Oxford Big Ideas is an innovative suite of teaching and learning resources written specifically for the Victorian Essential Learning Standards, which foster deep, transferable and meaningful understanding.

Recent studies confirm that students learn and understand better when information is connected to major ideas and themes. Such big ideas underpin all disciplines. In Geography, the big idea of sustainability and diversity is explored.

Title Overview (PDF)

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• Written from scratch in response to the VELS Level 6 curriculum
• Explicitly teaches thinking skills in conjunction with content
• Uses a sophisticated approach to skill development
• Provides a multitude of questions (Bloom’s Taxonomy), experiments and activities catering for multiple learning styles and abilities
• Stunning visuals and real-life contexts for maximum student engagement
• CD-ROM ebook with every student text
• FREE online teacher support

Part one: Skills and concepts

Chapter 1: How does geography help us understand our world?

1.1       Why do we study geographic patterns?

1.2       What are geographic patterns?

1.3       How do we describe and interpret geographic patterns?

Part two:  Natural systems

Chapter 2: How do humans respond to tectonic hazards?

2.1       What processes cause tectonic hazards?

2.2       What impact do earthquakes and tsunamis have on humans?

2.3       How can we predict and manage tectonic hazards?

Chapter 3: How do landscapes change over time?

3.1       How do coastal landscapes form?

3.2       How do coastlines change over time?

3.3       How can coastlines be protected?

Part three: Human interactions with the natural environment

Chapter 4: How do humans impact on environments?

4.1       What factors influence pollution?

4.2       How does pollution impact on the environment?

4.3       How can we reduce pollution?

Chapter 5: What impact do humans have on the global environment?

5.1       Why is the climate changing?

5.2       What impact will climate change have on our daily lives?

5.3       How can we manage the factors contributing to climate change?

Part four: Development

Chapter 6: Can we sustain our resource use?

6.1       How much do we consume?

6.2       What is the impact of our consumption?

6.3       Can we reduce our consumption?

Chapter 7: How sustainable is the world’s urban population growth?

7.1       What has caused the world’s urban explosion?

7.2       What is the distribution of the world’s megacities?

7.3       What are the consequences of the urban explosion?

7.4       How do people manage this development issue?

Chapter 8: Is tourism sustainable?

8.1       What are the environmental impacts of tourism?

8.2       What influences tourism trends?

8.3       How can we manage tourism trends in a sustainable manner?