Scotch College

GEOGRAPHY Year 10 — 2010

Water – Too Much or Too Little [Semester Unit]

Rationale 

Water is one of the most important resources.  This unit examines issues associated with the use and management of water resources.

Student Outcomes 

• describing the main characteristics of the selected issue and where appropriate, explaining the underlying processes
• identifying and describing management strategies
• evaluating the effectiveness of these strategies
• working co-operatively with others
• applying oral and written communication skills

Course Content 

• El Nino and La Nina:   What is El Nino and how does it cause drought in Australia?  Can El Nino be predicted and planned for?  What is La Nina? 
• Floods:  The 1934 flooding of Gardiner’s Creek and the Yarra River saw the floodwaters rise to the steps of the Memorial Hall.  What causes floods?  How can their impact be reduced?  How can they be managed?
• Multi-purpose Dams:  The Aswan Dam, Egypt; the Boulder Dam, USA and the Upper Yarra Reservoir, Melbourne have brought major benefits.  What are these benefits?  Have there been problems as well?
• Water for Australia in the Twenty ‘Thirst’ Century:   Internet research on possible sources of water and their potential, including; desalination of sea water, cloud seeding and harvesting icebergs.
• Mega Dam:  The Three Gorges Dam, China.  Is one mega dam better than one hundred small dams?

Assessment

Examination

Fieldtrip Report

Practical Activities