YEAR 7 SOSE Alive 1 is the first component of the new Jacaranda Middle Years Project to be released. It is the first in a series targeted at junior secondary students. This interactive learning package includes: * high-interest Geography, History and Commerce material to engage and challenge young adolescents * launching pads for SOSE students to build from their own knowledge to new areas of understanding * opportunities for students to extend thinking and explore independent learning opportunities * Remember, Understand, Communicate, Investigate, Create and Connect activities engage different types of learners * technology delivered through a highly interactive CD-ROM and Web site. The middle years (school years 5-9) occur at a time when people are going through the greatest physical and personal development of the human life cycle. Children in this age group are seeking independence and are curious and adventurous. They seek interaction with adults and learn best through interactive activities rather than by listening. They are empowered by technology, and use it with skill in their recreational and educational pursuits. What makes this program unique? Materials developed through the Jacaranda Middle Years Project provide active learning opportunities for middle years students through: * high-interest material to engage, surprise and challenge students * opportunities for students to build on prior knowledge and choices for students to explore independent learning opportunities * a wide range of activities to engage different learners and build understanding * learning through technology to utilise the capabilities of multimedia and exploit adolescents' curious and adventurous nature. SOSE Alive 1 WiZdom CD-ROM WiZdom is the new interactive learning game designed to encourage students to find out more about the range of SOSE topics presented in SOSE Alive. Students are sent on a quest to find the chosen ones who will help them unlock the wisdom of the ages. They must select the correct information to answer the range of questions posed by the Wizard. In return they earn points to buy items for their trophy cabinet. Students can enjoy a wide range of adventures, from exploring the majesty of Ancient Rome through to trailing through the steaming rainforests of the Amazon.

Table of Contents

How to use this textbook Coverage of outcomes and multiple intelligences About the CD-ROM Acknowledgements Introduction Chapter 1: Uncovering the past Tracking back Why study history? Collecting the evidence Digging back through time Facts and opinions Time travel How old is it? Faces of history: Mysterious Iceman probably a hunter What is a civilisation? Conserving our past Check and challenge Summary of key terms Chapter 2: Ancient Egypt Lifeblood of Egypt Egyptian Eye: Heatwave fries the desert Women in Ancient Egypt Write like an Egyptian Pharaoh rules! Crafters and traders Gods and the afterlife Mummies unwrapped Pyramid builders Tutankhamen revealed Check and challenge Summary of key terms Chapter 3: Ancient Greece Western civilisation begins Trojan horse - a myth? Rule in Athens and Sparta The spartan Spartans Daily life in Athens Athens in the Golden Age The legend of Odysseus Scientists in the making Greek Gazette: Alexander the Great dead at 33! The Olympic Games Check and challenge Summary of key terms Chapter 4: Ancient Rome Rome wasn't built in a day Ruling the Roman Republic Life in the Roman army Roman Forum: Scipio crushes Hannibal Julius Caesar: trail blazer Eruption destroys Pompeii Daily life in Ancient Rome Gladiators: Blood, sweat and cheers Gods, myths and beliefs Technology masters Check and challenge Summary of key terms Chapter 5: Ancient China China - an unknown land The heavenly connection Harmony and balance The China Plate: Assassination attempt fails The first emperor The end of the Qin The Han restore peace Daily life under the Han Palace life Science and discovery Check and challenge Summary of key terms Chapter 6: Mapping Australia Australia's human environment Spread of settlement Australia's population Towns and cities Land use in Australia Australia's natural environments Australia's climate Mountains Rivers in Australia Australia's coastline Check and challenge Summary of key terms Chapter 7: World records The Summit: On top of the world The human world The natural world Australia Pacific islands Asia Europe Africa North America South and Central America Check and challenge Summary of key terms Chapter 8: Deserts Lost in the desert Deserts of the world Why are deserts dry? Desert forms and patterns Survival skills Animal life in the desert Humans adapt to the desert Humans change the desert Coober Pedy - desert town Desert Sun: Sand sinks city Check and challenge Summary of key terms Chapter 9: Rainforests Jungle beat: Jungle plane crash The rainforest biome The Amazin' Amazon Why are rainforests so important? Living in the jungle Australia's rainforests Daintree River National Park, Queensland Rainforests under attack Highways of destruction Rescuing the rainforests Check and challenge Summary of key terms Chapter 10: Endangered species Gorillas in the mist Going, going, gone... Where are they? Disappearing habitats Giant pandas on the brink Saving the mountain pygmy-possum Illegal wildlife trade Endangered in Australia The Last Post: Cat murders bilby! Check and challenge Summary of key terms Chapter 11: Government in action Canberra Chronicle: Liberals big win Tower of power Order! Order! Party, part, party It's federal election time! Counting federal votes Making laws A day in the life of the PM Being an active citizen Democracy at work Check and challenge Summary of key terms Index