July Newsletter 2021 - ACT Schools

DOWNLOAD E-NEWSLETTER HERE

Australian Parliament House

With members of parliament coming from across Australia to meet during August, Australian Parliament House is closed for visitors, but this does not mean that your parliamentary studies need to go on pause.

Parliamentary Insider is a free, curriculum aligned video conferencing program which gives students the opportunity to speak with experts and explore how Parliament works to make Australia a better place to live. The Parliamentary Education Office website also hosts a wide range of teacher and student resources and activities aligned to the Australian Curriculum.

Students can also explore the Senate and House of Representatives chambers, the Federation chamber and a Senate committee room with the virtual tour of Parliament House.


Questacon

Due to the recent COVID outbreak in Sydney, sessions have now become available at Questacon.
Please check www.bookcanberraexcursions.com.au for availability.
 
Explore the mysteries of Science through interactive and hands-on experiences in themed exhibition galleries. Perfect for self-guided exploration, the galleries encourage discovery and curiosity as students explore science behind our world. Students can see fascinating science demonstrations in Q Lab, star in a Spectacular Science Show or Tinker in the Shed!  
 

Royal Australian Mint 

 A visit to the Royal Australian Mint is a unique experience, accessible to everyone, providing students insight into Australia’s unique currency heritage, and our factory viewing platform enables a rare insight into the coin production process, offered at a few mints in the world. From our wonderful nature to our unique culture, the Royal Australian Mint tells the story of all aspects of Australian life through the coins you use every day. With links to the Science and Technology, Art, History and Financial Literacy components of the Australian curriculum, students are also able to mint their own $1 coin (cost of $3).

School and Group Bookings | Royal Australian Mint (ramint.gov.au) 
group.bookings@ramint.gov.au 
 

Geoscience Australia

With interstate bookings being cancelled the Education Centre at Geoscience Australia has extra availability for local schools during Term 3. If you are teaching Earth science and are interested in booking your class for a facilitated visit please review the information at www.ga.gov.au/education and email education@ga.gov.au .
 

National Museum of Australia 

Join us for a curriculum aligned learning program at the National Museum of Australia! Whether your students are in Preschool, Year 12 or somewhere in between, we have a program designed just for them! To explore our range of programs and to book, go to: https://www.nma.gov.au/learn/school-programs
 
If you’re looking for free classroom learning resources, our ‘Australia’s Defining Moments Digital Classroom’ is for you! These resources could be used as pre or post visit activities or as standalone modules in the classroom: https://digital-classroom.nma.gov.au/
 

National Portrait Gallery 

At the National Portrait Gallery your students will discover Australia’s most creative and innovative thinkers and achievers. Through close engagement with the portraits, these programs are dynamic, participatory and encourage collaboration and critical thinking; and include a variety of creative activities that cater for different learning preferences. All programs run for 60 minutes and we have six topics you can choose from: Visual art; Civics and citizenship; English; History; and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander activism and Visual Thinking Strategies™.
 

National Archives of Australia

The National Archives of Australia is open for visits for ACT schools wanting to enjoy our curriculum-aligned programs for free. Our trained educators will share stories of our collection through the use of primary sources in our two newly refurbished galleries. During the 60 minute program, students will explore different aspects of Australian history and engage with significant documents not normally on display to the public. Head to Book Canberra Excursions website to book a school tour at the National Achieves of Australia.
 
Unable to visit us onsite? You can learn about the history of the Australian Constitution on a virtual tour of our exhibition Voices/Dhuniai: Federation, democracy and the Constitution
 

National Arboretum Canberra

Bring your class to the National Arboretum Canberra to experience a new cultural immersion program called ‘My Country, Your County’. 

Join the National Arboretum’s Indigenous guide for a walk and yarn in the Bush Tucker Garden where you will be introduced to the many uses of plants and trees. This is a fun, interactive workshop where children learn through stories, get hands on with ceremonial artefacts, and can participate in traditional ochre use.

Hear about the bond and relationship between people, nature, weather and respect. This walk brings the landscape to life and allows students to understand why Caring for Country is vital and plays a continual and significant role in culture today in a relaxed, nurturing environment.

Book through https://www.bookcanberraexcursions.com.au/
For more information contact us at: Arboretumbookings@act.gov.au
 

CSIRO Discovery Centre

CSIRO Discovery Centre offers curriculum linked STEM programs. For details see our webpage www.au/Discovery or email school.booking@csiro.au
 

National Film and Sound Archive

At the National Film and Sound Archive we understand how young people live in a screen-based world. As experts in media and film, we strengthen student’s digital literacy skills and empower them to make responsible choices online. Have you ever wanted to explore these questions with your students:

• What is a trustworthy source?  

• How is media influencing you? 

• What does it mean to be a good online citizen? 

To answer these questions, bring your students for an excursion that is fun-filled and educational. Then use our range of take-away resources for follow up classroom activities. 
 
We explore storytelling through animation, advertising, gaming, social media, film and music, exploring how media has evolved over time in its methods of influencing and persuading viewers. Media and Me is curriculum aligned with direct links to English, Technology and Citizenship priorities. From journalism and social media to advertising and film making, this program teaches students how to critically analyse media and safely navigate an increasingly digital world.
 
Tickets to the one- hour fully-facilitated program in our historic building are $7 per student.  
Book by emailing education@NFSA.gov.au  
For more information: https://www.nfsa.gov.au/learning 

National Capital Exhibition  - Exploring outdoor learning opportunities

The National Capital Exhibition offers outdoor learning programs at Reconciliation Place and Anzac Parade. Head outdoors in the winter months for a walk down Anzac Parade and unpack the important signs, symbols and words conveyed in our memorials. Reconciliation Place is an opportunity to take a journey toward Reconciliation while discovering significant artworks along the way. Milestones and achievements are recognised and discussed as we share in the ongoing process of Reconciliation.