Outback Opal Hunters - Series 1 (ATOM Study Guide)

Overview

Australian opals are located in one of the most inhospitable places on Earth, the Australian outback. We meet the men and women hunting precious opal buried under the dirt and hard rock. They battle against crippling droughts, baking temperatures and dangerous animals to find the queen of gems. It takes an unbreakable love of opal, opal mining and the desire to strike it rich to succeed in the ultimate treasure hunt.

Curriculum Links

Outback Opal Hunters is a resource that can be used in middle and senior secondary classes to engage students in a variety of curriculum areas:

• Geography: What is the nature of the Australian outback environment? How do weather, distance, climate and environments affect individuals and communities?
• Civics and Citizenship: What is good citizenship in remote communities?
• English: What qualities are needed for individuals to respond positively to the challenges they face?
• Media Arts: How do filmmakers construct effective documentaries?
• Economics: What are the economic contributions and costs of the opal mining industry to individuals, communities and the nation?