| Article Index |
|---|
| Pacific Cultures |
| Years 1–3 |
| Years 4–6 |
| Years 6–9 |
| Years R–12 |
| All Pages |
The Pacific gallery offers students insights into the traditional life-styles, technologies and history of the people who are Australia's near neighbours.
Traditional Culture in the Pacific
The gallery has extensive displays. It also features large screens showing a mixture of historical and contemporary films which will assist students to interpret the exhibits. Select an appropriate program from the Quick Links (above).
Pacific Islander News
The following information about aspects of the Pacific Cultures Gallery can be used by students or teachers. They may be useful when preparing for a visit, or when following up on investigations carried out in the gallery.
Pacific Cultures Gallery – Past, Present and Future
Masks from the Pacific Cultures Gallery
Years 1–3
Village Life in the Pacific Islands
In this program students collaborate in small groups as they explore and investigate the gallery with assistance from adult helpers. The booklet can be used to guide their learning and record information about how Pacific Islander people make their houses, clothing, hunt animals, travel across the sea, and make masks and jewellery to celebrate special occasions.
Years 4–6
Village Life, Ceremonies & Technology
Teachers can choose from three Primary Years programs:
Village Life in the Pacific Islands
Students learn about how the daily life of the Pacific Islander people has changed. They work collaboratively in small groups and use the A5 booklet to guide their learning and record information with assistance from an adult helper.
Ceremonies & Celebrations in the Pacific Islands
Students learn about the Pacific Islanders' traditional ceremonies and celebrations, some of which still occur today. They work collaboratively in small groups and use the A5 booklet to guide their learning and record information with assistance from an adult helper.
Pacific Islander Art & Technology
Students investigate the different styles of Pacific Islander art forms and also the technologies used in everyday life. Students work in pairs or small groups and use the A4 activity sheets to guide their learning and record information.
Years 6–9
Pacific Cultures Gallery Student Guide
This program involves students working collaboratively in pairs using the booklet to guide them on a voyage of discovery through the gallery and record information about the history and culture of the Pacific Islanders.
Years R–12
Work with a Pacific Islander
An innovative new, inquiry-based teaching and learning program has been developed to engage students from R-12 in learning about our near neighbours in the Pacific region. Therese Minitong-Kemelfield, a linguist and teacher from the Solomon Islands will facilitate an immersive program in which students build upon their initial investigations at school related to 'key concepts' outlined below. The program is not available at all times. Please ring to check availability.
Our Near Neighbours
The programs for Primary, Middle and Senior Years students run for two hours (including a break). A modified program for Early Years students runs for 1 hour. Costs are $100 for two hours or $60 for the hour. Available Tuesday and Thursday.
Students are invited to explore the gallery and engage with the displays about Pacific Islander communities using hands-on artefacts in new discovery drawers, an education display case, inquiry cards, and ultra-flip video cameras.
Discovery Drawers
Students can collaborate in small groups using the discovery drawers to investigate artefacts made by Pacific Islander people who belong to different communities from Papua New Guinea, Fiji, New Britain and New Ireland, and the Solomon Islands.
Inquiry Cards & Student Notebooks
Example of Inquiry Card
Example of Student Notebook
Download examples below for follow-up at school:
Papua New Guinea – south side of gallery
Papua New Guine – north side of gallery
Fiji
East New Britain and New Ireland
Solomon Islands
Key Concepts for Investigation
Identity & Belonging
Compare the special designs and materials used by each community to make their artefacts including jewellery, masks or shields, tools, weapons and clothing.
Power & Authority
Find artefacts on display that are symbols of power and authority including clubs and ornaments.
Technology, Design, Trade & Sustainability
Investigate how artefacts are made by each community. Record the different materials and tools they might have used.
Play
Look for toys used by children from Pacific Islander communities. Talk about the games you might play with these toys.
Things to do at School
The following activity sheets have been developed by Therese Minitong-Kemelfield to be used for pre-visit or post-visit activities. They are suitable for Early and Primary Years students.
Carving
Children's Games
Food
Body Ornaments
Pacific Stories
For schools with a particular curriculum focus on the Asia-Pacific region…
For schools with a particular curriculum focus on the Asia-Pacific region, it may also be possible to coordinate a visit to the Art Gallery of South Australia or the Adelaide Botanic Gardens where they offer programs with a focus on Asia.
08 8207 7500
08 8203 9805
