The past in the present - Step back in time

Historical inquiry questions

• What aspects of the past can you see today?
• What do they tell us?
• What remains of the past are important to the local community? Why?
• How have changes in technology shaped our daily life? 

Outcomes

• Identifies and describes significant people, events, places and sites in the local community over time HT1-2
• Describes the effects of changing technology on people’s lives over time HT1-3
• Demonstrates skills of historical inquiry and communication HT1-4

Content

• The history of a significant person, building, site or part of the natural environment in the local community and what it reveals about the past
• The importance of an historical site of cultural or spiritual significance
• The impact of changing technology on people’s lives

Cross Curriculum Priorities

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures
• Sustainability

Activity 1 - Inside the 1878 Classroom

Soak up the atmosphere of the crackling open fire, hand crafted sandstone walls, polished wooden desks, flickering oil lamps and the cane wielding teacher! Students experience what school life was like for students at the turn of the century. They participate in traditional lessons that include strict rules, learning by rote and writing with ink.

Activity 2 - Barefoot Geoff

A story from the past. Engage your students in an exploration of Aboriginal and European history via the amazing adventures of Barefoot Geoff (a fictional ex-student and local boy).

Activity 3 - The School Boat

Who, and how many students rowed across the Hawkesbury River to School? Students use primary and secondary sources to find out more about these students and this unique resource. Can you tie a knot for a boat?

Stepping into our 1878 classroom gives your students an opportunity to experience schooling in the past. Understanding history requires us to examine a range of primary and secondary sources of information.

For some guidelines on analysing primary sources as well as photographs and prints, use these links:

• Analyzing Photographs and Prints
• Analyzing Primary Sources
• The Inquiry Process
  

Download the teaching program, including pre- and post-visit resources S1 History.

There is no worksheet required for this program.