Lessons | TIPIAC

First Nations Peoples’ Service in World War I

Grade: Years 9 and 10

Subject Area: History

Duration: 2- 3 lessons

Lesson Focus: Students will explore the reasons why Indigenous Australians enlisted in the Australian Defence Forces during wartime.

Content Descriptions

AC9HH9Ko9: the places of significance where Australians fought, their perspectives and experiences, including the Gallipoli Campaign, the Western Front and the Middle East;

AC9HH9S08: create descriptions, explanations and historical arguments, using historical knowledge, concepts and terms that incorporate and acknowledge evidence from sources;

AC9HH10K10: the contributions of significant individuals and groups in the campaign for the recognition of the rights of First Nations Australians and the extent to which they brought change to Australian society;

AC9HH10S08: create descriptions, explanations and historical arguments, using historical knowledge, concepts and terms that incorporate and acknowledge evidence from sources;

AC9HH10S02: locate, identify and compare primary and secondary sources to use in a historical inquiry;

AC9HH10S06: compare perspectives in sources and explain how these are influenced by significant events, ideas, locations, beliefs and values.

Relevent Unit

Aboriginal Studies | History

Relevent Stage

Stage 5 | Stage 6

Torres Strait at War Lesson 1

Image , From: Seekee, V. One Ilun Man from Australian War Memorial Site

Year 9 and 10 History

Lesson Duration: 2-3 Lessons

Lesson Outline

Students explore the reasons leading to the formation of the Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion.

Content Descriptions

Sub-Strand: World War Two

AC9HH10K02: the places where Australians fought, and their perspectives and experiences during the Second World War, such as the fall of Singapore, prisoners of war (POWs), the Battle of Britain and Kokoda. For the purpose of this presentation, the students will look at the place of the Torres Strait.

Sub-Strand: Questioning and Researching: Communicating.

AC9HH10S08: create descriptions, explanations and historical arguments, using historical knowledge, concepts and terms that incorporate and acknowledge evidence from sources

AC9HH10S02: locate, identify and compare primary and secondary sources to use in a historical inquiry.

Sub-Strand: Historical Perspectives and Interpretations

AC9HH10S06: compare perspectives in sources and explain how these are influenced by significant events, ideas, locations, beliefs and values.

Relevent Unit

Aboriginal Studies | History

Relevent Stage

Stage 5 | Stage 6

Torres Strait at War, Lesson 2

Photo: Don Myers via the Torres Strait Heritage Museum

Year 9 and 10 History

Lesson Outline

Students compare the differing held by non-Indigenous and First Nations service people on the treatment of Torres Strait Islander soldiers during World War II.

Content Descriptions

Sub-Strand: World War Two

AC9HH10K02: the places where Australians fought, and their perspectives and experiences during the Second World War, such as the fall of Singapore, prisoners of war (POWs), the Battle of Britain and Kokoda. For the purpose of this presentation, the students will look at the place of the Torres Strait.

Sub-Strand: Questioning and Researching: Communicating.

AC9HH10S08: create descriptions, explanations and historical arguments, using historical knowledge, concepts and terms that incorporate and acknowledge evidence from sources

AC9HH10S02: locate, identify and compare primary and secondary sources to use in a historical inquiry.

Sub-Strand: Historical Perspectives and Interpretations

AC9HH10S06: compare perspectives in sources and explain how these are influenced by significant events, ideas, locations, beliefs and values.

Relevent Unit

Aboriginal Studies | History

Relevent Stage

Stage 5

Understanding the First Nations Map through Handwriting

Overview:

This lesson is designed for Kindergarten and Year 1 students to develop their handwriting skills while learning about the First Nations map of Australia. It emphasises the cultural diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lands and peoples.

Educator Information:

Prior to the lesson, familiarise yourself with the First Nations map and its significance.
Be prepared to explain in simple terms the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their connection to the land, and the importance of their stories, songs, and dances.
Encourage respect and appreciation for cultural diversity throughout the lesson.

Relevent Unit

Aboriginal Studies | Geography | History | Literacy

Relevent Stage

Early Learning Stage 1 | Preschool | Stage 1

Exploring the First Nations Map

Grade Level: Kindergarten
Subject Area: Cultural Awareness/Art
Duration: 1 Lesson (Approx. 30-40 minutes)

Lesson Content Overview:

In this Prep/Kindergarten lesson, students will engage in a cultural and artistic exploration using the “Colouring First Nations Australian Map” worksheet. The activity is designed to introduce young learners to the concept of the First Nations’ cultural diversity across Australia. As students colour the different regions on the map, the teacher will provide simple, engaging explanations about each area, focusing on the unique First Nations groups, their cultural practices, and the significance of their land. Accompanied by First Nations music and storytelling, this multisensory approach aims to create an enjoyable learning experience that fosters early awareness and respect for Australia’s First Nations communities. This lesson is an excellent opportunity for children to develop their fine motor skills through colouring, as well as to enhance their understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity from an early age.

Relevent Unit

Aboriginal Studies | Creative Arts | Geography | History

Relevent Stage

Early Learning Stage 1 | Preschool | Stage 1

Understanding Diverse Perspectives on Australia Day

Objective:

To educate students about the diverse perspectives surrounding Australia Day, particularly focusing on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewpoints.

Materials:

Flashcards with key terms and phrases.
Additional resources such as videos (links below in lesson), articles, and guest speakers (if possible).

Relevent Unit

Aboriginal Studies | History | Literacy

Relevent Stage

Stage 2 | Stage 3 | Stage 4

Year 7 History. The Day of Mourning: Lessons 3 and 4

Grade Level: Year 7

Subject Area: History

Duration: 2 lessons

Content Descriptions

Historical Perspectives and Interpretations

AC9HH7S03: Identify the origin, content, context and purpose of primary and secondary sources.

AC9HH7S07: Students explain historical interpretations about significant events, individuals and groups.

AC9HH7S05: Students describe causes and effects, and explain continuities and changes.

AC9HH7S08: Students create descriptions, explanations and historical arguments, using historical knowledge, concepts and terms that reference evidence from sources.

Relevent Unit

Aboriginal Studies | History

Relevent Stage

Stage 4 | Year 7

Year 7 History. The Day of Mourning: Lessons 1 – 2

The Day of Mourning: the first protest against Australia Day

Grade Level: year 7

Subject Area: History

Lessons weeks: 1 week.

Lessons 1 and 2.

Content Descriptions

Historical Perspectives and Interpretations.

AC9HH7S05: Students describe causes and effects, and explain continuities and changes.

AC9HH7S08: Students create descriptions, explanations and historical arguments using historical knowledge, concepts and terms that reference evidence from sources.

Relevent Unit

History

Relevent Stage

Stage 4

Year 8 History. The Day of Mourning: Lesson 2

Image: Gordon Hookey, Day of Mourning, 1997.

Image courtesy the artist and National Museum of Australia. From: https://www.mca.com.au/stories-and-ideas/marking-80-years-day-mourning/

Grade: 8

Subject Area: History

Duration: 2 lessons

Content Descriptions

Questioning and researching
AC9HH8So1: develop historical questions about the past to inform historical inquiry

Historical perspectives and interpretations

AC9HH8So5: describe causes and effects, and explain continuities and changes

AC9HH8So7: explain historical interpretations about significant events, individuals and groups

Communicating

AC9HH8So8: create descriptions, explanations and historical arguments, using historical knowledge, concepts and terms that reference evidence from sources

Relevent Unit

Aboriginal Studies | History

Relevent Stage

Stage 4 | Year 8

Year 8 History.The Day of Mourning: Lesson 1.

Year: 8

Subject Area: History

Duration: 1 lesson

Learning Objectives

Content Descriptions:

Using Historical Sources

AC9HH8So3: identify the origin, content, context and purpose of primary and secondary sources

AC9HH8S04: identify and describe the accuracy and usefulness of primary and secondary sources as evidence

Historical Perspectives and Interpretations

Ac9HH8S06: identify perspectives, attitudes and values of the past in sources

AC9HH9So7: explain historical interpretations about significant events, individuals and groups

Relevent Unit

Aboriginal Studies | History

Relevent Stage

Stage 4 | Year 8

Year 9 History. Change the Date: Lesson 2

Grade Level: Year 9

Subject Area: History

Duration: 2 Lessons minimum

Learning Objectives

Content Descriptions

Questioning and Research

AC9HH9So1: develop and modify a range of historical questions about the past to inform historical inquiry

AC9HH9So2: locate, identify and compare primary and secondary sources to use in historical inquiry

Communicating

AC9HHSo8: create descriptions, explanations and historical arguments, using historical knowledge, concepts and terms that incorporate and acknowledge evidence from sources

Knowledge and Understanding

AC9HH9Ko3: the causes and effects of European contact and extension of settlement, including their impact on the First Nations Peoples of Australia

Relevent Unit

Aboriginal Studies | History

Relevent Stage

Stage 5

Year 9 History. Change the Date Debate: Lesson 1

Grade Level: Year 9

Subject Area: History

Duration: 1-2 lessons

Learning Objectives

Content Descriptions

Knowledge and Understanding

AC9HH9Ko3: the causes and effects of European contact and extension of settlement, including their impact on the First Nations Peoples of Australia

Historical Perspectives and Interpretations

AC9HH9So6: compare perspectives in sources and explain how these are influenced by significant events, ideas, locations, beliefs and values

AC9HH9So7: analyse different and contested historical interpretations

Relevent Unit

Aboriginal Studies | History

Relevent Stage

Stage 5