Introduction

Wominjeka!

Wominjeka and welcome to Life on the Birrarung, a website providing information and resources for a 2-hr school visit to Dights Falls in Melbourne’s inner east. This resource has been created by ACU pre-service teacher Kristen Harrison for unit EDSS661: Humanities and Social Sciences Education for Children (B-12).

On the banks of the Birrarung
Looking out at Dights Falls

Designed to be part of a larger Year 5/6 unit of inquiry, these resources support students to experience and explore the Geography and History of a local landmark. In doing so, they will develop a greater understanding of the complex interconnections between people, place and space. With the guidance of the traditional owners, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation (WWCHAH), students explore the implications of manmade and natural activities throughout history, and the efficacy of contemporary sustainability projects like the fishway.

Observing the flow of water in the fishway.

During the visit, students will engage a wide range of skills and competencies embodied within the Victorian Humanities curriculum, including: nurturing respect and care for the environment starting with their local area; developing their understanding of the diverse perspectives that make up their local history; demonstrating a capacity for teamwork and problem-solving; using their critical and creative thinking to make sense of the past, present and possible futures (VCAA 2.0).

Based on the education aims of the WWCHAH and the Victorian curriculum, the site visit is designed in two parts:

Part 1: Connection to Country

  • Arrival at Yarra Bend car park. Headcount.
  • Walk to Deep Rock and assemble at seating area by the water.
  • Briefing at Deep Rock. Set expectations for the day. WWCHAH introduce the features of the natural environment, it’s significance to the Traditional Owners and the intrinsic connection between Country and Wurundjeri Culture. Introduction to Woiwurrung language and the traditional place names through the Wurundjeri Creation Story.
  • Activity 1: Didirri Walk. A 10-minute silent walk to observe and connect with Country.
  • Assemble at Shaded Picnic Area for yarning circles.

Part 2: The Impact of Colonisation

  • Assemble at Dights Falls for the second part of the WWCHAH tour. Here students learn about the history of the natural and manmade structures and the impact of colonisation and Western industry on the environment.
  • Activity 2: Design a Fishway. Working independently in small groups, students will explore Dights Falls, taking in the information at the site and observing in more detail the workings of the weir and the fishway. They will then design their own fishway, with consideration for the Traditional Owners, the environment and the local community.
  • Regroup and debrief.