PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA INTERACTIVE COMICS PAGE 1 TEACHER’S GUIDE
This guide provides teaching materials designed to support and extend the topics covered in the interactive comics: A Power Hungry Alien and Super Awesome Splash Land. The stories encourage students to find out about the three levels of government by following the characters through a fantasy adventure. The aim is to engage students in topics they are interested in and to encourage them to make connections with their own everyday experiences. For each of the stories there is a self-directed activity, small group activity and whole class activity.
AusVELS LINKS
LEVEL STRAND DOMAIN DIMENSION
5 - 8 Physical, personal Civics and citizenship Civic knowledge and and social learning understanding
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
In Australia we have three levels of Government: federal, state and local. The power is shared between these three levels. The Federal Parliament’s powers are set out in the Australian Constitution. It has exclusive powers in matters such as defence, foreign policy, currency, airports, immigration and communications.
Some powers are shared and both state and federal Parliaments are able to make laws for these matters. If there is a conflicting law the federal law takes precedence. In practice, states and territories rely on the Commonwealth for financial grants to implement programs. This gives the Commonwealth significant power over the decisions that the states and territories make.
Local governments are responsible for services within a council area, however, they do not have constitutional independence. The Victorian Local Government Act 1989 gives the Parliament the power to expand or restrict the powers of local government.
Power is often shared between all three levels of government. Some examples of shared governance are roads, environmental management and public health.
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AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS
LOCAL GOVERNMENT STATE GOVERNMENT FEDERAL GOVERNEMENT • Building regulations • Law and order • Defence • Waste management • Schools • Trade • Parks and gardens • Hospitals • Foreign affairs • Libraries • Water • Immigration • Swimming pools • Transport • Communications • Animal control • Agriculture • Lighthouses • Local roads • Forests • Quarantine • Street lights • Energy • Currency • Major roads • Bankruptcy • Copyright • Family Law • Pensions • Highways
AUSTRALIA’S THREE LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT
LEVEL Local: shire, city, State Commonwealth rural city or federal
CROWN - Governor Governor-General REPRESENTATIVE
LAW Local Laws State Commonwealth/federal
LEADER Mayor Premier Prime Minister
REVENUE Rates, state and Taxes, federal grants Taxes federal grants
HEALTH Meals-on-wheels, Public hospitals, Funding, Medicare, garbage collection nursing services drug control
EDUCATION Childcare Funding - Funding - primary and secondary post-secondary
TRANSPORT Footpaths, street signs Some railways and Highways, railways, busses, roads airports, air safety
OTHER Libraries, pets Police, fire brigade, Foreign affairs, environment immigration, pensions, post, arts
Sourced from: http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/images/stories/documents/education/Inside_Parliament_2014_small.pdf pp. 12
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FURTHER INFORMATION
Parliament of Victoria Explanation of the parliamentary system. www.parliament.vic.gov.au/about/the-parliamentary-system
Australian classification website Information on classification categories and process of classification of publications, films and computer games. www.classification.gov.au
Department of State Development Business and Innovation Where energy comes from. www.energyandresources.vic.gov.au/energy/education-and-training
Sustainability Victoria Council waste and recycling services. www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/Services-and-Advice/Households/Waste-and-recycling/Council-waste-and- recycling-services
Vicroads Roads management. www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/RoadProjects
Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure Guide to local government. www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/localgovernment/guide-to-local-government
Department of Environment and Primary Industries Legal requirements for dog owners. www.depi.vic.gov.au/pets/dogs/legal-requirements-for-dog-owners
EPA Noise restrictions. www.epa.vic.gov.au/your-environment/noise
Public Transport Victoria Education section. www.ptv.vic.gov.au/about-ptv/education
Version 1 - 11 December 2014 PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA INTERACTIVE COMICS PAGE 4 TEACHER’S GUIDE: A POWER HUNGRY ALIEN
In this story, Duncan plays a video game and must stop an alien beast that has escaped from the world of the game. The alien is feasting on the city’s rubbish and draining energy from the electricity grid.
SELF DIRECTED ACTIVITY
Ask students to research how their local council manages waste and answer the following questions:
• What is the name of the city/shire council in the area where you live? • What is closest waste transfer station managed by your council? • What items can and can’t be collected by your council for recycling? • What is hard waste and green waste and what services does your council provide to collect them? • What other services does your council provide to manage waste? • What recommendations would you have to improve how your council manages waste? • Who might you contact with your recommendations?
Ask students to think about what the positives and negatives would be if waste management was handled by a different level of government (state or federal). Have students choose a level of government and complete a PMI chart (plus, minus, interesting) to evaluate whether it is the best level of government for handling waste management.
SMALL GROUP ACTIVITY
Ask students to get together and write a list of all their favourite movies and computer games and find out how each movie or game is classified.
Have students research: What each of the classifications mean (G, PG, M, MA, R)? Who makes laws about classification of movies and video games?
Ask students to imagine that they are in a parliamentary committee that is looking into changing the law about how movies and video games are classified. Have students make a list of different types of people or groups in the community they would talk to about the topic to take into account everyone’s point of view.
Ask students to discuss what they think is meant by ‘freedom of speech’. Have students think about the phrase ‘People should be free to say whatever they want whenever they want’. Get them to write down some arguments for and against this statement.
Encourage students to discuss whether they think there should be limits to free speech and what role the government should have.
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WHOLE-CLASS ACTIVITY
Ask students to work in pairs. Allocate each pair a level of government (local, state, or federal). Ensure that there are equal numbers for each level of government.
Ask students to look through newspapers or online media for news items that relate to the responsibilities of their allocated level of government. Students may find it helpful to read the Three Levels of Government section of the Parliament of Victoria website www.parliament.vic.gov.au/about/the-parliamentary-system/ three-level-of-government which has information about the responsibilities of each level of government.
Have a group of students create a chart with a section for each level of government. Ask students to paste their news item onto the local, state or federal section of the chart.
Use the chart to discuss the areas of responsibility for each level of government that are covered in the news items. Discuss some of the current issues brought up in the news around how these areas are managed.
Version 1 - 11 December 2014 PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA INTERACTIVE COMICS PMI CHART – WASTE MANAGEMENT
LEVEL OF GOVERNMENT:
PLUS MINUS INTERESTING Advantages of this level of Disadvantages of this level of Ideas, areas for further government handling waste government handling waste investigation, questions management management PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA INTERACTIVE COMICS PAGE 7 TEACHER’S GUIDE: A POWER HUNGRY ALIEN
QUIZ
# QUESTION ANSWER
1 Which level of government is closest to you and the people living in Local your neighborhood?
2 Garbage collection is the responsibility of which level of government? Local
3 The Australian Classification Board decides how movies and video Federal games are rated. Which level of government do they work for?
4 Which level of government is responsible for energy supply such as State electricity, gas and water?
5 Our space technologies include satellites for GPS, weather and Federal communications. Which level of government is responsible for Space programs?
6 You must have a license to own a gun in Victoria. Which level of State government controls guns?
7 Which level of government is responsible for aliens who want to Federal become citizens?
8 Without street signs it would be hard to find your way around. Which level Local of government is responsible for street signs in your neighborhood?
9 Our waste should be recycled and disposed of in a sustainable way. State Which level of government makes sure that everyone uses best practices?
10 Which level of government is responsible for the defense of Australia? Federal
11 Who do you contact If street lights go out in your area? Local
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LEARNING POINTS
TYPE CONTENT SCENE #
Learning Point Your local council makes laws that affect you and the people in 1 your neighborhood. There are 69 local government councils in Victoria.
Learning Point Would you be allowed to play this game? Did you know that the 4 federal government has an Australian Classification Board that decides how your DVD’s and video games are rated?
Time Machine The Australian Classification Board was formed in 1970. Many 5 video games, books and movies have been banned. Fines for owning banned movies or games can be up to $275,000 or 10 years in jail.
Learning Point The federal government is responsible for space technologies, 20 such as GPS, weather and communications satellites.
Time Machine Australia has a long history of involvement in space activities. 20 In 1947, the Woomera Rocket Range was established in South Australia by the federal government.
Learning Point The federal government is responsible for defending Australia 17 through the Army, Navy and Air Force.
Learning Point Gun ownership in Victoria is tightly controlled by the state 21 government through the Police. You must have a license to own a gun.
Learning Point Look around you. How many things in the room are using 25 electricity right now? What would happen if you had a black out? Did you know that the state government is responsible for the supply of electricity, gas and water?
Learning Point An alien is a foreigner who is not a naturalised citizen of 29 Australia. The federal government is responsible for immigration.
Learning Point When an alien is approved for citizenship, local government will 30 conduct a naturalisation ceremony and present a certificate.
Learning Point Have you ever been woken up in the morning by the sound of the 31 garbage truck collecting your rubbish? Your local government is responsible for collecting garbage from your street.
Time Machine Can you imagine what it would be like without garbage 31 collection? In 1884, Eugène Poubelle introduced the first garbage bins and collection system to Paris. In France the bin is still called “Poubelle.”
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LEARNING POINTS (CONTINUED)
TYPE CONTENT SCENE #
Time Machine Before there was garbage collection, people would often just 33 toss their rubbish out the window! 50 years ago, people were much less wasteful and would reuse or repurpose unwanted items for other uses. This was before the term ‘recycle’ was invented!
Learning Point Whilst electricity supply is the responsibility of the state 35 government, maintenance of street lamps is the responsibility of local government?
Learning Point On Clean Up Australia Day 2013, six out of the top 10 items 39 collected, could have been recycled. Household recycling is the responsibility of your local government.
Learning Point Without adequate roads and signs, this rubbish truck might not 40 be able to get where it needs to go. Roads and street signs in your neighborhood are the responsibility of your local government.
Learning Point When the garbage truck collects your rubbish, it takes it to 45 a waste transfer station and the rubbish is sorted for either recycling, treatment or disposal. Waste Transfer Stations are the responsibility of your local government.
Learning Point Did you know that whilst local government is responsible for 48 garbage collection, your state government is responsible for sustainability and state-wide waste management and planning?
Learning Point On Clean Up Australia Day in 2013, there were 18,129 tons of 51 rubbish collected. The majority of the rubbish (37%) was waste from disposable drinks (bottles, lids, straws etc.)
Learning Point There are good reasons why Duncan shouldn’t have been 58 playing “Alien Kill 4”. What do you think those reasons are?
Version 1 - 11 December 2014 PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA INTERACTIVE COMICS PAGE 10 TEACHER’S GUIDE: SUPER AWESOME SPLASH LAND
In this story, Jenny invents a shrink ray for a science competition but accidently shrinks herself. She manages to return to normal by using the ‘grow juice’ that her friend has invented for the competition. Students discover the role of local, state and federal governments in managing schools, pools and recreation, libraries, noise restrictions, telecommunications, public transport and animal control.
SELF DIRECTED ACTIVITY
Ask students to make a list of all the events in Jenny’s story that are related to the responsibilities of the local, state or federal governments. Have students fill in the ‘three levels of government and me’ chart showing activities that they do in a typical day and which levels of government are responsible for the services that help to make these happen.
Examples: • Having a shower – water is managed by the state government. • Call a friend – telecommunications are handled by the federal government. • Swimming lessons – pools are managed by local government.
SMALL GROUP ACTIVITY
Ask students to research two levels of government and compare and contrast their features using a Venn diagram. Encourage students to consider topics such as taxation, constitution, elections, voting, parliament, representatives, laws and other aspects of government. The ‘About Parliament’ section of the Parliament of Victoria website www.parliament.vic.gov.au/about/the-parliamentary-system would be a good place for students to start their research.
Get students to discuss the similarities and differences that they found between the two different levels of government.
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WHOLE-CLASS ACTIVITY
In a small group, ask students to choose one of the services managed by the local, state or federal government covered in Jenny’s story that they use frequently. E.g. library, communications (telephone/ internet), public transport, swimming pool. Ask students to think about how the service could be improved in their area. Students should also research how they might influence those in power to make changes. Ask students to prepare a presentation to the class about what they have found.
Students should consider:
• Which level of government is responsible for this service? • What changes or improvements would they recommend to make this service better? • Who makes decisions about this service i.e. minister, local member of parliament, mayor, councillor? • Who could they contact to voice their opinion? • Are there any groups that pressure those in power to make changes in this area? • Are there any other ways that they might be able to influence people in power to make changes?
Version 1 - 11 December 2014 PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA INTERACTIVE COMICS THREE LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT AND ME
LOCAL STATE FEDERAL ACTIVITY GOVERNMENT GOVERNMENT GOVERNMENT
E.g. Catching the bus Street signs Public transport
Version 1 - 11 December 2014 PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA INTERACTIVE COMICS VENN DIAGRAM: COMPARE LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT DIFFERENT SAME DIFFERENT
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QUIZ
# QUESTION ANSWER
1 Which level of government provides the community with Local swimming pools?
2 Horticulture is the responsibility of which level of government? State
3 Keeping accurate time and GPS positioning on your mobile phone is Federal done using satellites in space. Which level of government is responsible for space technologies?
4 Which level of government is responsible for our public transport system? State
5 Which level of government can help you patent your invention? Federal
6 Which level of government operates public libraries? Local
7 Which level of government operates government schools in Victoria? State
8 Which level of government looks after health and safety at pools? Local
9 Who builds and looks after recreation facilities in your neighborhood? Local
10 Which level of government is responsible for telecommunications? Federal
11 Who do you contact if you are disturbed by loud noises in Local your neighborhood?
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LEARNING POINTS
TYPE CONTENT SCENE #
Learning Point Did you know that the state government operates around 1590 1 government schools in Victoria, including both Primary and Secondary schools?
Learning Point The federal government operates the Commonwealth Scientific 3 and Industrial Research Organisation. The CSIRO is Australia’s national science agency and one of the largest and most diverse research agencies in the world.
Time Machine In 1958 the black box flight recorder, (it’s actually bright orange 3 in color), was invented by Dr David Warren in Melbourne.
Learning Point How many sporting grounds, play grounds and parks are in your 5 neighborhood? Your local government builds and looks after these recreation facilities.
Learning Point Swimming pools are carefully maintained so they are safe to use. 6 Your local government looks after health and safety at pools.
Time Machine Before “Olympic” swimming pools became popular, most 6 Victorians swam in rivers, lakes, dams, quarries or water tanks.
Learning Point Public libraries across Victoria offer a wide range of services 8 such as resources for research, holiday reading or using multimedia. Did you know that public libraries are operated by your local government?
Learning Point Did you know that the federal government provides around 11 $879 million a year for research and innovation?
Time Machine Self-propelled rotary hoe. In 1912 at the age of 16, Cliff Howard 11 of Gilgandra invented a machine with rotating hoe blades on an axle that simultaneously hoed the ground and pulled the machine forward.
Time Machine The world’s first feature length film was made in Victoria in 1906 16 by Charles Tait. The film was called “The Story of the Kelly Gang”. It was just over an hour long.
Learning Point Did you know that making a loud noise at night can be disturbing 17 for your neighbors? Local government is responsible for controlling noise pollution.
Learning Point Do you have a great idea for a new invention? The federal 18 government is responsible for IP Australia, the organisation that can help you patent your invention.
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LEARNING POINTS (CONTINUED)
TYPE CONTENT SCENE #
Time Machine Many inventions have resulted in economic and social changes. 18 Famous Australian inventions include H V McKay’s (1885) improvements in the “sunshine harvester” and Professor G Clark’s (1978) cochlear bionic ear implant.
Learning Point The Australian Synchrotron is located in Clayton, a suburb of 20 Melbourne. Synchrotrons use electricity to produce intense beams of light a million times brighter than the sun. Researchers use the synchrotron to invent ways to tackle diseases, make plants more productive and metals more resilient.
Learning Point The term ‘telecommunications’ refers to ways of communicating 25 with others using technologies such as telephones, television, radio, mobile devices and the internet. The federal government is responsible for telecommunications.
Time Machine The telegraph was a communications system that used 25 a conducting wire. It provided links across Australia in the 1800s. Morse code, written as dots and dashes, was used to translate the signals to messages by representing letters of the alphabet and numbers with combinations of short and long electric signals.
Learning Point Did you know that keeping accurate time and GPS positioning 29 on your mobile phone is done using satellites in space? The federal government is responsible for Australia’s space technology programs.
Time Machine In 1929, Alfred Traeger designed the pedal-powered radio for the 29 Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Learning Point Are dogs allowed to run loose on the streets? Local government 33 is responsible for animal welfare in your neighborhood.
Learning Point The state government is responsible for our public transport 32 system, which moves thousands of people around Victoria on buses, trams and trains.
Learning Point The roads in your neighborhood are built and looked after by 36 local government. State and federal government also look after highways and freeways.
Learning Point The Department of Environment and Primary Industries, (DEPI), 42 looks after horticulture. Victorian horticulturists grow mainly fruit, berries, nuts, grapes and vegetables. The state government would like to double production of these crops by 2030.
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LEARNING POINTS (CONTINUED)
TYPE CONTENT SCENE #
Learning Point Wi-Fi has been claimed as an Australian invention. In 2009 and 44 2012, technology companies agreed to pay CSIRO $470 million for WiFi patent infringements. Global firms in the United States are required to pay the CSIRO licensing rights, estimated to be an additional $1 billion in royalties.
Time Machine In 1906, the surf lifesaving reel was designed by Lyster Ormsby 44 to allow a lifesaver wearing a vest with a rope attached to reach a distressed swimmer.
Learning Point Australian swimming successes at the Melbourne (1956), 50 Rome (1960) and Tokyo (1964) Olympics fuelled enthusiasm for competitive swimming in pools. Swimming pools came to be seen as a standard local government community facility that was available to all Australians.
Time Machine Prevention of drowning was a key objective of the Department of 50 Education by promoting swimming and lifesaving skills in Victoria. In 1903 the Minister for Education created a certificate for all pupils who could “(a) swim 50 yards in a reasonable time; (b) float for at least one minute; and (c) enter the water by a fairly neat dive.”
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