The deep time Australian story begins more than 65,000 years ago. Of this long and diverse history, less than 1% is recorded in written documents. It is therefore essential that Australian students are introduced to key sources of primary data relating to both the deep time story of people and of Country. Archaeology (the excavation, analysis and interpretation of material culture from the past) and palaeoecology (the interpretation and reconstruction of past landscapes, climates and ecologies) are two such disciplines, both of which feature prominently in both the Australian and Victorian Curricula in the units linked to the deep time history of Australia.
This professional learning day will equip Victorian secondary teachers with foundational knowledge in archaeology and palaeoecology that can be directly and immediately applied in the classroom through engaging, hands-on approaches. The day will combine expert knowledge sessions with practical, first-hand experience at La Trobe University's simulated archaeological site, giving teachers the opportunity to experience excavation themselves and explore how these techniques can be translated into powerful classroom activities.
Drawing on constructivist principles of active learning, participants will leave with both the content knowledge and the practical teaching strategies needed to teach Australia's deep time story with confidence.
About the presenter: Dr Georgia Stannard is a Lecturer in the Department of Archaeology and History at La Trobe University, Melbourne. Georgia’s research is focussed on the themes of heritage education, public archaeology and the archaeology of Australia’s cold climates. Georgia is currently serving as the Co-Chair of the Australian National Committee for Archaeology Teaching and Learning.
When: 10am-1pm, Saturday 23 May 2026
Where: Room 132, Social Sciences Building, La Trobe University, Bundoora Vic
Registration: https://events.humanitix.com/teaching-australia-s-deep-time-story-from-foundational-knowledge-to-experiential-learning/tickets