Year 7 Lesson: Indigenous Australian Timbers and Cultural Uses

Curriculum Links

ACHASSK106: The nature of sources of evidence about ancient Australia and what they reveal about Australia’s ancient past, such as the use of resources.

ACHASSK107: The nature of the sources for ancient Australia and what they reveal about Australia’s past in the ancient period, such as the use of resources.

ACHASSK108: The importance of conserving the remains of the ancient past, including the heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Aboriginal Cultural Standards Framework: Cultural Responsiveness Standard - Staff embed Aboriginal cultural knowledge, such as traditional resource use and trade practices, to demonstrate respect for community values and environmental stewardship.

Cross-Curriculum Priority: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures - Students explore pre-contact and contact histories to understand Indigenous innovation and adaptation in material use.

Reading: Indigenous Australian Timbers and Cultural Uses

Indigenous Australians have used native timbers for thousands of years in tools, weapons, and ceremonial objects. Eucalyptus, acacia, and casuarina are common timbers with cultural significance. Eucalyptus is used for didgeridoos and boomerangs, valued for its strength and resonance. Acacia, or wattle, provides wood for spears and shields, known for durability. These timbers hold spiritual meaning in Dreamtime stories. Sustainable practices ensure timbers are harvested respectfully.

Spelling Bank

Here are 20 words from the reading for spelling practice (click to hear the word and a longer sentence with context and meaning):

Example Sentences

  1. The word indigenous means native to a particular place. In the lesson, indigenous Australians used timbers for cultural tools.
  2. The word timbers means wood prepared for use in building. In the reading, timbers like eucalyptus have cultural importance.
  3. The word eucalyptus means a genus of trees native to Australia. In the context, eucalyptus is used for didgeridoos due to resonance.
  4. The word acacia means a type of tree or shrub. In the lesson, acacia provides wood for spears and shields.
  5. The word casuarina means a tree with needle-like leaves. In the reading, casuarina is used in traditional artifacts.
Fill in the Blanks (Using words from the reading)
1. Indigenous Australians used native __________ for tools.
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2. Eucalyptus is used for __________.
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3. Acacia is also known as __________.
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4. Timbers hold __________ meaning in stories.
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5. Practices ensure timbers are __________ respectfully.
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6. Casuarina is a common __________ timber.
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7. Sustainable __________ preserve cultural timbers.
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Multiple Choice Questions
1. What is eucalyptus used for?
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2. Acacia is used for __________.
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3. Timbers have __________ significance.
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4. Dreamtime stories involve __________.
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5. Practices are __________ for preservation.
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6. Casuarina is a native __________.
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7. Timbers are harvested __________.
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Correct: 0
Wrong: 0
Resit test to get 100%

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