Exploring Our World: People, Places, and Cultures

Chapter 28: Physical Geography of Australia, Oceania, and Antarctica

Web Activity Lesson Plans

Introduction
In this chapter, students learned about the physical geography in the region of Australia, Oceania, and Antarctica. The region of Australia, Oceania, and Antarctica, has great variety in landforms. Students will work on a geographic Web site that contains information about the Great Barrier Reef. An interactive diagram on the site allows students to explore data and draw conclusions.

Lesson Description
Students will visit an interactive geographic Web site. On this Web site, they can find information about the elements that make up the Great Barrier Reef. They will analyze the information and draw conclusions. They will also create a bulletin board, poster, or other kind of display to illustrate what they have learned.

Instructional Objectives

1. The learner will use geographic tools to locate and derive information.
2. The learner will analyze the effects of physical and human factors on landforms.
3. The learner will create a visual presentation of social studies information.

Student Web Activity Answers

1. off the northeast coast of Australia
2. Coral bleaching occurs when corals lose much of the algae that live in their outer tissues. It is caused by stress, such as elevated water temperatures. Some coral can recover from short-term bleaching, but long-term bleaching can cause permanent damage and death.
3. A coral reef grows about one-half inch (1.3 centimeters) a year.
4. Humans threaten the Great Barrier Reef through excessive fishing and coastal development.
5. Students’ displays will vary. They should mention that coral reefs are important for biodiversity, providing a home to much marine life. Coral reefs are also important for people and business. They provide nurseries for many species of fish, protect coastal areas from storm waves, and attract many tourists.