Australian History Mysteries 2 - NEW

Topics: Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, the bombing of Darwin in February 1942, atomic tests at Maralinga, Freedom Rides and the 1967 Aboriginal Referendum, the murder of Juanita Nielsen.

Type: Curriculum materials

Years: 9–12

Key Curriculum Links: SOSE, HSIE, History, Australian Studies

Australian History Mysteries 2 - Twentieth century case studies in Australian History - is a video/DVD, print and website resource developed in conjunction with Ryebuck media.

It provides five inquiry-based case studies in twentieth century Australian history.

The case studies present evidence from a variety of museums, historical collections and historic sites for students to use to solve the five mysteries.

Each of the case studies is self-contained, and structured to provide step-by-step practical classroom approaches and suggestions. Teachers can follow this approach, or adapt the resource for their own needs. The resource is evidence rich and provides an excellent model for teachers to develop their own inquiry units.

Designed for use at middle secondary levels, teachers will also find the materials and ideas readily usable for both younger and older levels.

• Case Study 1: What happened to 'Smithy'?
• Case Study 2: Why did the Government lie about the bombing of Darwin?
• Case Study 3: What are the mysteries of Maralinga?
• Case Study 4: Freedom Ride and 1967 Referendum — What do they tell us about Australian attitudes?
• Case Study 5: What happened to Juanita Nielsen?

The video/DVD and print components of Australian History Mysteries 2 are available for purchase through the National Museum of Australia shop and through Ryebuck Media. The website component is free. Go to the Australian History Mysteries website.

Select Australian History Mysteries 2 in the attachments box at the bottom for a full brochure description of this resource. Australian History Mysteries 2 can be ordered from this brochure.

Juanita Nielsen: a cold case

Juanita Nielsen, a brave woman opposing inner-city development in Sydney, disappeared in 1975. More than thirty years later there are still several suspects. Can you find the evidence and solve the mystery of who killed Juanita?

Juanita Nielsen: a cold case is a supplementary activity to a unit in Australian History Mysteries 2 — Twentieth century case studies in Australian History.

> Launch interactive
(Flash 8 compatible — get Flash here)

What happened to 'Smithy'?

In 1932 the great Australian pioneer aviator Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, known to all as Smithy, disappeared on a flight from England to Australia. The wreckage of his plane has never been discovered. There are three theories about what happened — can you find the evidence to solve this mystery?

What happened to Smithy? is an interactive version of the unit in Australian History Mysteries 2 — Twentieth century case studies in Australian History.

> Launch interactive
(Flash 8 compatible — get Flash here)

The bombing of Darwin

It is February 1942. A Japanese attack on Australia is expected. Can you prepare Darwin's defences and protect Australia from this attack? This is an historical decision-maker interactive.

The bombing of Darwin is a supplementary activity to a unit in Australian History Mysteries 2 — Twentieth century case studies in Australian History.

> Launch interactive
(Flash 8 compatible — get Flash here)