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Democracy


YEARS

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PDF Sustainability book list

Sustainability book list

Inspire students to explore sustainability through thought-provoking picture books. 

PDF Frog squad

Frog squad

Engage students in media literacy concepts using examples from Kate and Jol Temple's books.

Video Decoding democracy

Decoding democracy

An explainer on the key features of Australian democracy.

PDF John Frith: the art of politics

John Frith: the art of politics

Analyse and evaluate the historical political cartoons of John Frith.

PDF The power of cartooning

The power of cartooning

Encourage students to get out their pencils and start drawing.

PDF You can change the world

You can change the world

Empower students to celebrate who they are and how they can make a difference.

PDF The perfect book

The perfect book

Inspire students to develop and share a love of reading.

PDF Media literacy basics

Media literacy basics

Help students understand media literacy with comics by Kate and Jol Temple, and David Conley.

PDF First Nations book list​

First Nations book list​

Thought-provoking picture books to explore First Nations perspectives.

PDF First Nations classroom connections

First Nations classroom connections

Support students to meaningfully engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures.

PDF Let's save series

Let's save series

Engage students in positive climate actions using an illustrated book series.

PDF The underdogs

The underdogs

Critically reflect on the role of media in our lives through engaging chapter books.

PDF Civic engagement with Corey Tutt

Civic engagement with Corey Tutt

Explore the lives of First Nations people creating change through STEM.

PDF Civic engagement with Aunty Fay Muir and Sue Lawson

Civic engagement with Aunty Fay Muir and Sue Lawson

Get students involved in Reconciliation Week with these activity ideas.

PDF Change starts with us

Change starts with us

Support students to help the environment by making small changes in their daily lives.

PDF Bowerbird blues

Bowerbird blues

For Simultaneous Storytime 2024, repurpose objects to design and create new art.

PDF Behind the Lines: questioning cartoons

Behind the Lines: questioning cartoons

Explore curated collections of political cartoons organised by theme.

PDF Creating hero images

Creating hero images

Support students to design their own hero image.

PDF Bush turkey

Bush turkey

Support students to create shared learning spaces.

PDF Civic engagement with Kate and Jol Temple

Civic engagement with Kate and Jol Temple

Use this matrix with Kate and Jol Temple's books to empower student voice and agency in the classroom.

PDF Illustrated guide to how referendums work

Illustrated guide to how referendums work

Discover how referendums work with this graphic story by cartoonist David Conley.

PDF How is a referendum created?

How is a referendum created?

Take students through the process of a referendum, from how the question is written to voting day.

PDF The Australian Constitution

The Australian Constitution

An illustrated guide to the Australian Constitution by cartoonist David Conley.

PDF Kindness with Sue Hindle

Kindness with Sue Hindle

Support students to spread kindness and look after their own wellbeing.

PDF Worst week ever

Worst week ever

Media literacy activities with Matt Cosgrove and Eva Amores.

PDF Exploring referendums

Exploring referendums

Looking for high-quality resources on referendums? Look no further.

Podcast Stella Young

Stella Young

Learn about Stella Young, writer, comedian, television presenter and disability advocate.

Podcast Nyadol Nyuon

Nyadol Nyuon

Learn about Nyadol Nyuon, advocate for refugee and migrant communities in Australia.

Podcast Georgie Stone and Rebekah Robertson

Georgie Stone and Rebekah Robertson

Learn about Georgie Stone and Rebekah Robertson, advocates for the rights of trans people.

PDF Listen

Listen

Explore how we can be more inclusive.

Podcast How do referendums work?

How do referendums work?

Learn how a change is made to the Constitution through a double majority vote.

Podcast What's a referendum?

What's a referendum?

Learn what the Constitution is, what a referendum is and the issues Australians have voted on in the past.

PDF What is a referendum and how do they work?

What is a referendum and how do they work?

Learn about referendums and how they work.

PDF When grandma burnt her bra

When grandma burnt her bra

This activity is designed to support students’ understanding of equality and the issues people face.

PDF Civic engagement with Krys Saclier

Civic engagement with Krys Saclier

Use this matrix to support students as they consider how they can participate and contribute.

PDF Civic engagement with Matt Cosgrove

Civic engagement with Matt Cosgrove

Use this matrix to support students to consider how they can be the best version of themselves.

PDF Civic engagement with Andy Geppert

Civic engagement with Andy Geppert

Use this matrix with Andy Geppert's picture books to explore decision making and celebrating difference.

PDF Backyard birdies

Backyard birdies

Support students to be citizen scientists with this engaging native birds activity book.

PDF The mess that we made

The mess that we made

Support students in recognising their capacity to influence environments and make change.

PDF Respect

Respect

Invite students to think deeply and explore what respect means to them in different contexts.

PDF Our place

Our place

Explore the values of respect, family (community) and sharing.

PDF Whatcha building?

Whatcha building?

Explore sustainable town planning. 

PDF I am...

I am...

Encourage students to work together to come to an agreement.

PDF NAIDOC week

NAIDOC week

Encourage student voice and agency.

PDF Australian backyard buddies

Australian backyard buddies

Encourage students to incorporate sustainable practices and solutions.

PDF An important message from Mr Beaky

An important message from Mr Beaky

An activity to help students see, connect and grow.

PDF Exploring the Franklin River

Exploring the Franklin River

Exploring issues of environmental protection versus development.

PDF Expand your thinking

Expand your thinking

Connect to the natural world.

PDF Creating a better world

Creating a better world

Explore meaningful ideas to create change.

PDF Who will you be?

Who will you be?

Celebrate the unique and wonderful qualities about being human.

PDF Exploring perspectives

Exploring perspectives

Discuss the importance of perspective. 

PDF Creative connections with nature

Creative connections with nature

Support students to build connections with local environments.

PDF Positive affirmations

Positive affirmations

Use these affirmation cards to help students build their growth mindset. 

PDF Exploring student voice

Exploring student voice

Use this activity to support students to use their voice in the classroom, school or local community.

Podcast Student voice – empowered leaders

Student voice – empowered leaders

Educators reflect on how they've empowered students to become leaders.

Podcast Student voice – school leadership

Student voice – school leadership

Educators discuss how they empower student voice.

Podcast Student voice in the community

Student voice in the community

Students talk about what inspires them and how they can work towards positive change in the world.

Podcast Student voice – what is it?

Student voice – what is it?

Students talk about the ways they can use their voice. 

Podcast Student voice in school – learning and applying

Student voice in school – learning and applying

Students talk about the ways their school has given them a platform to express their opinions.

PDF Celebrate kindness

Celebrate kindness

Use this resource to encourage kind actions that create positive change. 

PDF Empowering young people to create sustainable change

Empowering young people to create sustainable change

Use this provocation to explore ways to create sustainable change. 

PDF Active participation and young people

Active participation and young people

Use this provocation to explore the ways young people can participate in democracy.

PDF Empowering voice and agency

Empowering voice and agency

Ideas to support co-design and voice in the classroom.

PDF Creating the best version of you

Creating the best version of you

This resource guides students to consider what they would like to achieve as a learner.

PDF Leadership sketchnote

Leadership sketchnote

Start a conversation about leadership using prompts, reflection and collaboration. 

PDF Random acts of leadership

Random acts of leadership

Support students to take leadership actions, record their findings and make a difference in their community.

Video News champions

News champions

Students share their opinions on media and the news.

PDF Media literacy framework

Media literacy framework

This poster identifies key concepts, competencies and knowledge indicators for media literacy.

PDF Create a digital citizenship mascot

Create a digital citizenship mascot

Design a mascot promoting positive ways to connect online.

PDF Social media check-in

Social media check-in

Use this resource to begin a discussion about social media use, safety and balance.

PDF Media kit

Media kit

Support students to create their own podcast episode, news report or radio segment.

PDF The PM's daughter – teaching toolkit

The PM's daughter – teaching toolkit

Through this series, support students to learn about power, media and citizenship.

PDF Media literacy thinking hats

Media literacy thinking hats

Analyse how each type of media works – why it was made, who for, and how to read and understand it.

PDF Exploring media literacy

Exploring media literacy

Introduce students to the importance of being media literate citizens.

PDF Sustainable changemakers – lunchbox citizens

Sustainable changemakers – lunchbox citizens

Understand plastic waste as an issue, discuss sustainability and empower student voice and agency.

PDF  Our world, our community: becoming global citizens

Our world, our community: becoming global citizens

Empower students to take positive action and to be a changemaker in their school and community. 

PDF Draw a caricature

Draw a caricature

Caricatures can inspire conversations and draw attention to important issues in a creative way.

PDF Political cartoons in the classroom

Political cartoons in the classroom

A comprehensive guide to the history, context and analysis of political cartoons.

Podcast Protest music

Protest music

Explore the power and role of music in the history of protest.

PDF Media and meaning making

Media and meaning making

Develop media literacy and critical thinking skills.

PDF Digital savvy citizens

Digital savvy citizens

Activities to empower media literate citizens.

PDF Make a difference

Make a difference

Creative activity ideas for young people to support those around them.

PDF Create, celebrate and connect

Create, celebrate and connect

Engaging activity ideas to support young people connect with those around them.

PDF Engaging with your local environment

Engaging with your local environment

Help students build connections with the animals and plants around them.

PDF Help your hive thrive

Help your hive thrive

How can we better support local bees?

PDF My voice counts

My voice counts

Ways to stay informed and participate in the election process without voting.

Video Indigenous rights and freedoms – an experience of democracy

Indigenous rights and freedoms – an experience of democracy

Tells the stories of Old Parliament House from a First Nations perspective.

Video The printing press at Old Parliament House

The printing press at Old Parliament House

Learn about the importance of technology in our democracy.

PDF Active voice

Active voice

Explore ways to actively participate in democracy.

Video The safe at Old Parliament House

The safe at Old Parliament House

See the hidden safe at Old Parliament House and hear a story about someone who once got stuck in there.

Video The Press Gallery at Old Parliament House

The Press Gallery at Old Parliament House

Visit the Press Gallery and see the journalists' busy offices. Learn about the role of the media in democracy.

Video The mace at Old Parliament House

The mace at Old Parliament House

Find out about the mace at Old Parliament House – where it came from, what it symbolises and how it was used.

Video The ABC broadcasting booth at Old Parliament House

The ABC broadcasting booth at Old Parliament House

Explore the role of media in our democracy.

Video 10 fast facts about Australian democracy

10 fast facts about Australian democracy

An introduction to democracy and why it matters.

PDF Building connections

Building connections

Use before or after a visit to MoAD to explore more of Old Parliament House.

Quiz Suffrage – Kahoot! quiz

Suffrage – Kahoot! quiz

Test students' knowledge of suffrage.  

PDF Democratic thinking conversation starters

Democratic thinking conversation starters

Start a conversation about why democracy, good leadership and social justice are important.

Quiz Democracy fast facts – Kahoot! quiz

Democracy fast facts – Kahoot! quiz

Test students' knowledge of democracy.

PDF Critically exploring campaigning

Critically exploring campaigning

Critically reflect on the information in political campaign posters.

PDF Democracy poster

Democracy poster

An engaging way to explore democratic concepts with students.

PDF A history of Old Parliament House

A history of Old Parliament House

Discover key events and decisions that were made at Old Parliament House.

PDF Personal objects as primary sources – Neville Bonner

Personal objects as primary sources – Neville Bonner

Learn about Australia's first Aboriginal federal parliamentarian, Neville Bonner.

PDF Personal objects as primary sources – Anne Picot

Personal objects as primary sources – Anne Picot

Discover badges as a form of protest.

PDF Personal objects as primary sources – Neil Baker

Personal objects as primary sources – Neil Baker

Explore the ways we communicate through a collection of phones. 

PDF Your planet needs you

Your planet needs you

Explore ways to help the environment.

PDF You matter: be your own best friend

You matter: be your own best friend

A practical toolkit of wellbeing activities for young people.

PDF Windows

Windows

Inspire students to think about the future world they want to see.

PDF Who am I?

Who am I?

Invite students to reflect on who they are and who they want to be.

PDF Welcome to Country

Welcome to Country

Explore the concept of welcoming ceremonies and their significance to First Nation communities.

PDF We are Australians

We are Australians

Explore what it means to be an Australian citizen.

PDF Vote 4 me

Vote 4 me

Explores preferential voting through a school student election.

Quiz 1975 prime minister dismissed – Kahoot! quiz

1975 prime minister dismissed – Kahoot! quiz

How much do you know about the 1975 dismissal?

PDF This small king

This small king

Explore the importance of kindness.

PDF Too much stuff!

Too much stuff!

Explore our desire to collect things.

PDF The journey

The journey

Encourage students to reflect on migration and explore their own family history.

Podcast How can kids get involved?

How can kids get involved?

Explores how to connect with your local representatives and what changes you can make to help others.

Podcast What happens in parliament?

What happens in parliament?

Find out how laws are created and what happens in Question Time.

PDF The wonder of Winsome

The wonder of Winsome

Explore curiosity and asking questions.

PDF The world awaits

The world awaits

Inspire positivity and collaboration.

PDF Finding our heart

Finding our heart

Learn about First Nations culture, history and traditions.

PDF Great and small

Great and small

Create a world that celebrates our diversity and unique abilities.

PDF Macca the backpacker

Macca the backpacker

Teaches students to reframe negative thoughts.

PDF Naturopolis

Naturopolis

Discover the plants and animals all around us.

PDF Do something for someone else

Do something for someone else

Explore stories of children spreading kindness through small positive actions.

PDF The arrival

The arrival

Help students to build empathy.

PDF Dreaming soldiers

Dreaming soldiers

Consider a First Nations' perspective on the Anzac story.

PDF Camp Canberra

Camp Canberra

Delve into the design of Canberra and explore the role of museums and galleries in a capital city.

PDF Billie

Billie

Draws attention to the human-made problems for marine animals and encourages care for our oceans.

PDF Advance Australia Fair

Advance Australia Fair

Explores Australia's national anthem through beautiful illustrations.

Website The Petrov Affair WebQuest

The Petrov Affair WebQuest

Students can explore Australia's reaction to the threat of communism in the 1950s.

Website Marnti Warajanga – A Walk Together

Marnti Warajanga – A Walk Together

Learn about the First Nations' experience of democracy.

Website Billy Hughes at war

Billy Hughes at war

Explore World War I in Australia from conscription to peace negotiations.

Website Australia's founding documents

Australia's founding documents

See original documents that shaped Australia and our democracy.

Website Australia's Federation

Australia's Federation

Explore how Australia became a federation.

Podcast Margaret Guilfoyle

Margaret Guilfoyle

Learn about the first woman finance minister in Australia.

Podcast Joan Child

Joan Child

Hear the story of Joan Child, the first woman Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Podcast Enid Lyons

Enid Lyons

Hear the story of Enid Lyons, the first woman member of the House of Representatives.

Podcast Dorothy Tangney

Dorothy Tangney

Reflect on the journey of the first woman Australian senator.

Podcast Susan Ryan

Susan Ryan

Susan Ryan became part of the political system so that she could help make a fairer world for women.

Podcast Oodgeroo Noonuccal

Oodgeroo Noonuccal

Hear the story of Oodgeroo Noonuccal and her work towards First Nations rights and freedoms.

Podcast Janine Haines

Janine Haines

Hear the story of the first woman leader of a political party in Australia.

PDF Trailblazing women in our democracy

Trailblazing women in our democracy

Explore the significant contributions of women to our democracy.

Podcast Gay Davidson

Gay Davidson

Journalist Gay Davidson was the first woman to head a press bureau in Parliament House.

Website HansART – Interpreting Hansard records

HansART – Interpreting Hansard records

Explore parliamentary debates from the last 100 years of records.

Video What do clothes symbolise?

What do clothes symbolise?

What can clothes symbolise and what can they tell us about other times and people?

Podcast What's an election?

What's an election?

Explores preferential voting and federal elections.

PDF The PM's daughter

The PM's daughter

Explore what qualities make a good leader and how young people can make positive change.

PDF Ming and Flo

Ming and Flo

Explore significant women in our history.

Video Sir Edmund Barton and Sir Isaac Isaacs' coatees

Sir Edmund Barton and Sir Isaac Isaacs' coatees

Compare the symbols and kinds of clothing worn by historical figures.

PDF How to be prime minister and survive grade five

How to be prime minister and survive grade five

Explore how a parliament works and how students can participate in democracy.

Video The Barton coatee

The Barton coatee

Tells the story of the conservation of Sir Edmund Barton's coatee.

Podcast Why Canberra?

Why Canberra?

Explores how our democracy came about.

PDF Dear Greta

Dear Greta

Explore the power of letter-writing and empower young people as changemakers.

Podcast Adela Pankhurst

Adela Pankhurst

Learn about Adela Pankhurst’s suffrage activism and her mistakes.

Podcast Hazel Craig

Hazel Craig

Hazel Craig served as a secretary for 5 different prime ministers.