Teachers Martin Sumner and Ngaire Bayliss replaced whiteboard markers with microphones to spark student interest about the River Murray.
They introduced the topic this week by dressing as newsreaders and presenting a TV news report about the river drying up and disappearing, and the impact this would have.
While students quickly suspected this was fake news, it captured their attention and started them thinking about the economic, environmental and social importance of the river.
After hearing the news story, students questioned whether the disappearance of the River Murray would impact the entire country, whether it would refill with rain and whether seawater would fill the river bed.
Mr Sumner said they were all questions worth asking and told the class they would be learning about the river as part of their science and humanities and social sciences (HASS) lessons.
“The idea for today was all about building a hook to engage students,” he said.
“It looked like the students enjoyed the news report and it was something a little different and fun.
“Afterwards we had the students build their own headlines around what would happen if the River Murray did disappear.
Mr Sumner said students would also consider the importance of the River Murray from a cultural and personal perspective.
“We’ll be able to talk about stories and memories around the River Murray because not all communities are lucky enough to have a river on their doorstep.”
