AustraliaQuest is an interactive expedition developed by Classroom Connect. For five weeks a team of scientists and explorers will examine the ancient culture of the Aborigines and attempt to determine how it affects their modern existence.

AustraliaQuest explores ancient Outback mystery

Beginning Monday October 2, a team of archaeologists and explorers will embark on an online, interactive journey through the heart of the Australian Outback and along the Great Barrier Reef. The Outback is a scorched land shaped by the myths and legends of the Aboriginal people who have called it home for over 50,000 years.

The AustraliaQuest team will explore the mystery of the songlines -- ancient tracks formed by beings who roamed the land, singing the world into existence -- during what the Aborigines call the Dreamtime. For centuries, Aboriginal people walked these well-worn tracks as they hunted, migrated to new lands, and traded with other groups.

The Aboriginals knew where to find water and food from memorized songs handed down to them from their ancestors. What are the hidden meanings of these songlines? Do Aboriginal Peoples still travel them? Will these ancient tracks survive the changes of the modern age?

For five weeks, the online audience will direct the Quest team as they venture to travel these songlines across the Australian Outback. Accompanied by Aboriginal team members, they will explore the mysteries of these desert tracks and examine how they function in the current lives of Aboriginal people.

The Quest team will also investigate environmental problems that threaten the fragile balance Aboriginal people have maintained with nature for the past 50,000 years.

AustraliaQuest begins October 2 and continues through November 3. Follow the Quest team as they travel through the Outback with daily reports here at CNN.com/NATURE

AustraliaQuest
Classroom Connect