Stage 3 and space technology

Our Stage 3 students are continuing to investigate the physical attributes of space and, in library lessons, the technological aspects that supported – and continues to support – the exploration of the solar system.


What Galileo saw with his telescope


Galileo – mini biography


History of human spaceflight


Partners in space: CSIRO and NASA celebrates its 50th anniversary

Stage 2 investigates Australasia

As part of the Stage 2 History unit, Places are similar and different, we are learning about Australia in relation to its nearest neighbours during Library lessons. Here are some Youtube clips we are be examining, concerning the Continental Drift theory, the Pacific Ring of Fire and Australia’s strategic position in the Pacific region.


Continental drift


‘Ring of fire’ threatens a larger earthquake


Australia’s geographic challenge

More transport video clips

Stage 2 students continue their investigation into the history of transport.


Sydney Trains Vlogs special: Red Set F1 test run


Japanese high speed bullet train


Futuristic straddling bus allows cars running underneath


Future transportation technology / China straddling bus HD

In the final days before Sydney’s Monorail ceased on 30th June 2013, Powerhouse Museum staff filmed the ride from the driver’s cab. The Powerhouse has acquired this cab and a carriage for its collection:

Driving Sydney’s Monorail


J.A.Y. Walker Deceased (1950). [Re-released for Walk to Work Day, 2012.]

Stage 2 students investigate local government

This term, Stage 2 students will be using the Penrith City Council website to learn our about local government.

Which of the images featured in the clip below are looked after by Penrith City’s Local Council?


Penrith NSW Australia – things to do – places to see

Services of local government include:

* Sustainability:


Sustainable Cities 2012 Overall Sustainable Council – Penrith City Council

* Recycling and waste management:


Penrith recycling

Federation for Stage 3

In Terms 3 and 4, to complement Stage 3 students’ class work in the areas of “Gold!” (Human society & its environment) and financial literacy (Priority Schools Program), the weekly library lessons will be providing field knowledge opportunities and Guided Inquiry research activities for the subsequent HSIE unit on Australian Federation.

By way of orientation, I have found these introductory Youtube clips:


A continent for a nation – Australian Federation.


Australia – A Federation in stamps.

This next clip is certainly both persuasive and irreverent in nature:


A brief history of Australia.

We are not sure what our final product might be, but these clips may well generate some discussion of the myriad of possibilities.