Whenever a class begins to study a new part of the world, teachers must deal with students' preexisting ideas about the area. Activities which will challenge elementary students' initial impressions of Australia and encourage them to learn more about the country are described. (RM)

The Aboriginal Australians traditionally were a homogeneous people, living as hunter-gatherers and dispersed across Australia. Today there are 176,300 Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders in Australia--more than one percent of the country's population. Their history and current problems are examined. (RM)

Australians are known for their egalitarian spirit, manifested by a dislike of social pretension and affectation. A brief history of the country from the time of its establishment in 1788 as a dumping ground for Britain's unwanted criminals to the present is presented. (RM)

Australia is an independent nation-state, federally constituted under a democratic parliamentary system. Being part of the Commonwealth of Nations, with feelings of loyalty to the Crown, Australia is also a democratic monarchy. Its political structure is discussed. (RM)

Australia is the world's driest continent. One-third of the country's area is unsuitable for any land use, while another third is suitable only for cattle and sheep grazing. Australia's physical geography, weather conditions, wildflowers, and wildlife are discussed. (RM)

Australia has one of the highest standards of living in the world. Agriculture, grazing, and mining are the mainstays of the country's economy. Since the end of World War II, Australia has developed an advanced industrial base that manufactures a wide range of goods, from automobiles to clothespins. (RM)

Cultural freedom involves the ability to recognize and participate imaginatively in the exploration of one's own environment for the sake of one's self and one's people and the ability to transcend that environment and speak to all people. Australian artists, writers, poets, music, and oral literature are discussed. (RM)

A robust and distinctive society of over 15 million people, Australia today is a nation of increasing influence in the international community. Phases in the evolution of Australia's attitude to the outside world are examined and how the country views its international role is discussed. (RM)

This bibliographic essay discusses how Australian children's books and adolescent literature reflect Australian society. For example, Australian society tends to be male dominated; problems of a boy growing up in a mainly macho world are dealt with in Southall's "Josh" and "Walk a Mile" and in Phipson's "A Tide…

Provides a brief overview of salient facts to be incorporated into a lesson plan on Australia. Several lists contain interesting facts concerning geography, resource utilization, culture, and population. Includes suggested list of research/discussion topics and a list of annotated references. (MJP)