry methods

Lesson: Types of Historical Sources

• Identify and categorise primary and secondary sources
• Analyse examples of different source types
  Skill Focus: Source analysis, critical thinking
  

Lesson: Understanding Stratigraphy and Dating Methods

• Learn about stratigraphy and dating techniques
• Apply knowledge through interactive activities
  Skill Focus: Scientific reasoning, chronological understanding
  

Lesson: Source Reliability and Bias

• Evaluate the reliability of various sources
• Discuss the concept of bias in historical interpretation
  Skill Focus: Analytical skills, evaluating perspectives

Week 2: Lake Mungo Case Study

Lesson: Discovering Lake Mungo

• Introduce the Lake Mungo archaeological site
• Discuss the significance of Mungo Man and Mungo Lady discoveries
  Skill Focus: Contextual understanding, significance of findings
  

Lesson: Analyzing Burial Practices

• Examine burial positions and associated artefacts
• Interpret the cultural practices of ancient Australians
  Skill Focus: Interpretation of evidence, cultural empathy
  

Lesson: Constructing Timelines

• Create timelines of events related to Lake Mungo
• Understand the sequence and dating of historical events
  Skill Focus: Chronological sequencing, temporal understanding

Lesson: Ethical Considerations in Archaeology

• Debate the ethics of studying ancient human remains
• Explore differing perspectives on cultural heritage
  Skill Focus: Ethical reasoning, respectful discourse

Week 3: Murujuga and Cultural Heritage

Lesson: Introduction to Murujuga Rock Art

• Explore the significance of Murujuga (Burrup Peninsula) petroglyphs
• Discuss the cultural heritage of the site
  Skill Focus: Cultural awareness, appreciation of Indigenous heritage

Lesson: Stakeholder Perspectives on Conservation

• Identify various stakeholders involved in Murujuga’s preservation
• Analyze their perspectives and interests
  Skill Focus: Perspective-taking, critical analysis

Lesson: Role-Play – Debating Conservation Efforts

• Engage in a role-play activity representing different stakeholders
• Debate the future of Murujuga’s rock art
  Skill Focus: Communication skills, persuasive argumentation
  

Lesson: Persuasive Writing – Advocating for Cultural Heritage

• Write a persuasive letter or essay on conserving Murujuga
• Utilize evidence and stakeholder perspectives
  Skill Focus: Writing skills, constructing evidence-based arguments

Assessment Overview

Formative Assessments:

• Source analysis worksheets
• Timeline creation
• Participation in discussions and debates

Summative Assessments:

• Persuasive writing task advocating for cultural heritage conservation
• Role-play performance evaluating stakeholder perspectives
  

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How to Use This Resource:

Start with the slide deck to introduce the topic visually

Assign worksheets (digitally or printed) to reinforce learning

Review with the class using the included answer key

Integrate into broader units on Ancient History, Aboriginal Studies, or Australian Civica

Learn more about this product’s features, care instructions, and other useful details to help you make an informed choice.

Learn more about this product’s features, care instructions, and other useful details to help you make an informed choice.