Inquiry questions provide a framework for developing students’ knowledge, understanding and skills. The following inquiry questions are examples only and may be used or adapted to suit local contexts.
What are the causes and consequences of change in places and environments, and how can this change be managed?
What are the future implications of changes to places and environments?
Why are interconnections and interdependencies important for the future of places and environments?
Achievement Standard
Knowledge By the end of Year 9, students:
Explain how peoples’ activities or environmental processes change the characteristics of places.
Explain the effects of human activity on environments, and the effects of environments on human activity.
Explain the features of biomes’ distribution and identify implications for environments.
Analyse the interconnections between people and places and environments.
Identify and explain how these interconnections influence people, and change places and environments.
Analyse strategies to address a geographical phenomenon or challenge using environmental, social or economic criteria.
Skills Students:
Develop a range of questions about a geographical phenomenon or challenge.
Collect, represent and compare relevant and reliable geographical data and information by using a range of primary research methods and secondary research materials in a range of formats.
Interpret and analyse data and information to explain patterns and trends and infer relationships.
Draw evidence-based conclusions about the impact of the geographical phenomenon or challenge.
Develop and evaluate strategies, predict impacts and make a recommendation.
Use geographical knowledge, concepts, terms and digital tools as appropriate to develop descriptions, explanations and responses that acknowledge research findings.
Content Descriptions – Skills
Questioning and researching using geographical methods
develop a range of questions for a geographical inquiry related to a phenomenon or challenge
collect, represent and compare data and information from primary research methods, including fieldwork and secondary research materials, using geospatial technologies and digital tools as appropriate
Interpreting and analysing geographical data and information
evaluate geographical data and information to make generalisations and predictions, explain patterns and trends and infer relationships
Concluding and decision-making
evaluate data and information to justify conclusions
develop and evaluate strategies using environmental, economic or social criteria; recommend a strategy and explain the predicted impacts
Communicating
create descriptions, explanations and responses, using geographical knowledge and geographical tools as appropriate, and concepts and terms that incorporate and acknowledge research findings