Activity Introduction
Subjects: Civics and Citizenship
Year Levels: 9 & 10
Topics: Democracy and politics.
Teaching Time: 180 mins (best taught over two lessons).
Quick summary:
Have you ever wondered what it might take to rejuvenate Australia’s democracy and get you adults involved throughout the process? In this lesson, students watch a section of “Regenerating Australia” that explores a rejuvenated and transparent democracy system and begin to unravel truths. Students will research their local MP and find out how they vote on issues, then become active participants in the democratic system by communicating with their local MP about a topic that is important to them. Finally, students will return to the questions asked in the barometer activity to reflect on whether their understanding has changed.
Learning intentions:
- Students will understand how and why individuals and groups participate in, and contribute to, the democratic process
- Students will recognise some of the challenges to sustaining a resilient democracy
- Students will become familiar with ways that the resiliency of the Australian democratic system can be improved.
21st-century skills:
Australian Curriculum Mapping
Content descriptions:
Year 9 Civics and Citizenship:
- How and why individuals and groups, including religious groups, participate in and contribute to civic life (ACHCK079)
Year 10 Civics and Citizenship:
- The challenges to and ways of sustaining a resilient democracy and cohesive society (ACHCK094)
General capabilities: Literacy.
Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability, Critical and Creative Thinking.
Relevant parts of Year 9 Civics and Citizenship achievement standards:
Students reflect on how groups participate and contribute to civic life. They develop and present evidence-based arguments on civics and citizenship issues using appropriate texts, subject-specific language and concepts. Students analyse ways they can be active and informed citizens in different contexts.
Relevant parts of Year 10 Civics & Citizenship achievement standards:
Students evaluate a range of factors that sustain democratic societies. They account for and evaluate different interpretations and points of view on civics and citizenship issues. Students develop and present evidenced-based arguments incorporating different points of view on civics and citizenship issues. They use appropriate texts, subject-specific language and concepts. They evaluate ways they can be active and informed citizens in different contexts.
Level of teacher scaffolding: High – support student movement around the classroom during learning activities, and facilitate class discussions.
Resources required:
- A device capable of presenting a video to the class
- Student Worksheets – one copy per student
- Web-enabled devices (at least one per three students)
- Tips for engaging your MP handout
- Access to the film Regenerating Australia.
Keywords: Regeneration, sustainability, social systems, democracy, community, representation.
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.
