Aboriginal boomerang throwing is one of the traditional Australian skills that have been closely connected with the cultural history of this continent. In this lesson, the learners will develop object control skills through practicing boomerang-throwing techniques that foster cognitive comprehension of the cultural context of this skill in Australia and installs perception of precision and coordination.
Objectives
Motor: Students will be able to throw a boomerang and catch it from a distance of 20 meter in ¾ trial when verbally prompted by the instructor during the drill portion of the activity.
Cognitive: Students will assess the cultural significance of throwing boomerangs in Australia, its historical background and given importance to the Indigenous Pre-Contact Aboriginal people during a class discussion, during the reflection portion of class when verbally prompted by the instructor.
Affective: Students will give a nearby individual person a high five when they successfully throw and catch a returning boomerang.
Skills Focus: Equipment control of boomerang throwing, cultural learning, and accuracy.
Equipment
Boomerangs (light weight and usually those fitting beginners’ stages).
Activity Description
Describe what boomerang throwing is and its cultural significance in Australia as one of the Aboriginal traditions.
Showing how to throw boomerangs i.e. holding them appropriately, standing well and on letting go of boomerangs properly in a controlled manner.
To grip and throw a boomerang with proper form, hold it with a loose grip, like a pen, with the rounded side facing you, and throw it at 45° to 60° to the right of the wind, aiming at a point directly in front of you, and sharply jerk your wrist to spin it just before letting go. It's also important to focus on the spin rather than a hard or forceful throw, as the spin is critical for the boomerang to return.
Practicing moves where one throws the boomerang to students and they have to throw them back accurately.
Arrange for boomerang throwing challenge wherein students can display their skills in a friendly competitive way. Stress should be on the accuracy of the throw made and if the boomerang is able to return.
Ask students to make smaller groups and gather around to discuss and reflect on this practice or celebration for its cultural significance. Explain about how boomerang throwing has a history in Australia, rather was used in the past between the land and people.
Close with a reflection session that allows the students to state how having gone through Boomerang Skills has made them better at object control and understand just how crucial this traditional Australian skill is if their culture is to be maintained.
Modification
Challenge: Introduce throwing style adaptations or challenge the student to make the boomerang perform specific movements.
Simplified: Focus more on the basic throwing techniques and at shorter distances, offering more guidance for new beginners.
