Quick summary: In this Finding Out lesson, students will consider human rights and how they connect with the Australian Constitution. Students will share their opinions about the role of rules and analyse primary sources to better understand the Australian Constitution. They will explore the rights and freedoms addressed in the Constitution and critically assess the human rights that are not enshrined in the Australian Constitution. They will research sections of the Constitution, and share their findings with their peers. Then, using a visible thinking routine, they will reflect on their understanding.
- What is the connection between rights, freedoms and the Australian Constitution?
- What role do rules play in a democratic society?
- How is the Australian Constitution still relevant today?
21st Century skills:
Australian Curriculum Mapping
Year 7 Civics and Citizenship:
- The process for Constitutional change through a referendum (ACHCK049)
- The key features of government under the Australian Constitution with a focus on: the separation of powers, the roles of the Executive, the Houses of Parliament, and the division of powers (ACHCK048)
- Identify, gather and sort information and ideas from a range of sources (ACHCS055)
- Develop a range of questions to investigate Australia’s political and legal systems (ACHCS054)
- Critically analyse information and ideas from a range of sources in relation to civics and citizenship topics and issues (ACHCS056)
General capabilities: Literacy, Critical and Creative Thinking.
Relevant parts of Year 7 achievement standards: Students explain how Australia’s legal system is based on the principle of justice. Students explain the diverse nature of Australian society and identify the importance of shared values in promoting a cohesive society. When researching, students develop a range of questions and gather and analyse information from different sources to investigate Australia’s political and legal systems. They consider different points of view on civics and citizenship issues. Students develop and present arguments on civics and citizenship issues using appropriate texts, terms and concepts.
Topic: Human Rights.
Unit of work: Story of Our Rights and Freedoms – Year 7.
Time required: 120 mins.
Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – facilitate class discussion.
Resources required: Student Worksheet – one copy per student. Device capable of presenting a video to the class. The Constitution – Image. Printed copies of Closer Look: The Australian Constitution (produced by the Parliamentary Education Office), separated into four sections. The Australian Constitution – Chapter Summaries, Australian Constitution and UDHR Comparison Table (printed, enough for one per student), highlighters.
Keywords: Human rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Australian Constitution, rules.
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.