AU - Australia Module Overview

Australia

Introduction

Sketch of Australian skyline Australia is a beautifully diverse continent often called "The Land Down Under" because it is located entirely in the southern hemisphere. Australia is the sixth smallest continent area-wise and sixth in population. Australia is made-up of many different land forms including mountains and vast plains that stretch across most of the interior region. The Great Dividing Range is a large chain of mountains that stretch along the eastern coastline. Off Australia's northeastern coastline is the largest coral reef structure in the world, the Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef is home to many unique marine animals including coral which are colonies made up of millions of tiny animals.

Australia has many different climate regions. About one-third of the country is desert. The desert region is located in the central and western parts of the continent. The northern regions of Australia that surround coastlines are tropical. South of the tropics is comfortable much of the year with cool winters and warm summers.

 

Questions to consider as you study this module:

  • What are the major political, physical, and geographical features of Australia?
  • How has Australia's location, climate, and natural resources affected where people live?

 

Module Lessons Preview

In this module, we will study the following topics:

Australia's Geography: Australia is both a continent and a country. Discover the unique geography of Australia in this lesson.

Australia's Climate: Australia's climate is more than just the weather. It varies from dry or desert, across much of the central part of the continent, to human subtropical in the eastern parts of the continent. It can be divided into 6 main regions - Find out about all 6 in this lesson.

Australia's Culture: Learn more about who the people of Australia are and what life is like there.

Australia's Government: How is Australia's government set up? What are some unique features of Australia's government? Find out in this lesson.

Australia's Economy: What jobs do most Australians have? How does the geography of Australia impact the economy?

 

Key Terms

Download a copy of this module's key terms by clicking here. Links to an external site.

 

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