S (part 2): Australian Symbols

The first part of the class is your turf - I'll be listening to your presentations on the "R" topics. If we have some time left, we'll jump to the second batch of our "S" topics.

1. Australian Symbols

Begin with some serious reading here.

And then visit my beloved site for a less "purist" take on Aussie symbols ;-)
(click the pic below)



















EUREKA FLAG 
GOLDEN WATTLE

2. In the second part of the class we are going to celebrate the life and heritage of Steve Irwin, or as we came to know him better - The Crocodile Hunter.



How could you just not love this guy? ;-)





















3. (if we have time) Stars: Live, Universe and Everything

That's mostly Aboriginal Astronomy. I'll show you a presentation I prepared for Open Days six years ago. You don't need to read anything.

S (part 1): Sybolic art. Aboriginal painting.

R: Radio, Royal Flying Doctor Service, School of the Air and Animal Rescue

Tomorrow we'll be focusing on the following topics:

1. Radio

We have already seen what the wireless was like at the beginning of 20th century, with its aspiration to become the "new BBC". Click the picture to learn more.











I'm not that much interested in names, dates and details. Instead concentrate on the impact that radio has had on the community in a country where many citizens live in very remote areas.

1a. School of the Air - (long distance) education.

This video gives a wonderful insight into what The School of the Air is and how it operates. Have a look:



(Click on the picture below to visit Alice Springs School of the Air website).

1b. The Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia.

 We'll have a closer look at their work and importance for communities living in distant, remote areas of Australia.

(click on the picture)

2. Religion

3. Before we continue with the rest of topics beginning with "R", we're coming back to the letter "E" or a while.

E: Endangered and Extinct Species.

Read about the factors that threaten Australian wildlife here. (You don't have to read it all - just look at:
A. Habitat loss, change and fragmentation
B. Invasive plants and animals)

















We are also going to spend some time talking about the fate of this unfortunate little fellow. Click on the picture to learn more.

"R" PRESENTATIONS:

1. ROCKS AND MOUNTAINS
2. RIVERS
3. RELIGION
4. RACES AND ETHNICITIES