Inquiry Questions:
How can we connect with creation? (P)
In what way does wealth and/or poverty affect the environment? (S)
KEY: (P) = Primary activity | (S) = Secondary activity
1. Visit the CSIRO site and look at the Indigenous Seasonal Calendars. Why do we only acknowledge four seasons in Australia? Find out more about Indigenous Seasons where you live.
2. Many cultures have creation stories. These are the stories that belong to Indigenous peoples and they teach us a lesson or explain something about creation. Read the Rainbow Serpent or Tiddalick stories, or choose another, and consider what they might teach us about creation.
1. Share and describe an image or video of a place you want to visit. Which part of this creation amazes you and makes you say 'WOW'?
2. The climate in Mongolia is challenging with harsh temperatures, sometimes in winter dropping to -40º Celsius. A single day can have a temperature variation of 30° Celsius degrees. Compare Mongolia’s environment and weather to where you live.
1. Does your school or parish have an environmental or sustainability group? What do they do? How can you get involved?
2. What types of recyclable materials will you use to create your Sockball?
3.1 Write a summary of one of the creation stories and illustrate your favourite part. (Year 3 & 4)
3.2 What do you think were the important messages of the story and why? (Year 5 & 6)
Scripture
"God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day." - Genesis 1:31
In the Book of Genesis, this verse concludes the creation narrative where God observes all that has been created and declares it to be "very good." This passage highlights the perfection and goodness of God's creation, reflecting the divine intention and harmony in the world. It teaches us to recognise and appreciate the inherent goodness in the world around us and to understand that everything created by God has value and purpose.
Catholic Social Teaching
1. Stewardship - The world and every living thing were made by God, so we must take care of all creation.
2. Solidarity - God created all people, so we are all brothers and sisters in God’s family, wherever we live.
3. Common Good - We can only live life in all its fullness when we are in relationship with others – through community.
Additional Activities: primary
📚 READ...
Read ‘Change Starts with Us’ by Sophie Beer. What are some of the small changes you can make to help save our beautiful planet?
...and be inspired!
📺 WATCH...
Watch on YouTube, "Belonging" by Jeannie Baker. How can individuals make a difference in caring for creation? How does this impact the community?
...and be moved!
🎧 LISTEN TO...
Listen to the song, 'God’s Love Is' by John Burland. What other ways would you describe God’s love? Add another verse to the song.
...and reflect!
Additional Activities: secondary
📚 READ...
Read this article from Elizabeth Johnson. What thinking has led to the undeniable reality that the Earth is in trouble? How can an understanding that I am kin with all other living beings, humans, bears and beetles, help me to be an environmentally sustainable and socially just human presence on the planet?
...and be inspired!
📺 WATCH...
Watch the YouTube clip, ‘How does poverty and inequality affect sustainability?’ How does equity help communities to be sustainable?
...and be moved!
🎧 LISTEN TO...
Listen to 'Canticle of the Sun’ by Marty Haugen. It includes praise for the Sun, wind, rain & Earth – what else would you like to give praise to?
