History / Year 8 / Historical Knowledge and Understanding

• TLF-IDM019420

The city of Angkor was the centre of the mighty Khmer Empire for five hundred years, beginning around 900 CE. It was not only one of the most populous cities in the world, it featured some of the most sophisticated architecture and infrastructure, particularly in regards to water distribution. In this beautiful animation, ...

• TLF-IDM025721

The basin of Huang He, or the Yellow River, is considered the birthplace of Ancient China. What did this ancient civilisation have in common with other ancient civilisations? New advances in science and technology are traits of a civilisation. How did iron smelting revolutionise farming for the ancient Chinese?

• TLF-IDM017445

A new, larger wall is being constructed at Canberra's Cotter Dam. It will markedly increase the dam's storage capacity and help to ensure the sustainability of Canberra's water supply. However, important environmental work has been taking place behind the original dam wall. This clip investigates techniques used to carefully ...

• TLF-IDM017437

Farmers along Victoria's Upper Murray claim that soil erosion on their properties is being caused by water released from the Snowy Mountains Scheme, a hydro-electricity project located in the Southern Alps. This clip from 2013 investigates the degradation occurring in an area where prime agricultural land is valued at 10,000 ...

• TLF-IDM017485

Imagine a tiny beetle causing the defoliation and even death of mature elm trees that have been growing in Tasmania for up to 150 years. Watch this clip to discover how the elm beetle is wiping out these old trees within Tasmania's heritage gardens. Find out also what arborists are doing to try to minimise the damage and ...

• TLF-IDM017449

Discover the connections between people and ancient temples hidden along the mighty Mekong River. Find out how long the temple Wat Phu (Vat Phou) has been a place of worship. Consider the spiritual value of this river, which provides more than sustenance and money.

• TLF-IDM017745

Imagine the excitement of discovering evidence that a great ancient ruler, whose story was believed to be a legend, was in fact a real historical figure. This clip looks at the Mauryan Empire in ancient India and the reign of Ashoka the Great, one of the most remarkable rulers in world history. This clip is the first in ...

• TLF-IDM024937

Ever wondered what life was like for the traditional owners of Perth before the British arrived in 1829? Whadjuk [pronounced wod-JUK] Noongar Elder and ambassador Dr Noel Nannup talks about traditional Whadjuk ways of life and key cultural places in Perth, and he teaches us the Noongar words for some Perth suburbs (such ...

• TLF-IDM017441

Imagine the feelings of a family when they learn of the death of a son during World War I. How might they react to receiving a giant penny for a life sacrificed? This ABC Open program explores the role of the 'dead man's penny', the token given by the British government to many families of British and Commonwealth troops ...

• TLF-IDM017294

Most of us have probably wondered about where our wastewater goes after it flows down the drain. In this clip, visit a wastewater treatment plant in Victoria with Peter Rowsthorn to search for answers. See how controlled water flows and biological processes are used to help clean up sewage and wastewater before it is released ...