Week 2: Homework Booklet Resources

Today we distributed a homework booklet to all Year 5 & 6 students.

There are a number of internet links included in the homework booklet, I have added them here so they may be accessed conveniently.

Week 2, Task One - Communism: http://encyclopedia.kids.net.au/page/co/Communism
Week 2, Task Three - Totalitarianism:
http://villageofjoy.com/north-korea-most-isolated-country-in-the-world/

Week 4, Writing Task - Option One, Women's Right to Vote:
http://australia.gov.au/about-australia/australian-story/austn-suffragettes
Week 4, Writing Task - Option Two, Indigenous (Aboriginal) citizenship & voting:
http://www.aec.gov.au/voting/indigenous_vote/aborigin.htm

Week 6, Task Two - Head of State:
http://www.peo.gov.au/students/fss/fss17.html
Week 6, Task Two - Head of State (second website):
http://www.gg.gov.au/content.php/category/id/1/title/role

EXTENSION AND ENRICHMENT - Visit these websites and enjoy!

Freedom to Choose
http://www.peo.gov.au/kidsview/funstuff/index.html
• Explores the meaning of democracy. Arrange the stars on the Australian flag to reveal different quotes on democracy. Click on the stars to play the national anthem.

Make a Difference
http://www.peo.gov.au/kidsview/democracy/diff.html
• Looks at what it means to be an active citizen. Investigate different ways of getting informed and getting active to solve a local issue.

Our House
http://www.peo.gov.au/kidsview/parlhouse/ourhouse.html
• Explores Australia's Parliament House as a meeting place. Follow the images, listen to the sound grabs and reflect on why people come to APH.
• Ideal to watch and interact with this clip before our Canberra trip!

Signatures of Oz
http://www.peo.gov.au/kidsview/parltreas/sigoz.html
• Explores the historical connection between parliamentary treasures and parliament today. Select the right stamp and send each postcard to parliament.
• Another site worth visiting before our Canberra trip – learn about Parliament House before we visit!

Our Government
http://australia.gov.au/about-australia/our-government
• A good summary that will help you to further discover the background and structure of government in Australia.

Parliamentary Quiz
http://www.peo.gov.au/multimedia/games.html
• Test your knowledge, remember, you will know more towards the end of the term!

Watch the Opening of the first Australian Parliament House by King George VI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYFzfRYVrW0
• Original footage from The provisional Parliament House opened on 9 May 1927

Week 2: Student Introduction to COGS Unit

Introduction to COGS Unit - Making Informed Choices - Government

This term our class will be engaged in exploring the concept of Government.

We will work towards developing an understanding of how making decisions affects all aspects of our lives.

We will be learning about aspects of Government and Democracy, including the three levels of government in Australia. We will learn about the Australian system of voting and the history of important figures in the development of democracy both in Australia and around the world.

We will develop knowledge on how a law is made and how representatives, such as our Local Mayor, State Premier and Prime Minister are elected.

By analysing and valuing different perspectives we are able to make informed choices and contribute to the democratic process.

Week 2 Focus: Early Democracy

This week we are looking at the history of people empowering themselves to have a say.

The Wikipedia article on the 'History of Democracy' is quite comprehensive and includes information on:

• Mesopotamia
• India
• Sparta
• Athens
• The Roman Republic

In language more suitable for children, the history of democracy is discussed by kidipede.

The BBC Primary History page fantastic information about Ancient Greece.

The BBC 'Big Ideas That Change The World - Democracy' series presented by British ex MP Tony Benn is some seriously interesting viewing - professional and clearly delivered. Is more suitable for upper students.





A concise and appropriate Australian video discussing the birth of democracy is here:





A great 3 minute video introduction to 'Democracy' - (American presentation of Ancient Greece, active citzenship, foundations for democratic government, majority rule with minority rights, constitution, right to vote.)



Finally, a fun 1945 Encyclopedia Brittanica presentation on 'What is Democracy.' Enjoy!

Term 2 2011 - Making Informed Choices

Connection focus: understanding roles and responsibilities in the decision making process as it affects all aspects of our lives. By analysing and valuing different perspectives we are able to make informed choices and contribute to the democratic process.