Australian Geography Series: Year 3 – Places Are Similar And Different is part of the Australian Geography Series which comprises nine books in total. This book has been written specifically for students in Year 3, who are living in Australia and studying Geography. The activity book has been divided into three sections: Different Types Of Places, Understanding Maps and Protecting Our Environment. Each section is closely linked to the Australian National Curriculum.

In Section 1, Different Types Of Places, students are encouraged to think about what it would be like to live in a different type of place to the place in which they currently reside. Among other activities, students will be asked to consider the human and natural characteristics of different types of places, compare and contrast rice growing in Australia and Indonesia, tea growing in Sri Lanka and Australia and investigate similarities and differences between Australia and Papua New Guinea.

In Section 2, Understanding Maps, activities and tasks are designed to build mapping skills in a variety of map types including: weather, political, natural resources and floor plans. Students will be asked to locate places on a local, national and global scale using compass directions, grid references and scale. Special attention is given to locating places and features within Australia and locating countries on a map considered to be Australia’s neighbours.

In Section 3, Protecting Our Environment, students will think about the importance of caring for and protecting special places within Australia. They will consider the consequences of not caring for a place and devise strategies to improve places for all.

Australian Geography Series: Year 3 – Places Are Similar And Different is a student-friendly resource for 8 – 9 year olds studying Geography. The book’s illustrations and graphic data give students ample support to think about the big issues in Geography that will affect how people live today and in the future.

Author: Lisa Craig