Game Lessons: Explore the cultural significance of Country with Paperbark.
Learn the cultural significance of Country for First Nations’ people in Australia as you explore the natural environment of the videogame Paperbark. Students take on the role of a curious wombat as they play the game Paperbark to explore flora and fauna of the Australian landscape. Using Paperbark as a launching pad, students then explore First Nations peoples’ knowledge of the environment, land management practices and bush tucker as an integral part of their connection to Country.
Year levels: 5-6
Subject areas: Geography, History, Literacy, Intercultural Capability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures
Suggested duration: Unit 6 lessons (60 min)
Technology required:
iPad, Laptop, Tablet with a copy of Paperbark downloaded
Download the full lesson plan
The lesson plan includes links to the Victorian Curriculum, indications of lesson timing, and ideas for differentiation and assessment.
In this Unit of 6 lessons, students will
| 1. | explore the game Paperbark to identify and research natural features such as flora, fauna and their traditional use by First Nations people. |
| 2. | research the meaning of Country and connect with their local environment |
| 3. | learn about the Seven Seasons of the Kulin People as well as traditional land management practices of First Nations people. |
| 4. | design a recipe using traditional native Australian bush tucker ingredients |
| 5. | design the next chapter of the Paperbark game that incorporates their new knowledge |
By the end of this lesson, students should
| some traditional uses of native bush foods |
| some features of Australian flora and fauna |
| the importance of Country in First Nations culture |
| how caring for Country helps maintain a connection to it |
| how the impacts of climate change could be mitigated using the knowledge and expertise of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities |
| research some Australian flora and fauna with common and scientific names |
| discuss the features of the Seven Seasons of the Kulin People |
| identify 2-3 edible native foods |
| skills in brainstorming and researching a topic |
| ability to apply learning and knowledge to broader concepts |
| skills in ICT and digital literacy |