AUSTRALIAN HISTORY - STUDENT RESEARCH LEADING TO THE AUSTRALIAN FIRST AWARDS

This unit requires students to search for answers to 10 statements relating to the first people to achieve some aspect of Australia's history. Most answers lie in the pages given which include visual supports, prepared maps and selected photographs. Students appreciate the investigation approach because they become involved in the process - a bit like detectives picking up clues and deciding on their relevance. The whole process is designed to help them fill in the final AWARDS PAGE where they write down the answers, the dates and the evidence they have gathered to support their decision for each award. This approach has the advantage of involvement and discovery which is very appropriate for a unit that is mainly about the discovery of Australia from 40,000 years ago through European navigators to British settlement. Take them on the discovery adventure. There are several attachments; the fill-in final page and - if you are stuck a top secret answer page. However, don't ruin the process by screening the answer sheet before they have had time to discover the answers for themselves. The attachments are given to provide flexibility of approach, recognising that some schools restrict the type and provision of printed materials. You can complete this unit by using screen alone and allowing student observation and discussion. You can, if permitted, provide hard copy worksheets for in class or home use. You have the flexibility of choice. Who were the first to...? Along with your students you can find out the answers. This unit can also form the background to a following unit dealing with the internal explorations within Australia.