Geography

Murder under the Microscope (MuM) addresses both Stage 4 and Stage 5 outcomes for the NSW Geography Years 7–10 syllabus.

Students participating in MuM explore physical elements of environments including water, flora and fauna, and soil. During their investigation, they examine the interaction of the physical and human elements, identifying patterns resulting from the interaction of the physical and human environments.

During the investigation, students develop skills in reflecting on their prior learning and asking geographical questions such as ‘What is there?’, ‘Where is it?’ and ‘How is it changing over time?’ Students need to locate and gather information from a variety of primary and secondary sources including maps, field work, graphs and photographs.

In completing the MuM plan, students use different kinds of geographical tools to assist in the interpretation of geographical phenomena and their decision making about these phenomena. They need to locate, select, organise and communicate geographical information and explore different perspectives on geographical issues. They propose action about contemporary geographical issues and reflect on the meaning of citizenship.

NSW Stage 4 Geography

MuM supports Stage 4 learning outcomes from the NSW Geography Years 7–10 syllabus, specifically in the following areas.

Focus Area 4G1: Investigating the World

A student:

• identifies and gathers geographical information
• organises and interprets geographical information
• uses a range of written, oral and graphical forms to communicate geographical information
• uses a range of geographical tools
• describes the geographical processes that form and transform environments
• identifies and discusses geographical issues from a range of perspectives
• describes the interrelationships between people and environments
• explains how geographical knowledge, understanding and skills combine with knowledge of civics to contribute to informed citizenship.

Source: NSW Board of Studies, Geography Years 7–10 Syllabus, 2003.

The syllabus can be accessed at:

http://boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au

NSW Stage 5 Geography

MuM supports Stage 5 learning outcomes from the NSW Geography Years 7–10 syllabus, specifically in the following areas.

Focus Area 5A3: Issues in Australian Environments

A student:

• identifies, gathers and evaluates geographical information
• analyses, organises and synthesises geographical information
• selects and uses appropriate written, oral and graphic forms to communicate geographical information
• selects and applies appropriate geographical tools
• demonstrates a sense of place about Australian environments
• explains the geographical processes that form and transform Australian environments
• analyses the impacts of different perspectives on geographical issues at local, national and global scales
• applies geographical knowledge, understanding and skills with knowledge of civics to demonstrate informed and active citizenship.

Source: NSW Board of Studies, Geography Years 7–10 Syllabus, 2003.

The syllabus can be accessed at:

http://boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au

Literacy

Students participating in MuM engage in reading, writing, talking, listening and viewing activities. The learning activities of MuM require students to read, listen to and view a range of geographical information sources. Students need to present information using a variety of oral, written and nonverbal text types.

Numeracy

The MuM learning materials assist students to analyse statistical data, construct and interpret graphs and maps, and use latitude and longitude. In this way, students are developing skills in numeracy in a range of practical ways.

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)

Students undertaking MuM need to access the internet and download information. While it is a classroom-based project, students undertake a range of tasks using information and communication technologies, including email messaging, desktop publishing a document for a specific audience, developing and refining search techniques using the internet, and collecting and interpreting electronic information. They may use multimedia presentation or web editing software to design and create their plan.