What are you Thinking Now?

Now that you have completed the investigations in Celebrations and Futures, use your knowledge to explore connections to your life today. Do the following activity.

The Federation movement grew out of a desire to build the best possible future for Australia. Many people felt that aspects of Australian social and political life needed to be strengthened or changed for ‘the interests of the whole country’. Every new generation of Australians continues to look ahead, and we can identify issues now that need to be addressed to build the best possible future for Australia in the 21st century.

  1. Brainstorm issues that are important to you. Think about:
    • water and the environment
    • Indigenous peoples
    • health and education
    • multiculturalism and immigration
    • the economy
    • national security, defence and peacekeeping
    • caring for the disadvantaged
    • Australian identity and values
  2. Use the following questions.
    • What decisions have recently been made regarding the issues?
    • How do you feel about the decisions that have been made about the issues?
    • What positive decisions have been made about the issues? Why are they positive?
    • What negative decisions have been made about the issues? Why are they negative?
    • What could you, personally, do to help overcome negative decisions about the issues now or in the future?
    • How can you summarise your ideas?
  3. Present your ideas for ‘Australia in the Future’ as either:
    • as a song or rap;
    • as a play or news report;
    • as a poster or digital presentation;
    • as a ceremonial arch; or
    • in some other way.