Year 8 Humanities and Social Sciences

Term  1

Unit of Study: Year 8 – Geography

There are two units of study in the Year 8 curriculum for Geography;

Landforms and landscapes focuses on investigating geomorphology through a study of landscapes and their landforms. This unit examines the processes that shape individual landforms, the values and meanings placed on landforms and landscapes by diverse cultures, hazards associated with landscapes, and management of landscapes.

Changing nations investigates the changing human geography of countries, as revealed by shifts in population distribution. The spatial distribution of population is a sensitive indicator of economic and social change, and has significant environmental, economic and social effects, both negative and positives.

 

Key Focus Questions:
  • How do environmental and human processes affect the characteristics of places and environments?
  • How do the interconnections between places, people and environments affect the lives of people?
  • What are the consequences of changes to places and environments and how can these changes be managed?

 
 

Term 2

Unit of Study: Year 8 – Civics and Citizenship

The Year 8 curriculum provides a study of the responsibilities and freedoms of citizens and how Australians can actively participate in their democracy. Students consider how laws are made and the types of laws used in Australia. Students also examine what it means to be Australian by identifying the reasons for and influences that shape national identity
 

Key Focus Questions:
  • What are the freedoms and responsibilities of citizens in Australia’s democracy?
  • How are laws made and applied in Australia?
  • What different perspectives are there about national identity?

 

 

Term 3

Unit of Study: Year 8 – History

The Year 8 curriculum provides study of history from the end of the ancient period to the beginning of the modern period, c.650 AD (CE) – 1750. This was when major civilisations around the world came into contact with each other. Social, economic, religious, and political beliefs were often challenged and significantly changed. It was the period when the modern world began to take shape.

 

Key Focus Questions:
  • How did societies change from the end of the ancient period to the beginning of the modern age?
  • What key beliefs and values emerged and how did they influence societies?
  • What were the causes and effects of contact between societies in this period?
  • Which significant people, groups and ideas from this period have influenced the world today?

 
 

Term 4

Unit of Study: Year 8 – Economics and Business

The Year 8 curriculum gives students the opportunity to further develop their understanding of economics and business concepts by exploring the ways markets – including traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander markets – work within Australia, the participants in the market system and the ways they may influence the market’s operation. The rights, responsibilities and opportunities that arise for businesses, consumers and governments are considered along with the influences on the ways individuals work now and into the future.
 

Key Focus Questions:
  • Why are markets needed, and why are governments involved?
  • Why do consumers and businesses have both rights and responsibilities?
  • What may affect the ways people work now and in the future?
  • How do different businesses respond to opportunities in the market?