Places Near and Far, and the Past in the Present: Year 2 Study Guide
Places near and far differ in climate, food and way of life. The past is still visible in the world around us.
Children locate Australia on a map or globe and compare it with other places, such as New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and Japan. They look at their own place and compare how people live: homes, food, clothes, weather and jobs. A map shows the position of places and tells us whether they are near or far.
They also see the past in the present: heritage buildings, old bridges, local place names, festivals and stories passed down by families. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have lived on this continent for over 60,000 years, and their languages, art and place names are part of Australia today.
Comparing places
| Place | Weather | Typical food or custom |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | Mostly warm; varies by region | Barbecues, meat pies, damper |
| New Zealand | Cooler, green | Hangi, lamb, pavlova debate |
| Japan | Four distinct seasons | Rice, sushi, ramen |
| Indonesia | Hot and tropical | Nasi goreng, satay |
Using a map and globe
A globe shows the whole Earth and how continents and oceans lie. Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere, surrounded by the Indian, Pacific and Southern Oceans. Use the compass rose: New Zealand is east of Australia and Indonesia is north.
On a globe or map.
Use the key.
North, south, east or west.
How are they alike and different?
The past in the present
Look for signs of the past: the old post office, a statue, a street named after someone, a museum, a historic bridge. Ask a grandparent or elder what they remember. In some towns, signs and school names include Aboriginal words that show the Traditional Owners of that Country.
Worked examples and common mistakes
Example: Which ocean is east of Australia? The Pacific. Example: Name one thing in your town that is old. A war memorial or an old building. Common mistakes: thinking people in other countries live exactly alike, or that the past is only in books. Encourage curiosity and respect for different ways of life.
Check your understanding: model answers
1. For example, New Zealand and Indonesia. 2. East. 3. Example: an old building, a memorial or a street named after a person.
✨ Key Takeaways
- Places differ in weather, food and customs.
- A globe and map show where places are.
- The past is visible in buildings, names and traditions.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples care for Country.
💬 Questions for Discussion & Reflection
- Name two countries near Australia.
- Which direction is New Zealand from Australia?
- Give one sign of the past in your town.
Print graph paper for map drawing →