| Grade Level | System Requirement | Product Number |
|---|---|---|
| Grades 4-12 | Apple 128K | A342 |
| Burke and Wills — the first European explorers to cross Australia — are lost in the Outback. Students must find them and bring them safely home. In this simulation of a historical rescue mission, kids will encounter some of the unique flora and fauna of Australia and meet a number of Aboriginal peoples, who can teach students the survival skills they need to be successful adventurers in the Outback. | ||
Introduction
The Rescue in the Outback™ software program is a simulation of an historical rescue mission in search of the missing explorers Burke and Wills. The year is 1861. Burke and Wills have embarked on their attempt at the first European crossing of the Australian continent, but nothing has been heard from them in months. As the game begins, you receive a letter from Sir William Stawell, the chairperson of the Exploration Committee, who asks you to help find Burke and Wills. You choose a team and supplies and then sail to one of several ports, where your rescue party departs in search of Burke and Wills.
Stawell tells you the location of Burke and Wills’ outpost and their general heading; however, you are free to lead your party in whatever direction seems most appropriate to you. As you travel, a map will form, showing the path you have taken and the landmarks that you have encountered.
You can visit Aboriginal people you meet, talk to them, and learn survival skills that will help you as you continue on your way. These people will tell you whether they have seen Burke and Wills, or if they have heard anything about their passage. If you succeed in finding the explorers in time, you can interview one of them. At any time, you can review what you have accomplished so far. When you feel that you have accomplished enough, or that your time is running out, you can head back to port.
Title: Rescue in the Outback
Subject: World history; world geography
Topics:
- Australian geography
- Aboriginal peoples of Australia
- European exploration of Australia
- 19th-century Australian history
- Australian flora and fauna
- Australian geology
Grade Range: 4-12
Program Type: Simulation game; role-playing adventure
Required Hardware: 128K Apple II series; color monitor recommended
Classroom Use: Individual students, pairs, or cooperative groups
Learning Objectives:
- to develop a knowledge of the geography and history of Australia
- to visit, interview, and learn survival skills from members of eight Aboriginal nations
- to develop a knowledge of the animals, plants, and minerals of Australia
Time Required: 30-60 minutes per session