With all of us being encouraged to wear a badge for Legacy Week this Friday, it is an ideal time to reflect on our history. Kokoda Track: 101 Days, is the tale of the 550 remarkable men of the 39th Militia Battalion who, over eight short and brutal weeks, slowed and eventually halted the advance of 6000 experienced Japanese troops across the Owen Stanley range in Papua New Guinea.

By studying this novel, middle years students have the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of a pivotal - if not defining - moment in Australian history, while also improving their skills in creative and critical literacy, speaking and listening, research and collaboration.

The support website provides getting started information, multimodal classroom activities, assessment tips and more. Visit www.curriculumpress.edu.au/rel.

Also of interest:  My Grandad Marches on Anzac Day, Red Haze: Australians and New Zealanders in Vietnam, Scarecrow Army: The Anzacs at Gallipoli

To donate to Legacy Australia visit www.legacy.com.au

When you talk with students about their number sense and computational skills, you're likely to discover gaps in their understanding. Knowing how to identify and bridge those gaps is essential for helping them advance as mathematical thinkers.

Zeroing in on Number and Operations is a new series featuring easy-to-use tools for teaching the key concepts in number and operations and addressing common misconceptions.

The modules for Years 1–2 and Years 3–4 are divided into sections:

Years 1–2: Counting, Number Sense, and Numeration; Meaning of Addition and Subtraction and Basic Facts; Building Computational Fluency.

Years 3–4: Whole Numbers, Addition, and Subtraction; Multiplication and Division; Fractions and Decimals.

Each module explains the mathematical focus and potential challenges and misconceptions associated with it. Strategies and activities for implementation are provided, with ideas for adjusting the activities to reach a broader range of learners.

Also of interest:  Databoards, Numberboards, Maths Essentials, Cornerstones in Number

Not only are coral reefs resplendent with inspiring natural beauty, they provide food and sustenance for millions of people and are part of an intricate ecosystem. The ravages of climate change and human activity are threatening to destroy these critical components of the ocean environment.

Coral Reefs and Climate Change educates students Years 8-10 about ocean ecology, coral reefs, the effects of climate change and what we can do while we still have the chance. Written by dedicated professionals experienced with working on reefs, and with the input of the world's top scientists and educators, the book draws on the latest research and features over 600 photos, illustrations, maps, fast facts, conceptual models and graphs.

Supporting the book is a CD-ROM rich in further resources, including a downloadable 130 page ‘Workbook’ of classroom activities complete with an overview of the aims, background information, required tools and reproducible student worksheets for each activity.

Also of interest: Discovering the Environment, Childhood and Nature, Weather Watch

This week (August 29 – September 4) is National Literacy and Numeracy Week, representing a collaborative effort by the Australian Government and the school community to highlight the importance of effective literacy and numeracy skills for all children and young people.

Schools are encouraged to take part in a range of activities and to recognise the achievements of students and the work of teachers, parents and members of the community who support young people to develop stronger literacy and numeracy skills.

Get involved in national and/or local state and territory activities – visit the Literacy and Numeracy Week website for a full list of what’s on or email nlnw@deewr.gov.au.

Our primary and secondary catalogues for 2010 are now available. Click here to request a print copy or click on a cover below to view an interactive online version.