Go Troppo over Australian Online Resources - Australia Part 2

Australian Overview, People and Animals

Overview

I like to start our online research by finding overview video clips. The Australian Tourism Board seemed to have the nicest ones. These two are my favorite ones.

I found a gem of a paper on the Australian Embassy's Website. Take a look at Tell Me About Australia Fact Sheet. It has educational information for children (K-8) on geography, unique wildlife, environment, history, aboriginal culture & natural wonders, government, education and sports. It even includes lyrics to most iconic songs and recipes for traditional Australian treats. The booklet is so informative that you could stop your search right here if you wish! But I still need to mention that the Australian Embassy in Washington D.C is also a great resource for Australian Maps. You can print all kinds of maps from there! 

Here are also some pretty good websites for quick facts: 

• Fast Facts on Australia by Kids National Geographic
• Interesting Australia Facts for Kids by Kids World Travel Guide
• Australia by TIME For Kids
• Australia Attractions: Top 10 Destinations by Kids World Travel Guide
• Australia Guide by National Geographic. Absolutely stunning photos here.

Who Are the Australians

There are about 22.6 million Australians. Australians, just like the Americans come from all over the world. Australia welcomes lots of immigrants each year. The Australian National Anthem, I am, You are, We are Australian and I Still Call Australia Home, Wiyathul and My Island Home songs bring it home for me. What a beautiful concept - We are one, but we are many. We share a dream. I am, You are, We are Australian. I can't get through these songs without crying, so go ahead and get some tissues before you start watching.

I have always had a soft spot for native people. I grew up in Lapland along with Finland's (and other Nordic Countries) indigenous Sami people. I've always loved Sami music, arts and crafts. Here in the States we have Native Americans and in Australia there are Aboriginals. All of the first natives of the nations seem to have very strong ties to nature and they all have had to endure horrific injustices and hardships in the face of newcomers to the area.  It brings me joy to have recently found out that both Aboriginal art and music are thriving and that attitudes towards Aboriginals are becoming softer and more accepting. Let's do our part on making sure that our kids learn to be kinder and more accepting than our own generations. Through education and friendship the wounds from the past can heal. You can find out more about Aboriginals from Aboriginal Australia Art & Culture Centre. 

I always try and get my kids to imagine that they come from the country that we are studying. I ask them what their names could be, how they look like and what they would do on a normal day. This time it helped to see a day in the life of a 12 year old in Australia on the web first. It also helps to know some Aussie Slang Words. It's neat if the kids know some famous Australians. This Global Kids Show on Australia was really great for the kids:

Australian Animals

My daughter is an animal lover. She loves to do animal research. Animals seem to engage children easily. Luckily Australia is a treasure chest of unique animals that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Thus studying them is a lot of fun! I can't think of any better way to introduce my kids to Australian animals other than via Steve Irwin, the beloved late Australian Animal Enthusiast. May he rest in peace. Steve Irwin's Great Escape to Australia is a great way to get started. Here is the first part:

Steve Irwin's legacy lives in the Australia Zoo. His wife and children continue to care for animals in the zoo which is located 1 hour north of Brisbane. The zoo's website has great information on on Australian Animals, such as Koalas, Kangaroos, Wombats, Tasmanian Devils, Dingoes, Kookaburras and Echidnas. In this video clip Steve Irwin's son, Robert, gives an overview of the Australia Zoo.

The web is full of great sites for animal research. Here are two easy and simple ones for kids: A - Z Animals Online Animal Encyclopedia and Australian Fauna by Kids.Net.Au.

Hope these links and ideas help you on your journey to discover more about Australia! I would love to hear if you found something really useful here! Next parts of the Australia Studies will deal with Australian Music and Arts.