Australia and Oceania: History and Its Influence

World Cultures Australia and the Pacific The Pacific Countries: History and Its Influence
Students explore the early history of Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific islands, including the early inhabitants and how they got there. Then they learn about the colonization that begin in 1788 and the later decolonization. They study the history of immigration throughout Australia's history. Then they read and create a timeline of New Zealand history. Finally, they research one event and explain its importance.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

1:1 Devices
Teacher Pack

The Pack contains associated resources for the learning experience, typically in the form of articles and videos. There is a teacher Pack (with only teacher information) and a student Pack (which contains only student information). As a teacher, you can toggle between both to see everything.

Here are the teacher pack items for Australia and Oceania: History and Its Influence:

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Overview:

In this experience, students explore the early history of Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific islands, including the early inhabitants and how they got there. Then they learn about the colonization that began in 1788 and the later decolonization. Then they read and create a timeline of New Zealand history. Finally, they research one event and explain its importance.

Objectives:

  • Trace the settlement of Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific islands by their first inhabitants.
  • Describe the early history of the Pacific countries.
  • Analyze colonial rule and decolonization in Australia and the Pacific.


In a region made up of islands, many of them quite small, how does a population develop? Where does it come from? In this experience, you will begin with those questions and learn about the early history of Oceania. Then you will move on to explore the colonization and later decolonization of the region.

Objectives:

  • Trace the settlement of Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific islands by their first inhabitants.
  • Describe the early history of the Pacific countries.
  • Analyze colonial rule and decolonization in Australia and the Pacific.


rough statues of people all facing the same way

Easter Island


To begin your study, watch the following video through 0:57: History of Oceania. 


What is one fact that surprised you from the video? Why?

Post your answer

Discuss student responses. They may comment on the way the early travelers among the islands shaped the geography of the region by introducing non-native plants and animals, bringing tools and farming methods, and harvesting timber. Some students will be surprised by the nuclear testing done on the islands in the twentieth century by the United Kingdom, France, and the United States.


When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.


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The Complete List of Learning Experiences in Australia and Oceania Unit.
World Cultures Australia and the Pacific The Pacific Countries: Geographic Passport
The Pacific Countries: Geographic Passport
World Cultures Australia and the Pacific Antarctica
Antarctica
World Cultures Australia and the Pacific The Pacific Countries: Society and Culture
The Pacific Countries: Society and Culture
World Cultures Australia and the Pacific The Pacific Countries: History and Its Influence
The Pacific Countries: History and Its Influence
World Cultures Australia and the Pacific The Pacific Countries: Government and Economy
The Pacific Countries: Government and Economy
World Cultures Australia and the Pacific Unit Review
Australia and the Pacific: Unit Review
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