Which fence will you choose to research?

Primary Middle  Secondary

Australian Curriculum General Capability: Critical and creative thinking

Australian Curriculum General Capability: Literacy

Cooperative Learning Activity

Overview

Dr John Pickard of the Department of Environment and Geography, Macquarie University Sydney has put together an illustrated glossary of Australian rural fence terms (170pages). The glossary is in alphabetical order.

Illustrated glossary of Australian rural fence terms [PDF - 170pages]

1. Form into groups of 6 students. You are going to use the Expert Jigsaw Strategy for this activity.

2. In groups of 6 students, each one is to choose one of the following fences to research:

a. Cobb & Co Hitch - p.36

b. Cockatoo Fence - p.37

c. Floppy-top Fence - p.59

d. Grid - p.67

e. Picket Fence p.95

f. Post & Rail p.99

3. Following the Expert Jigsaw Strategy, break up again into 6 groups - with all the researchers of Cobb & Co Hitch together, all the Cockatoo Fence students together etc.

4. The information in the glossary is the start of your research. You are to find together as a group:

a. a photo or image within Australia - you can use the one in Dr Pickard's work but it would be better to find another one.

b. the history of the fence, and,

c. it's purpose

5. The group is also to find one other fence or term in this glossary that you would like to research.

6. Re-form in your orginal group and then give a presentation to your group about your fence(s) and term.

Optional Extra

You are to photograph your fence at home or at school. Do you know what sort of fence it is from the glossary? Is it there?

Find out your fence's name and description. 

Rabbit Proof Fence Resources

Middle  Secondary