Continuity and change in everyday life

History Year 10 AC v9.0 100

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Introduction

Students explore continuity and change in everyday life in the time period between the Great Depression and Post World War II. They sort sources in chronological order and categorise them into aspects of life. Students then compare aspects of life before and after World War II to draw conclusions about what aspects of life changed and what aspects remained the same. This activity supports students to use sources to think historically.  

Achievement standard

By the end of Year 10, students explain the historical significance of the period between 1918 and the early 21st century. They explain the causes and effects of events, developments, turning points or movements in 20th-century Australia and internationally, leading up to and through the Second World War, and the post-war world. They describe social, cultural, economic and/or political aspects, including international developments, related to the changes and continuities in Australian society over this historical period. Students explain the role of significant ideas, individuals, groups and institutions connected to the developments of this period and their influences on Australian and global history.

Students develop and modify a range of questions about the past to inform historical inquiry. They locate, select and compare a range of primary and secondary sources and synthesise the information in sources to use as evidence in historical inquiry. They analyse the origin, content, context and purpose of primary and secondary sources. Students evaluate the accuracy, usefulness and reliability of sources as evidence. They sequence events and developments to analyse cause and effect, and patterns of continuity and change, connected to a period, event or movement. They evaluate perspectives of significant events and developments, and explain the important factors that influence these perspectives. They compare and evaluate different and contested historical interpretations. Students use historical knowledge, concepts and terms to develop descriptions, explanations and historical arguments that synthesise evidence from sources.

Content descriptions

Historical Knowledge and Understanding

The effects of World War II, with a particular emphasis on the continuities and changes on the Australian home front, such as the changing roles of women and First Nations Australians, and the use of wartime government controls. (AC9HH10K04)

The significance of World War II to Australia’s immediate post-war economic, political and social development, and Australia’s international relationships in the 20th century. (AC9HH10K05)

Historical Skills

Analyse cause and effect, and evaluate patterns of continuity and change. (AC9HH10S05)

Student learning resources

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Sources

The making of a welfare state

 
Worksheet

Continuity and change in everyday life

Suggested activity sequence

This sequence is intended as a framework to be modified and adapted by teachers to suit the needs of a class group.

  1. Use a grouping strategy to organise students into groups of 4.
  2. Groups sort sources into chronological order, separating the sources into the following periods:
    • before WWII
    • during WWII
    • post WWII.
  3. Groups identify sources that demonstrate the following aspects of life:
    • welfare benefits
    • standard of living (level of wealth, comfort, material goods and necessities available, including housing)
    • role of charities
    Note that some sources will demonstrate more than one aspect of life.
  4. Students compare the sources before and after World War II and individually complete the worksheet.
  5. Group members share their findings with other group members and draw conclusions about what changed and what remained the same in relation to each aspect of life.
  6. Conduct a class discussion on student findings. Discussion points could include:
    • What changed during or following World War II?
    • When did this change happen?
    • What remained the same?
    • Why do you think this is the case?
    This activity could be done in groups and then group findings shared with the class. Use a visual brainstorming technique to record and share findings such as an affinity diagram.
Continuity and change in everyday life - Teacher instructions (PDF, 160.44 KB)

Useful prior learning

  • When and why did Australia become a welfare state?