eXplore Chapter Books
We are pleased to announce the special offer on the new set of the eXplore series. A series based on individuals overcoming personal challenges and succeeding as well as other topics on nature and science. In eXplore Set 2, timeless classics are included, recreation and sports, nature and sciences. Beautifully presented and cleverly written for the struggling reader in primary and secondary classes.
Low literacy level books can be used with a great range of students. High-interest readers provide the opportunity to engage the students in topics of interest to them. Reading age is 6-7 years. Reading recovery levels are:
- Set 1 (paperback): levels 19 to 28
- Set 2 (hardback): levels 14 to 20
Hardback books to stand up rigorous use over a long period. This new series is heavily discounted to provide you with a superb set of readers which are ideal for the HiLo classes and ESL at a low literacy stage. The content is designed to be of interest to the upper primary and early secondary-level students.
The Teachers’ Resources are comprehensive and include 'before reading' exercises, addressing familiarity with the sight words, and 'after reading' to extend with reading, writing, and comprehension. It is aimed at building word vocabulary, sight words, and writing practice exercises.
Click here to shop for eXplore Chapter Books
Titles in Set 1:
- Mawson
- Nepal Trek
- Tassie Trek
- Apollo 13
- Gold Fever
- Kon Tiki
- Spitfire
- Kokoda
- Australia's First People
- Hunting and Fishing
- Knights
- Everest Climb
- Shark Attack
- Gladiators
- Mars Mission
- White Mouse
- The Samurai
- Leichhardt
- James Cook
- Coral Reef
Titles in Set 2:
- The Roadhouse to Nowhere
- Bushrangers! Captain Thunderbolt
- Murphy, Care Dog
- The Boy in Buchenwald
- My Wild Farm
- Clever Cats!
- Inferno!
- Extreme Tassie Trekking!
- Wandering Animals
- The Loaded Dog
- BMX Champ
- Frankenstein
- Messages in a Bottle
- Whales!
- Buddy, Rat Terminator
- Gulliver's Travels
- Poppy, Police Dog
- Dracula
- Aliens - the Never Ending Story!
- Crocs and Gators!
Mawson - Antarctic Explorer
Australia has one of the world's great explorers - Sir Douglas Mawson. He was a scientist, professor and an Antarctic explorer. Mawson overcame incredible tragedy and hardship to help the world better understand Antarctica. His scientific explorations inspired many others to follow in his footsteps.
Links:
What's Under The Ice In Antarctica?
YouTube: Ridddle
Antarctica | Exploring Oceans
YouTube: National Geographic
The Deepest Dive in Antarctica Reveals a Sea Floor Teeming With Life
YouTube: OceanX
EarthWindMap
earth.nullschool.net
Alone on the Ice: The Best Survival Story You've Never Heard | Nat Geo Live
YouTube: National Geographic
Nepal Trek - On Top of the World
There is much more to Nepal than just Mt Everest. Most of the people who trek in the Himalayas do not go to Mt Everest. Nepal has a rich culture, very friendly people and beautiful mountain scenery. There are many trails and mountains to explore. This trek is to Mera Peak through the beautiful mountains and valleys which recounts the many challenges of altitude sickness, severe cold and exhaustion. An outline of Nepal and the Asia perspective is included in this reader.
Links:
Climbing Mera Peak, Nepal (6470m) in 6 Minutes
YouTube: stanny S
Secrets of Himalaya | Nepal in 4K
YouTube: Sergi Martínez Miró
Mera Peak: Nepal's Highest 'Walk-Up' Peak
YouTube: Bookmundi
Mera Peak 6,461m - Summit Climb
YouTube: Richard Pattison
Tassie Trek - Schoolies in the Wild
Come on a schoolies adventure of a lifetime by trekking The Overland Track in Tasmania! Experience this amazing World Heritage Walk through the eyes of the author as she relives her epic journey of adventure in the Tasmanian Wilderness. But be careful...once you read this, you may be hooked as well! A great story to inspire students to consider following their own dreams and ambitions - not by fashion or peer-pressure.
Links:
The Overland Track Gear List - Hiking Gear - Tasmania
YouTube: Set To Hike
Overland Track • Tasmania • Thru Hike
YouTube: Following Redbeard
The Overland Track Tasmania | Gear List, Food Prep, Snow! 6 Day Adventure.. Ashley Freeman
YouTube: Ashley Freeman
Adventure on the Overland Track in Tasmania - Nov 2018
YouTube: Muhammad Basyar Bin K H Kamuruddin
Apollo 13 - The Moon Mission
Houston, we've had a problem!' These famous words from the astronauts of the Apollo 13 Mission became the stuff of movies. This story explains NASA's Apollo Space Program to get a 'Man on the Moon' and the challenges they faced along the way, including the incredible survival of the Apollo 13 crew in the face of disaster. The Moon Mission was an amazing achievement of science and human tenacity. A great story for use in science and design studies in solving problems in physics and materials.
Links:
Apollo 13 Official Trailer #1 - Tom Hanks Movie (1995) HD
YouTube: Movieclips Classic Trailers
How Big is the Moon?
space.com
The Ultimate Saturn V Launch Video with INCREDIBLE SOUND!!!
YouTube: TheCanuckdian
Apollo 13 Flight Journal
nasa.gov
Apollo 13 Leaving Earth
YouTube: Apollo 13 - Apollo Flight Journal
A Bomb Exploded on Apollo 13, Here’s What Happened Next | Apollo
YouTube: Seeker
What did NASA Change After the Apollo 13 Disaster?
YouTube: The Vintage Space
Gold Fever - Finding a Fortune
Australia had several large gold rushes. These brought many people to Australia. Victoria had a huge influx of people seeking their fortune. NSW, Western Australia and Queensland had similar gold rushes. The search for gold continues and the precious metal has lost none of its attractiveness. This book examines the geology, the people and the history of Australia's gold rushes. A great introduction for students to learn more by studying Earth Sciences and the history of early Australia.
Links:
Coins vs Bars - Expert Tips on Gold and Silver Coins and Bars
YouTube: Strategic Wealth Preservation - SWP
HOW IT WORKS | Computer Recycling | Free Documentary
YouTube: Free Documentary
5 Surprising Uses For Gold
YouTube: Seeker
Turning old jewelry into pure gold bars
YouTube: NileRed
Gold Fever - The Incredible Journey
YouTube: The Incredible Journey
Alluvial Gold Prospecting - How to Use a Gold Pan Like an Oldtimer
YouTube: Aussie Bloke Prospector
Why Gold Is So Expensive | So Expensive
YouTube: Business Insider
Gold detecting Pilbara WA #6
YouTube: Damian lawrence
Kon Tiki - The Pacific Drifter
This is the amazing story of the journey of the Kon-Tiki, a balsa wood raft which sailed and drifted from South America to the Pacific over 101 days and over 7000km. Thor Heyerdahl believed that the ancient South American people had travelled this route hundreds of years ago and he set out on this daring adventure to try and prove his theory. A great introduction to our Pacific region and also to design and technologies discussions.
Links:
Kon Tiki (1950) - Thor Heyerdahl
YouTube: Andrés Muñoz
How do ocean currents work? - Jennifer Verduin
YouTube: TED-Ed
Documentary on Riley Balsawood Surfboards
YouTube: Riley Balsawood Surfboards
Whale Songs in the South Pacific
YouTube: NOVA PBS Official
Magnificent Frigatebird, Fregata magnificens
YouTube: Peter Bryant
Whale Sharks: Gentle Giants | Blue Realm | Free Documentary Nature
YouTube: Free Documentary - Nature
The Mysteries of the Moai on Easter Island | National Geographic
YouTube: National Geographic
Scientists Finally Discovered the Truth About Easter Island
YouTube: BRIGHT SIDE
Spitfire - War Heroes of the Sky
This is the true story of Tony Stroeve, a Dutch teenager who made a daring escape from German-controlled Holland, to Britain where he became a Spitfire pilot. His story is one of incredible courage, determination, and a lot of luck as he fought against Hitler's German forces. A great and inspirational story about decisions to act for good that win out in the long run.
Links:
WW2 - The Battle of Britain [Real Footage in Colour]
YouTube: KickFlip
100% Pure Spitfire Engine Sounds At Biggin Hill 2018
YouTube: bobsurgranny
WW II : RARE COLOR FILM : BATTLE FOR BRITAIN : PART 1 OF 3
YouTube: RALPHLAURINO
Battle of Britain: Spitfire vs ME109
YouTube: SlimaksClass
Kokoda - The Fight for Australia
Kokoda in Papua New Guinea was not famous for anything...at least, not until the Japanese decided it was a good place to start their invasion of Australia. This important story reveals the incredible bravery, hardships and mateship of our Aussie Diggers as they struggled to defend their country against a fierce Japanese army. The odds were against them and yet they fought and won. An inspirational story of Australia's great war heroes.
Links:
Oceania
japaneseinvasionmoney.com.au
War veteran recounts Kokoda experience
YouTube: ABC News (Australia)
Australia's First People - an Ancient Journey
This fascinating book explores the journey of Australia's First Nations people over 60,000 years ago during the Ice Age. Land bridges made Australia accessible for many other countries and this migration of First Peoples to Australia became the start of human habitation in our country. Beautifully illustrated and outlined - this story explains some of the possible ways that the First Peoples occupied all of Australia.
Links:
How Aboriginals migrated into Australia and populated it
YouTube: Edward Basana
Climate Change Helped Kill Off Super-Sized Ice Age Animals in Australia
YouTube: Vanderbilt University
The Geography of the Ice Age
YouTube: Atlas Pro
Aboriginal DNA Shows 50,000 Year Connection To Country
YouTube: Gizmodo Australia
Aboriginal DNA provides human migration clues
YouTube: ABC News (Australia)
First Americans were Black Aborigines
YouTube: TheOriginalPeople
Photos of Tasmanian Aborigines
YouTube: Hamamoto
Community celebrates 30 years at home
YouTube: ABC News (Australia)
Indigenous Languages in Australia
YouTube: Wiltja Secondary College
Hunting and Fishing - in Ancient Australia
Australia's First Nations people survived for many tens of thousands of years by developing successful hunting and fishing methods. This story discusses the challenges they faced, including dealing with megafauna and changing climates. It also demonstrates their food-gathering was sustainable to ensure their continued survival as well as the survival of their environment. By Caring for Country, the country cared for them.
Links:
First People: Aboriginal Australians - Documentary Films
YouTube: Arthur J. Garcia
How Aboriginal Australians Made Australia
YouTube: Cogito
Primitive People - Australian Aborigines (1950s)
YouTube: travelfilmarchive
Aboriginal Hunting | Culture - Planet Doc Full Documentaries
YouTube: Planet Doc Full Documentaries
Knights - Through the Ages
Come on a medieval journey as we explore the many and varied roles of a knight in the Middle Ages. Learn about their training, their weapons, their armour and their responsibilities as they serve their ruler and fight to protect their kingdom from invaders. Beautifully presented and outlined this will be a great introduction to students in their study of the Middle Ages and also as an introduction to technology and design as armour and ballistics changed.
Links:
The 10 Current Monarchs of Europe, Part 1 of 2
YouTube: Lindsay Holiday
Armoured Foot Combat | Combat Demonstration
YouTube: Royal Armouries
Top 10 Amazing European Castles You Can Visit
YouTube: MojoTravels
How A Man Shall Be Armed: 11th Century
YouTube: Royal Armouries
Top 10 Most Effective MEDIEVAL Weapons
YouTube: Metatron
How A Man Shall Be Armed: 13th Century
YouTube: Royal Armouries
How A Man Shall Be Armed: 14th Century
YouTube: Royal Armouries
How A Man Shall Be Armed: 15th Century
YouTube: Royal Armouries
Everest Climb - Explore the Extreme
A superhuman effort and some luck is always needed to achieve the impossible - Hillary and Tenzing did just that in their conquest of Everest. Follow the fascinating journey of Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay as they become the first mountaineers to successfully summit the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest. Learn about the challenges they faced and the importance of preparation, training and determination in their quest to succeed.
Links:
Mount Everest climbers stranded in 'death zone'
YouTube: CNN
Mount Everest from Kalapatthar
wikipedia.org
360°: Climbing Mount Everest
YouTube: Caters Clips
Sir Edmund Hillary Scales the Heights of Literary Society
wnyc.org
Our Everest Challenge With Ben Fogle & Victoria Pendleton | Altitude Sickness Hits Hard | ITV
YouTube: ITV
Everest Sherpas: 'They're not heroes. They're rockstars'
YouTube: The Feed SBS
Shark Attack - Stories of Survival
Come on an underwater discovery tour and learn more about one of the world's oldest and most dangerous predators, the shark. Explore the differences between sharks and dolphins, discover how deadly some sharks can be to humans and learn about the important role they play in the underwater food chain. Sharks are the 'canaries' of the world's oceans and represent the relative health of the marine environments. They are the cleaners of the ocean and the removal of these animals will result in the decline in the health of the oceans.
Links:
Family of girl attacked by shark claim it was responsible for earlier attack
9news.com.au
Shark Fin Soup | National Geographic
YouTube: National Geographic
Mick Fanning opens up about shark attack | 60 Minutes Australia
YouTube: 60 Minutes Australia
Gladiators - Extreme Sports Stars
Gladiators were like the celebrities of the Roman Empire! They trained fiercely and often fought to the death and were a vitally important tool for the Emperor to help keep the people happy. Read about the fascinating skills of Rome's gladiators, their fighting methods and their amazing and deadly weapons of choice. Further opportunities are available to discuss the issue of slavery and the impact on exotic animal populations. The story of the gladiators is set against the changing Roman Empire and the lasting impact it has on the world and especially, Europe. The European colonial expansion to the rest of the world was possibly a left-over empirical desire of the Roman period.
Links:
History’s Most Notorious Gladiators
YouTube: TopTenz
Gladiator Classes You Might Not Know Actually Existed
YouTube: Metatron
Female Gladiators And Interesting Facts On Gladiatorial Games
YouTube: Metatron
5 Toughest & Most Feared Gladiator Fighters of Ancient Rome
YouTube: Top5s
Top 5 Myths About Gladiators
YouTube: WatchMojo.com
Mars Mission - Exploring the Red Planet
This beautifully presented book outlines the exploration and the exciting future plans for colonising Mars. This type of space exploration is unlike any previous space missions. Come on a journey to Mars as we discover the many challenges and problems of space travel and setting up a colony on The Red Planet.
Mars is regularly in the news and a new era of space exploration has started. The journey to, and the colonising of Mars is as important as Cook's Pacific explorations. It offers a whole new world of wonders to explore. It is now technically possible to get to Mars and back. The colonising of space has been proven with the International Space Station over many years. Now follow the challenge of setting up similar modules on Mars.
Links:
NASA's Mars Exploration Program
nasa.gov
A Flight Over the Surface of Planet Venus
YouTube: Mark A. Garlick
Your kids might live on Mars. Here's how they'll survive | Stephen Petranek
YouTube: TED
Curiosity Mars Rover Snaps 1.8 Billion-Pixel Panorama (narrated video)
YouTube: NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Meet the Mars 2020 rover Perseverance launching this year
YouTube: CNET
SpaceX to Mars: Awe-Inspiring Video Shows Vision for Red Planet Exploration
YouTube: VideoFromSpace
THEMIS Vistas
themis.asu.edu
Extracting Water on Mars | MARS: How to Survive on Mars
YouTube: National Geographic
What will SpaceX do when they get to Mars?
YouTube: Primal Space
Real Time Space Radiation
colonyworlds.com
Astronaut on Mars (Illustration: Getty Images)
express.co.uk
Growing Food on Mars | MARS: How to Survive on Mars
YouTube: National Geographic
This Is the Rover of the Future
YouTube: Smithsonian Channel
White Mouse - Nancy Wake
Follow the incredible true story of Nancy Wake, who joined the French Resistance to fight against the Germans during World War 2. Nancy regularly risked her life to smuggle food and communications through and ensure the safe escape of the Allied soliders. Despite being on the Gestapo's most wanted list, the Germans never managed to capture her and she continued her mission right up to the end of the war.
Nancy Wake's role in the French Resistance is inspiring to all Australians. She was incredibly brave, fearless and clever in avoiding capture by the Gestapo. Her contribution and bravery is a role model for young women and for all fair-minded people.
Links:
Fierce Girls: Nancy Wake, the 'white mouse'
YouTube: ABC News (Australia)
French Résistance in 1944 (in color and HD)
YouTube: CHRONOS-MEDIA History
The French Resistance (World War II)
YouTube: Simple History
Nancy Wake: Gestapo's Most Wanted (French Resistance Documentary) | Timeline
YouTube: Timeline - World History Documentaries
Nancy Wake: The White Mouse Was The Gestapo’s Most Wanted
YouTube: Biographics
Tribute to Nancy Wake
YouTube: ABC News (Australia)
The Samurai - Servants of Bushido
Japan's history goes back many thousands of years and the Samurai were a very important part of it. Read about how the Samurai trained, their skills with traditional and very deadly Japanese weapons, and the responsibilities they held for their masters and the people they protected. The values of loyalty, devotion, trust and commitment can also be explored. Students will have the opportunity to learn about Japan's ancient history and the incredible Samurai culture that was such an important part of it. It is still very influential in Japan's modern culture.
Links:
Learn More About Samurai's Deadly Weapons
YouTube: TopTenz
Art of Kyudo HD
YouTube: kedarvideo
The Traditional Bows Of Japanese Samurai | Ancient Japan | Timeline
YouTube: Timeline - World History Documentaries
Japanese Naginata Basic Practice Cuts
YouTube: GekikenORG
The Vicious Sword Female Samurai Favored
YouTube: Smithsonian Channel
The power of Ki: Naginata demo by Kashiwaya sensei
YouTube: kimovements
Top 10 Most HORRIFYING Facts about SAMURAI WARFARE
YouTube: TopTenz
Women Were Some of the Fiercest Samurai Warriors Ever
YouTube: Smithsonian Channel
Leichhardt - The Great Explorer
The mystery of what happened to Ludwig Leichhardt remain to this day. Ludwig Leichhardt was one of the great explorers of Australia. His most successful exploration was to Port Essington near Darwin from just outside of Brisbane, a journey of nearly 5,000km. His disappearance created interest for many years after his death and this mystery is still being talked about today. This is an ideal discussion starter for students as they consider the factors involved in his disappearance and speculate on what happened to Leichhardt and his team as they bravely set out to explore Australia's vast inland.
Links:
Dr Ludwig Leichhardt's Humboldtian science
YouTube: Geckos and Gum Leaves
Kakadu National Park - UNESCO World Heritage Site
YouTube: World Heritage Journey
Roman numerals converter
rapidtables.com
One theory on an unsolved mystery
YouTube: The Australian
James Cook - The Pacific Explorer
James Cook was one of the great explorers of the Pacific. Why was he so successful? And how does this relate to our lives today? Cook remains an inspirational character for students today. From very humble beginnings to having a Space Shuttle named after your ship is evidence of a very special character. This story is an introduction to a lot more reading on this great explorer. Cook currently is experiencing an image problem with some critics due to his association with the colonisation of the Pacific nations. Cook was a sailor and navigator who had one objective; to find the Great South Land. This objective was never realised and the subsequent colonising of the Pacific countries was done by many European powers not by Cook. Sentences, sight words and complex words have been repetitively presented to make it easy to practise these words with increasing fluency throughout the story.
Links:
A short history of James Cook and his voyages
YouTube: The British Library
BBC Timewatch - Captain Cook: The Man Behind the Legend
YouTube: History Files
European Exploration of the Pacific Ocean
YouTube: Costas Melas
The Amazing Life and Strange Death of Captain Cook: Crash Course World History #27
YouTube: CrashCourse
Coral Reef - Diving into Wonderland
Coral reefs are Nature's wonder! Beautifully illustrated and engaging information - this is a detailed introduction to the study of this unique ecosystem.
The complexity and beauty are unequalled. As privileged custodians of the largest coral reef system in the world, Australians have the chance to enjoy and learn more about the Great Barrier Reef so that we can protect it for future generations. This book serves as an introduction to the science, exploration and conservation of coral reefs. This serves as a general outline of coral reef systems. The recreational opportunities of coral reefs are considered along with the responsibilities. The threats to our reef systems are many and need to be resolved to reverse declines. This chapter book is ideally suited to a conservation-themed science lesson, or a social sciences unit on conservation requirements.
Links:
Difference between Zooplankton and Phytoplankton
YouTube: MooMooMath and Science
Great Barrier Reef | Exploring Oceans
YouTube: National Geographic
Pollution threatens Australia’s Great Barrier Reef
YouTube: Al Jazeera English
Hawaii Coral Damage caused by boat anchor
YouTube: kauaidionne
Wild Dolphin "Asks" Divers to Help Free Itself from Hook
YouTube: ViralMedia2013
Spanish Mackerel Session - SHIMANO AUSTRALIA
YouTube: Shimano Australia
eXplore Set 1 Books 1-10 Teacher Resource
This Teacher Resource Book 1 is for the Set 1 series of books 1 to 10. This has a total focus on building literacy skills. There is an extensive range of literacy exercises. These cover two stages; the initial pre-reading activities to be able to sight read the difficult words, and post-reading exercises which are focussed on building comprehension and writing skills. The activities range from quick reviews to challenging exercises to extend the students in a structured approach managed by the teacher.
eXplore Set 1 Books 11-20 Teacher Resource
This Teacher Resource Book 2 is for the Set 1 series of books 11 to 20. This has a total focus on building literacy skills. There is an extensive range of literacy exercises. These cover two stages; the initial pre-reading activities to be able to sight read the difficult words, and post-reading exercises which are focussed on building comprehension and writing skills. The activities range from quick reviews to challenging exercises to extend the students in a structured approach managed by the teacher.
The Roadhouse to Nowhere
The Roadhouse to Nowhere is a story about a special part of the world. A world where currently, not many people live or visit. Central Australia is one of the world's great wilderness areas. This story follows the life of a young man who describes many of his adventures. It is an insight into some of the important elements of life - work, friendship, helping others, and having fun!
This story can be used in many ways as to how students would contribute. What skills would they bring to help other people?
Lifestyle discussion can be reviewed as to the amount of time spent in active leisure rather than passive. A lifestyle that is not dependent on a screen or just a computer game. Having adventures fishing, camping, hunting, and exploring some of the remote parts of Australia.
This story is to inspire young people into other options in their lives besides their current sedentary screen-dominated existence.
Isolation is discussed too and, ironically, the number and quality of communication can be better in remote areas rather than in urban centres.
It points young people to activities they may not have considered and could build character and resilience. As Australia's inland looks for people to help run the new enterprises there will be many further opportunities to consider.
Literacy is always the focus but there is the opportunity to be inspired by stories of young people having adventures with interesting lives.
Suitable for primary and lower secondary ages.
Links:
Australia size comparison with the United States of America
YouTube: Nathan Robinson
Gulf of Carpentaria Aerial
YouTube: Scott Portelli
11 BEST Things to do in Darwin, Australia | Northern Territory Tourism & Travel Guide
YouTube: Before You Go
Famous Tanami highway from WA to Alice Springs becoming 'un-drivable' | ABC News
YouTube: ABC News (Australia)
How The Great Artesian Basin works
YouTube: DCCEEW
Hattah Desert Race 2023
YouTube: Mallee Dirtbike Rider
Epic Baja 1000 Battle | Baja Flashbacks
YouTube: SLR Honda
Bushrangers! Captain Thunderbolt
Bushrangers are featured in Australia's early colonial history. They caused chaos on quiet country roads, often robbing the mail coaches as they travelled between towns. However, not all bushrangers were the same. One was called the 'gentleman bushranger'.
The story of the bushranger Captain Thunderbolt is a means to consider the historical development of the British colonies in Australia. The perspective of criminals robbing people along roads to small dusty towns sounds very odd. These were very different times with a lot of Australia sparsely settled for grazing and farming. Many of these rural areas would be lawless beyond the towns and settlements.
A lot of Australia's country areas were still untouched. These areas would also have had many Aboriginal peoples still living in their traditional ways. The story of Thunderbolt offers the opportunity for discussion of the colonial settlement of Australia and the lives of the people in rural Australia.
Join the author on a journey as she explores the life and death of Captain Thunderbolt, including the amazing places of the New England tablelands where Thunderbolt's life and history are celebrated. A beautifully presented and well-researched story that will be an invaluable resource for Australian history and literacy classes.
Literacy is always the focus but there is the opportunity to learn more about early Australia and the importance of the booming wealth of the colonies due to wool-growing and gold mining.
Suitable for primary and lower secondary ages.
Links:
The Story of Ned Kelly
YouTube: The History Shack
Ned Kelly armour back on display | 9 News Australia
YouTube: 9 News Australia
Cockatoo Island Escape
YouTube: A Guide to Australian Bushranging
Captain Thunderbolt's Rock
YouTube: NA Views
Bushrangers Hideout
YouTube: Spudfoot's Guide to the Galaxy
Captain Thunderbolt
YouTube: Geerlings Digital Moments
Thunderbolt's Places, NE NSW
YouTube: Peter Marshall
Thunderbolt
YouTube: Col Millington
Murphy, Care Dog - Dogs Can Do Many Things
Murphy is an Australian Shepherd. He has been trained to be a care dog. Murphy visits hospitals, schools, and aged care facilities. He is trained to let people pat him and for him to not jump or get scared. This is a story about Murphy, what he likes, and some of his adventures. Murphy looks like a big woolly toy and seems to be smiling continually. Who doesn't like a cute dog like Murphy?
This story offers many opportunities for further discussion. The perspective of caring for people who are sick, disabled, and unwell in general. How a well-trained dog can make a difference in a person's day. Why do care dogs make a difference and how do help people?
Dogs are wonderful pets but also are very important in many roles. Secondly, there is the science perspective related to dog care and what processes we must understand when feeding and caring for dogs and managing their behaviour.
A beautifully presented and valuable literacy resource that could be included in many science lessons, humanities and in a pet-care theme project for primary or secondary classes. And most importantly, it is suitable for literacy classes to encourage, inspire, learn, and motivate students to continue reading.
Suitable for primary and lower secondary ages.
Links:
Australian Shepherd puppies growing | Time lapse
YouTube: LifeWithAussies
Herding: Australian Shepherd Chaplin & Flame - Schafe hüten (1)
YouTube: P!nkPirate
Vet Approved Homemade Dog Food: Good for Digestive Issues
YouTube: Veterinary Secrets
5 Training Exercises You Should Do EVERY DAY At Home!
YouTube: Rachel Fusaro
7 TIPS to CARE for Your DOG'S HEALTH
YouTube: AnimalWised
The Boy in Buchenwald - A Victim's Survival Story
Unfortunately, this book is a timely reminder of the final consequences of intolerance and hatred. In this inspirational and true survival story, Steffan, a Polish teenage boy, finds himself imprisoned during World War 2 in Buchenwald, a Nazi concentration camp. Steffan's recount of the things he did to stay alive seems both incredible and unbelievable. This story also explains the terrible suffering endured by people simply because of their views, their faith, or their birthplace.
An important contribution to stories of people who suffered terribly through no fault of their own. Today, a new wave of intolerance sweeps the 'civilised' world again. In ugly forms of antisemitism, stupid populist thinking and many other prejudices. In some ways, while technological progress has been transformative, the primitive nature of hate and ignorance has found fertile ground in its new digital domain. This book is confronting but authentic and gives a historical account of what happened in a concentration camp. To hear this story first-hand over a long day was a truly privileged experience that left an urge to tell the story. Students will firstly be focussed on literacy, but the historical perspectives and discussions are endless within this story. Topics could be on World War 2, Germany, antisemitism, Poland, concentration camps and the Holocaust.
Beautifully illustrated with original art inspired by archive images and a brutally frank recount - it will allow your students to have an insight into the impact of prejudices and ignorance overtaking civil society.
Warning! The content contains violence and is possibly distressing for primary-age students without an initial discussion on the Holocaust. For secondary students, it is an important topic to be discussed within a group before free-reading.
Links:
Children of the Holocaust
YouTube: World Jewish Congress
Our Dark History // The Story of Buchenwald
YouTube: Leavethetrail
WWII veteran recalls liberation of Buchenwald
YouTube: CNN
My Wild Farm - Working with Nature
For hundreds of years, people right across the world have been clearing forests to make room for grasslands. These grasslands are used for all sorts of farming and bring food to millions of people. However, this clearing has also caused many problems for our world. Flooding, desertification, and soil loss are some of the consequences. People are now starting to realise how important our forests are for the health and sustainability of our planet.
This is a story about one farm that was slowly changing back to a forest. It starts with the arrival of wildlife of all sorts from kangaroos and wallabies to possums, quolls, eagles, birds, and little marsupials. The grasslands have trees starting to appear and the forest canopy starts to close over the grasses. The process is now part of a worldwide discussion to 'rewild' abandoned farmlands and disrupted landscapes. Rewilding is one cog in a carbon-neutral future by providing an enormous opportunity to store atmospheric carbon.
The story is provided primarily as a literacy exercise but secondly, as a means of a topic of discussion in science classes on the environment and how remediation is working to improve the planet.
Suitable for primary and lower secondary classes of all ages.
Links:
Learn all about Kangaroos and Wallabies
YouTube: Symbio Wildlife Park
What is an Antechinus?
YouTube: JJEmersonWildlife
Australia's Largest Eagle Attacks Kangaroo
YouTube: Love Nature
Unwanted guests at dinner time | Quoll Farm
YouTube: ABC TV & iview
This Is What Tigers Look Like In Australia
YouTube: Animalogic
Seed Dispersal and Habitat Fragmentation | HHMI BioInteractive Video
YouTube: biointeractive
Climate 101: Deforestation | National Geographic
YouTube: National Geographic
5 Most Epic Earth Healing Projects!
YouTube: Andrew Millison
How This Woman Turned Arizona's Desert into a Farmland Oasis
YouTube: Leaf of Life
The Importance of Forests | How to protect Forests
YouTube: Ecosia
Clever Cats! - Amazing Cat Adventures
Cats have been an important part of many peoples' lives around the world for thousands of years. However, as their numbers have increased, they have also started to threaten our wildlife. Learn more about the amazing characteristics of cats, how to look after them, and most importantly, how to protect our wildlife from these apex predators.
Cats are important for modern living people now due to their unique characteristics and relative ease of being kept as pets. They form close bonds with their human protectors and as part of their endearing ways provide comfort and fun for their owners.
Cats will be of interest to every student. It is written to cover the biology as well as the history. It will be ideal as a topic in biology, history, and conservation.
Suitable for primary and secondary students of all ages.
Links:
Taylor Swift being bullied by her cats for 2 minutes straight
YouTube: Swiftie Nation
How We Domesticated Cats (Twice)
YouTube: PBS Eons
The Evolution of the Cat
YouTube: Animal Origins
Hawaii's Feral Cat War
YouTube: VICE News
Tiger's new Cat Bib
YouTube: Therese Mackay
Pet cats kill 10x more than natural predators!
YouTube: SciPrime
Can all cats be taught to walk on a leash?
YouTube: Guardian Australia
How I Trained My Cat To Fetch
YouTube: Cat School Clicker Training
The Savitsky Cats: Super Trained Cats Perform Exciting Routine - America's Got Talent 2018
YouTube: America's Got Talent
Inferno! - The Nymboida Bushfires
Bushfires have become an even bigger threat to Australian communities and wildlife over the last few years. Izzy's story about her own bushfire experience in her sleepy little village of Nymboida in Northern NSW tells just how frightening and destructive these fires can be. But her story is also one of hope and positivity and how the kindness of strangers can make such a huge difference in helping people rebuild their homes and lives again.
This book has numerous graphic images that will engage the reader. The topic is of major importance to Australia and should be a starter to a lively discussion.
Suitable for primary and secondary students.
Links:
Pilot cockpit view shrouded in orange glow from Australia's bush fires
YouTube: South China Morning Post
2019-11 Nymboida Bushfires ESCAPE
YouTube: Trevor S
The summer Australia burned, 2019-2020: A bushfire photojournalism exhibition
YouTube: The Walkley Foundation
NYMBOIDA - Two songwriters on a year-long, collaborative journey with a bushfire-ravaged town.
YouTube: GRACE AND HUGH
Open For Business
news.com.au
Extreme Tassie Trekking!
Australia's smallest state has so much to see and do! Tasmania is a nature-lovers paradise and where many serious hikers go to test their endurance on the tracks. Come on a journey with the author as she relives one of her favourite and most challenging Tassie hikes - The South Coast Track.
Tasmania is one of the world's great environmental treasures. Soon Tasmania's wilderness areas will be seen worldwide in the same awe as the Great Barrier Reef. Luckily, much of the pristine nature of Tasmania's many parks has been conserved by far-sighted leaders who have created a booming industry. Endearingly called the 'Apple Isle' it is also now the 'Wilderness Isle'.
This book has brilliant diagrams and spectacular images that will engage the reader. This story will provide numerous topics in conservation, recreation, geography and science.
Suitable for primary and secondary students.
Links:
South Coast Track trek: Tasmania
YouTube: Tasmanian Expeditions
Essential safety tips for bushwalking in Tasmania
YouTube: PWSTasmania
South Coast Track Tasmania - DAY 01
YouTube: Galaxy on Trail
Beauty of the South West Coast, featuring the South Coast Track
YouTube: PWSTasmania
South Coast Track Tasmania - DAY 04 - The Ironbound Range!
YouTube: Galaxy on Trail
South Coast Track - Tasmania
YouTube: Hawley Hikes
Hiking The South Coast Track - Tasmania - Australia
YouTube: Yentl Doggen Travel
Wandering Animals - Migration Stories from the Animal World
Animal migration is one of the great wonders of the natural world. For thousands of years, many different animals have come together in huge herds to journey over land, water, and across the skies. Their animal instinct helps them find their way to food, water, mating, and breeding grounds. Along the way, they keep their ecosystem healthy and strong and help sustain the balance it needs to survive.
This book has brilliant diagrams and spectacular images that will engage the reader.
Suitable for primary and secondary students.
Links:
Migrations: Big Animal Trips | Science for Kids
YouTube: SciShow Kids
Migrating whales
YouTube: Tracey Rogers UNSW Sydney
Whale Migration | East Coast of Australia
YouTube: Mitchell Franzi
Whale Watching Hervey Bay close encounters travel video guide Queensland Australia
YouTube: Ben and Di
Great wildebeest migration crossing the Mara River between Masai Mara and Serengeti [Kenya-Tanzania]
YouTube: James and Laurent
Red Crab Migration Across Christmas Island
YouTube: Insider
SEA TURTLES | Animals For Kids | All Things Animal TV
YouTube: All Things Animal TV
How a childhood spent watching turtles at Mon Repos sparked a lifetime of conservation
YouTube: Queensland, Australia
The Loaded Dog - by Henry Lawson
Today Henry Lawson's writings are broadly known in Australia. He is one of the great 'bush poets and writers'. Australia was in Lawson's early times, a group of British colonies. Many Australians were British and did not identify with the emerging unique character of Australian people. The colonialists wrote in terms of a colony of the motherland. This perspective dominated the growing middle and upper classes in Australia. Lawson's writings were about the people and the conditions in Sydney, on the goldfields and on farms. It was the formative period of an Australian nationalist sentiment. This led directly to the Federation and the forming of labour movements that sought better conditions for working people. These early foundations that saw the new country and conceded improvements to workers led to Australia becoming a united, fair and prosperous nation. Lawson's life was tragic from start to end. He had a dysfunctional and deprived childhood on the NSW's goldfields. This was followed by a continual search for stability in work and love. He was a chronic alcoholic and died early from associated afflictions. Lawson like the society of that time, did not look beyond the hills of gold diggings, to see the suffering of the Indigenous peoples! The readings of Lawson's works offer many opportunities for historical perspectives and subsequent discussions.
This book has brilliant illustrations done in a traditional style. The story has been cleverly adapted by Rob Watts for a low-literacy level.
Suitable for primary and secondary students.
Links:
Henry Lawson's poems ‘The Roaring Days’; ‘The Faces in the Street’
YouTube: Andreas Makarewitsch
Jack Thompson reading Henry Lawson
YouTube: ABC Arts
The Loaded Dog - Henry Lawson [ Full Audiobook ]
YouTube: AudioBook EN
BMX Champ - Acrobats on a Bike
Since its beginnings in California in the 1970s when children started riding their bikes around dirt tracks, the sport of BMX has become hugely popular across the world. It is now an official Olympic sport that involves amazing skills, tricks, and stunts that wow audiences and make kids and adults want to get out there and try it for themselves. Join the author to find out all you need to know to become part of this very popular sport.
This book is a great collection of photos and illustrations. This should appeal to a broad audience of girls and boys and inspire students to 'have a go' at this ubiquitous sport. Ideal discussion starter on materials and sports fitness.
Suitable for primary and secondary levels.
Links:
13-boy's FINAL: 2019 BMXA BAD BOY National Championships
YouTube: BMX Australia
Backyard BMX Course Dirt Jump Track - 2020 Lock Down Re Build Update
YouTube: TFB Designs
ANYONE CAN DO THESE BMX TRICKS! (How To Basics)
YouTube: Mike Fede
BMX Helmet Buying Guide
YouTube: LUXBMX
BMX Protective Gear Buying Guide
YouTube: LUXBMX
BMX MAINTENANCE BASICS
YouTube: kingsrideshop
BEST OF: BMX | X Games Minneapolis 2019
YouTube: X Games
Frankenstein
A timeless classic which is an early example of science fiction. Written in the true Gothic style it appeals to a range of readers. This is an abridged story by C. White which provides an introduction for young readers to the story. It will lead to many discussion points and further motivate students to read the original story.
This book has brilliant illustrations done in the traditional Gothic style. The story has been cleverly adapted by C. White for a low-literacy level.
Warning! The content contains violence and could be distressing for primary-age students. For secondary students, it is a sci-fi classic and distressing to some readers regardless of age. It is best to discuss before free-reading.
Links:
Frankenstein or, The Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley
gutenberg.net.au
Frankenstein (1910 film)
publicdomainmovies.info
The Emergence of Modern Day Horror from 19th Century Gothic
smartenglishnotes.com
Messages in a Bottle
Messages in a Bottle can form the basis of many discussions. Geography and science discussions on countries, ocean currents, and materials that do not decay or wear away. Apart from these discussions, there are many more on the content of the messages in literacy classes. Messages in a Bottle is a great resource across a range of subjects. It can be used in literacy and handwriting as well as other subjects.
This book is a great collection of photos and illustrations. Stories of where messages are found will motivate your students to write their own stories. This story can also lead to further discussions about conservation, the environment, science and oceanic geography.
Suitable for primary and secondary levels.
Links:
Top 10 Amazing Real Life Message in a Bottle Stories
YouTube: WatchMojo.com
Storia d'amore - una Incredibile Storia d'amore - Sposi in Bottiglia
YouTube: Siracusa Casaoggi
Whales! - The Gentle Giants
Whales, dolphins, and porpoises are some of the most important and fascinating mammals living in the oceans and rivers of our world.
Join the author as she discovers where whales came from, what they eat, where they migrate, and why we need to do everything we can to protect them. The evolution of whales and dolphins is a remarkable and documented lineage from the land mammals which is carefully explained in this story.
This book is a great collection of photos and illustrations. Whales will appeal to a broad audience - the story will be engaging for all ages. This story will lead to further discussions about conservation, evolution, the environment, science and international treaties of the sea to protect and conserve marine mammals such as whales, dolphins and porpoises.
Suitable for primary and secondary levels.
Links:
Facts: The Vaquita (The World's Most Endangered Marine Mammal)
YouTube: Deep Marine Scenes
Pink Dolphins? | Weird Nature
YouTube: National Geographic
Whales And Seals Devour BILLIONS of Krill | Blue Planet | BBC Earth
YouTube: BBC Earth
Incredible Orca Hunt | Frozen Planet II | BBC Earth
YouTube: BBC Earth
The Insane Biology of: The Orca
YouTube: Real Science
Predators Decimate Bait Ball | National Geographic
YouTube: National Geographic
Whales migrating north along the New South Wales coastline, passing Sydney | 7NEWS
YouTube: 7NEWS Australia
Songs of the East Australian Humpback Whales
YouTube: Oceania Project
UBC researchers use drones to study Bowhead whales in the wild
YouTube: UBC Media Relations
Buddy, Rat Terminator - A Little Friend with a Big Heart
Terriers like Buddy make great pets, but did you know that they are also great rat terminators? Join the author as she talks about the role of different working dogs and how these fearless little terriers have kept communities safe from rodents for many years.
This book has been beautifully assembled with amazing photos and illustrations. Cleverly written by Sharlene Coombs to appeal to a broad audience - the story will be engaging for all ages. Pets are a great topic for students and this story will lead to further discussions about hygiene, science and pet care.
Suitable for primary and secondary levels.
Links:
Buddy, the Tenterfield Terrier, Video 1
kbs.com.au
Buddy, the Tenterfield Terrier, Video 2
kbs.com.au
Buddy, the Tenterfield Terrier, Video 3
kbs.com.au
The Jack Russell Terrier Detecting Bombs In Ukraine
YouTube: NBC News
Dog helps clear bombs in Ukraine | WNT
YouTube: ABC News
Buddy, the Tenterfield Terrier, Video 4
kbs.com.au
Buddy, the Tenterfield Terrier, Video 5
kbs.com.au
Buddy, the Tenterfield Terrier, Video 6
kbs.com.au
Horrible Histories - The Plague Song | Horrible Songs | Measly Middle Ages
YouTube: Horrible Histories
WHAT WAS THE BLACK DEATH?
YouTube: A Kid Explains History
10 species live amongst us: Reports of Brisbane rats up 30%
YouTube: Qldaah
Gulliver's Travels
Gulliver's Travels is a timeless classic that has been read by generations. This version has been developed as an abridged version for younger readers. Cleverly crafted by C. White who kept close to the original story. The story was written for low-level literacy requirements. This version is accurate to the original story hence making it meaningful to a broader audience. It is beautifully illustrated and written to engage as a HiLo reader.
There are many opportunities to discuss the way the people reacted to the unknown. Finding this colossal person washed ashore would be terrifying to most people. How do people react to differences in people and unknown information? This story can be used to describe the historical times when Swift wrote this satirical story and how the little people reacted to the foreign intruder. The map in the story shows the distant place of Lilliput in the Indian Ocean. This would have been considered a very remote and unknown country.
Australia's East Coast had not been charted at this stage. It was written nearly 50 years before Cook sailed into the Pacific to chart the east coast of Australia.
Jonathan Swift wrote about egg-cracking differences between two countries - Lilliput and Blefuscu. The countries were ready to go to war over how eggs were cracked. This is a very ridiculous reason for creating a war. The author was making a satirical comment about 17th-century England's wars with France and Spain.
Literacy is the prime objective of this version of the classic but there are plenty of other discussion points. It has many opportunities for discussion about the early explorers of the Pacific and the developing colonies in S.E. Asia and the Pacific. The warring nations of Europe had started their empires, and the maps of the world were changing as new areas of the world were explored.
Links:
Gulliver's Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World by Jonathan Swift
gutenberg.net.au
GULLIVERS TRAVELS MAX & DAVE FLEISCHER UNCUT
YouTube: CartoonStudio
Gulliver In Lilliput Questions And Answers
smartenglishnotes.com
Lilliput and Blefuscu
wikipedia.org
Gulliver's Travels | All 4 Books | Summary in English
YouTube: Great Books In 10 Minutes
Poppy, Police Dog - Talented Friends When Needed
Meet Poppy, the big, friendly and very intelligent Labrador who started life with a very important job. Join the author as he recounts Poppy's life sniffing out drugs for the Police Drug Squad. Learn about why he retired and how other Labradors like Poppy have become very important and helpful members of our society. No wonder we call them man's best friend!
The story offers many opportunities for discussion in biology about mammals and the science of pet care. Literacy is the focus of this story with many opportunities for discussion on many topics. This book was beautifully photographed and will appeal to all students with the comical and loveable Poppy getting up to mischief and adventures.
Suitable for primary and secondary students.
Links:
LABRADOR RETRIEVER - ALL About This Popular Breed
YouTube: AnimalWised
Guide Dog's Final Exams Bring Challenges Big & Small | Born to Lead Episode 3 | Bondi Vet
YouTube: Bondi Vet
A Day in the Life of Airport Detector Dogs
YouTube: Brisbane Airport
A day in the life of a customs sniffer dog
YouTube: EU tax and customs
The Cutest Labrador Puppies From June!!
YouTube: Life With Labradors
Life or Death for Poisoned Labrador | Bondi Vet Clips | Bondi Vet
YouTube: Bondi Vet
Dracula
This timeless classic has been read by generations. Beautifully illustrated in a gothic style of the times it will provide an engaging story in your HiLo library. This version has been developed as an abridged version for younger readers.
Cleverly crafted by C. White into a modern context to appeal to young readers who will be familiar with the messaging process. Written for repetitive reading practice - it will be enjoyed by your students. This version is accurate to the original story hence making it meaningful to a broader audience.
Engaging graphics have further enhanced the story and will motivate readers at all levels. There are many points of discussion about the times that it was written and the English view of the world and how they saw distant places such as Budapest which was described as 'entering the East'. The story offers many opportunities for discussion and vocabulary building as well as looking at the historical aspects.
Warning! The content is violent and could be distressing for primary-age students. For secondary students, it is a sci-fi classic and distressing to some readers regardless of age. It is best to discuss before free-reading.
Links:
Bran Castle Romania | Visiting The DRACULA Castle in Transylvania
YouTube: MemorySeekers
Visiting Whitby… The Real Home of Dracula 4K
YouTube: grimmlifecollective
Aliens - the Never Ending Story! - Stories of Close Encounters
People have been fascinated by the idea of alien life for many years! You can find strange evidence of possible alien life from as far back as the Ancient Egyptian civilisations through to the present day. Join the author as she shares her own UFO encounter, shares other encounters from around the world, and talks about the science behind this amazing and never-ending story.
This book has been beautifully put together with amazing illustrations of aliens and UFOs. Cleverly written to appeal to a broad audience - the story will be engaging for all ages. Alien life is of never-ending fascination for students. This can lead to further discussions and investigations in space science and astronomy.
Suitable for primary and secondary levels.
Links:
Do Aliens Exist? We Asked a NASA Scientist
YouTube: NASA
Westall’s 50-year-old UFO sighting emerges again | 7NEWS
YouTube: 7NEWS Australia
Children talk about witnessing the 1994 UFO landing at the Ariel School in Ruwa, Zimbabwe
YouTube: Eyes On Cinema @RealEOC presents: Eyes On UFOs
Unveiling The Mysteries of Area 51 | Area 51: UFOs Declassified | National Geographic
YouTube: National Geographic India
Why haven’t we found aliens? A physicist shares the most popular theories. | Brian Cox
YouTube: Big Think
Crocs and Gators! - Living Dinosaurs
Crocs and gators have lived on Earth for millions of years and are considered the oldest living dinosaurs. Join the author as she discovers some fascinating facts about two of the world's most fearsome reptiles - the American Alligator and the Australian Saltwater Crocodile. Learn how to tell the difference between the two and find out which one is the fastest, the fiercest, and the most dangerous to humans.
This book has been beautifully assembled with amazing images of crocodiles and alligators. Cleverly written to appeal to a broad audience - the story will be engaging for all ages. A topic of never-ending fascination for students who want to study these living dinosaurs.
Suitable for primary and secondary levels.
Links:
SARCOSUCHUS IS THE KING OF CROCODILES IN THE AGE OF DINOSAURS
YouTube: DINOSAUR ERA
Deinosuchus Animation Preview
YouTube: The Isle
The Queensland Beach we didn't swim at
YouTube: Ben and Di
Where do alligators live?
YouTube: David Allen Productions
* ALLIGATOR * | Animals For Kids | All Things Animal TV
YouTube: All Things Animal TV
Saltwater Crocodile Vs American Alligator
YouTube: AnimaLifeTV
ALLIGATOR VS CROCODILE - Which is More Powerful?
YouTube: WildCiencias
HUGE CROCODILE DEATH ROLL!
YouTube: Australian Reptile Park
Watch a Croc's Brutal Death Roll | Boss Croc
YouTube: Nat Geo WILD
Croc Granny - Australia
YouTube: Journeyman Pictures
Sherman the Tank || ViralHog
YouTube: ViralHog
Everglades Florida Air Boat Ride To See Alligators Travel Vlog
YouTube: Tips For Travellers
Original Jumping Crocodile Adelaide River - S02 - Northern Territory - E11 - Big Lap of Australia
YouTube: Nikitin Family Adventures