Fieldwork Activities

During the excursion, students will explore the past through the Whitlam Institute. Students will investigate the building, and look closely at objects and stories from the Whitlam Government.  

NESA LEARNING OUTCOMES

HS3-HIS-01: Examines and describes the development of Australian colonies and Australia as a nation, using sources as evidence

HS3-DEM-01: Describes the origins and features of Australia's democratic system of government and laws

HS3-CWT-01: creates written texts to communicate ideas and understanding about people, places and events of the past and the present

Inquiry Question

Why is Gough Whitlam an important person in Australian history?

Before the field trip, students should cut and paste the field work task cards into their books to bring to the trip. 

Activity 1: Building Detectives

1)Students sketch one feature of the building, such as a doorway or window, and label it. 

2) Then they describe two things that show that the building is old

Activity 2: Guided Session

1) Students ask the three questions they prepared, and record the answers in their exercise book 

Tip: advise students to listen to how the guide uses evidence, such as objects and documents

Activity 3: Exhibition Rotations

1) Students are allocated in groups of 2-3 to investigate objects. 10mins each. 

  • Choose one object in the exhibition and write what it is and who used it. 
  • Dismissal Letter: List three things you notice about the letter, and one question. 
  • Reform Spotter: Tick off the changes from the previous lesson and write where you saw it