Further program suggestions
Walk the railway line - Although railway line is no longer
in use the track along the line can be walked. This provides an
excellent sensory experience for students enabling them to better
understand the difficulties of mining the area, transporting goods
and people, and constructing the road and railway. An investigation
of the type and amount of goods, gold and people moved would further
enhance this understanding. Comparisons could be made between a
modern rail or road link the students are familiar with.
Water sample non-polluted stream - After conducting water-
sampling students could repeat the activities in their local streams
or other steams in the area (the Don River, the Fitzroy River).
Results from these experiments could be compared and contrasted
and reasons for differences explained. Students could also hypothesize
about the conditions of the waterways before European settlement
(TCC 4.1).
Create or draw Mt Morgan before and after settlement and mining
and in the future - Using images, information and sensory experiences
from a visit to Mt Morgan students could create a diorama, model
or series of drawings to create the town from its foundation, through
its development to its possible future. The issue of environmental
change could be explored from different perspectives such as a miner,
conservationist, employee in a local industry, tourist or student
(TCC 4.1, TCC 4.5).
Research the economic benefits of mining for Australia and
Queensland and environmental impact.
Recommend most efficient ways to care for Dee River area
and Mt Morgan (PS 4.3).
Interview and Write an exposition that identifies and classifies
values that underpin your approach to organisation (SRP 4.5).
Sketching scenes in Mt Morgan - the landscape around Mt
Morgan and its historical architecture offer wonderful opportunities
for sketching.
Novel study - the novel Kayak by Sally Ogders tells the
story of a boy who disappears in mysterious circumstances. Has he
been really been taken captive to explain why he is polluting the
local river? Imaging the events taking place on the Dee River would
bring the novel to life. The students could also use the novel and
their experiences in Mt Morgan to write their own short story on
the theme of pollution.
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