2010 school programs

1. Then and Now
Students investigate changes in Australian life over the past 100 years. They handle and investigate a variety of historical objects from everyday life and then continue this exploration in the galleries.
Preschool–Year 4
Maximum group size: 30
Duration: 75 minutes
$4 per student

2. Icons, Symbols and Legends
Students investigate some iconic objects that symbolise aspects of Australian life and history. They then explore the galleries to identify a range of Australian icons, symbols and legends.
Years K–4
Maximum group size: 30
Duration: 75 minutes
$4 per student

3. Australia's Migration Stories
Students investigate the contents of a mystery migrant's bag and study some migration stories. They reflect on why people have come to Australia and how government policy and community attitudes have changed over time. Students then explore the galleries using digital cameras to photograph objects and learn more about the contribution of migrants to Australian life.
Years 5–12*
Maximum group size: 40
Duration: 2 hours
$5 per student

4. Exploring Australian History
Students participate in a fast paced quiz show that tests their knowledge of Australian history. Questions are age appropriate. Students then explore the galleries to develop their own quiz.
Years 5–12*
Maximum group size: 40
Duration: 30 minutes facilitated, then allow 40 minutes for teacher guided exploration
$3 per student

5. Creating a Nation
Students form small groups to investigate the theme of nationhood by handling and discussing objects. They then explore different galleries using digital cameras to photograph objects related to the Australian nation. The photographs are put onto a CD which is taken back to school for follow-up activities. This program can be adapted as a decade study. Please discuss this when booking your program.
Years 5–12*
Maximum group size: 40
Duration: 2 hours
$5 per student

6. Exploring Australian Identities
This program examines our identity as Australians and the historical events that have shaped who we are. After investigating a variety of objects, students take digital cameras into the galleries to discover and photograph events and issues that may have influenced our identity. Senior students are encouraged to reflect more deeply on the events they have chosen.
Years 5–12*
Maximum group size: 40
Duration: 2 hours
$5 per student

7. Meet the People
An interpretive presentation which introduces students to the lives of some fascinating people who have made significant contributions to Australia as a nation. Students are then encouraged to explore the galleries under the supervision of their teachers. Activity sheets are available to help students discover further examples of active citizenship in Australian history.
All year levels
Group size: 60–110
Duration: 15 minutes facilitated, then allow 60Ö90 minutes for teacher-guided exploration.
$2 per student

* (Years 6–12 for Qld, WA and SA)

1. Aboriginal Australia
Students are introduced to the concept of the Dreaming through interactive storytelling. They handle and investigate some Aboriginal artefacts before exploring the diversity of Aboriginal people and cultures through activities in the Gallery of First Australians.
Preschool–Year 2
Maximum group size: 30
Duration: 75 minutes
$4 per student

2. Tools of the Land
Students handle and investigate a range of Aboriginal tools that have been made and used over thousands of years. They then discuss their uses before exploring the diversity of Aboriginal technologies in the Gallery of First Australians.
Years 3–4
Maximum group size: 30
Duration: 75 minutes
$4 per student

3. Early Contact
This program will facilitate students' exploration of aspects of two vastly different cultures. In doing so they will gain an understanding of both cultures' wants and needs and the impact of early European settlement upon Indigenous Australians.
Years 3–6
Maximum group size: 30
Duration: 75 minutes
$4 per student

4. A Living Culture
Students explore a range of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artefacts to help them understand how people lived in Australia before European settlement. Then, using digital cameras, they investigate the Gallery of First Australians to record evidence of how these cultures have survived and adapted to the present day.
Years 5–12*
Maximum group size: 40
Duration: 2 hours
$5 per student

* (Years 6–12 for Qld, WA and SA)

1. Sustaining our Environment
Through object handling and discussion, students explore the relationship between the Australian continent and its people and consider how sustaining the environment continues to influence the Australian experience. Using digital cameras, students explore the galleries to record the impact humans have had on the Australian environment and how the environment has shaped who we are.
Years 5–12*
Maximum group size: 40
Duration: 2 hours
$5 per student

2. EnviroQuiz
Students participate in a lively quiz game focusing on environmental sustainability. They then explore the Old New Land gallery to further explore Australia's socio-environmental history and, working in pairs, record their examination of environmental issues in a newspaper style format.
Years 5–12*
Maximum group size: 40
Duration: 30 minutes facilitated, then allow 40 minutes for the activity in the gallery.
$3 per student

* (Years 6–12 for Qld, WA and SA)

1. Canberra's History: Site Study
Students step back in time as they explore the historic sites on the Acton Peninsula surrounding the Museum. Through object handling, stories and imagination, students learn about the history of the area, including its Indigenous peoples, the first European pastoral settlers, early Canberra government and today's National Museum.
Years 3–8
Maximum group size: 30
Duration: 2 hours
$5 per student
Please note that this is an outdoor program. Students should wear sturdy shoes and bring hats. In the event of wet weather, raincoats will be provided.

2. Investigating Sources
Students handle and investigate a variety of source materials from the Museum's collection and are challenged to consider how reliable the sources are in telling Australia's story. They then explore the galleries using digital cameras to photograph objects and analyse the way the Museum uses sources to tell Australia's stories.
Years 7–12*
Maximum group size: 40
Duration: 2 hours
$5 per student

3. Interpreting the Museum
Students explore a range of exhibition methodologies and analyse how evidence is used to interpret and present Australian history. They then explore the galleries using digital cameras to photograph supporting evidence.
Years 9–12
Maximum group size: 40
Duration: 2 hours
$5 per student

4. Talking Points
A one hour guided exploration of the Museum's galleries will introduce students to several key objects, stories and themes. Students then investigate the Museum further under the supervision of their teachers.
All year levels
Maximum group size: 40 divided into groups of 10
Duration: 1 hour facilitated, then allow another 45–60 minutes for teacher-guided exploration.
$4 per student

5. Teacher-guided
If you are unable to book into one of our education programs, students are welcome to explore the exhibitions under the close supervision of their teachers. We are currently piloting a number of activity sheets for teacher-guided students to use in the galleries. Please provide your feedback to education@nma.gov.au.
All year levels
Duration: We recommend at least 90 minutes to view the Museum.
Bookings essential on (02) 6208 5345
Free

* (Years 8–12 for Qld, WA and SA)