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Write a story

PrimaryPrimary MiddleMiddle  High SchoolSecondary

LiteracyAustralian Curriculum General Capability: Literacy

It was dark everywhere. I couldn't see Hamish and for some reason he wouldn't come when I called. I could hear something in front of me moving around but it wasn't my dog...

Finish off this story. How would it end if it was a scary story? How could you make it funny? Could it be a story about friends? Or should it be spooky? Try them all! How would you present this story in the school's newsletter?




Online

 

Claims of ABC anti-coal and gas 'bias' aren't backed by the facts

 High SchoolSecondary

ICTAustralian Curriculum General Capability: Information and Communication Technology Capability
Critical
Australian Curriculum General Capability: Critical and creative thinking
Personal and social capability
Australian Curriculum General Capability: Personal and social capability
Literacy
Australian Curriculum General Capability: Literacy

 

1. Read the following article by Kerrie Foxwell-Norton, Senior Lecturer, School of Humanities at Griffith University in the Conversation [ 21st August 2014]: Reading

21082014

2. and, the article in the Australian [12th August 2014] and Stop These Things [19 August 2014] Reading

The Australian

3. Brainstorm and Mind Map your analysis of each article remembering to keep in mind the title of this activity: "Claims of ABC anti-coal and gas 'bias' aren't backed by the facts."

4. Write a Blog - only 3 paragraphs, analysing both articles; a paragraph for each article and then your summation. Compare and contrast your blog with another student.

Edublogs

Was their blog very different to yours? Why? Why not?

Try to find a totally different blog or aspect to your thoughts.

Discussion

Discuss with the writer.

Reflection

Reflection.
Would you now write something different in your blog? Why? Why not?

What did you learn about yourself in this process?

 

 

 

"Pale, Male & Stale" - is this the state of Sports Commentators?

High SchoolSecondary

LiteracyAustralian Curriculum General Capability: Literacy

Ethical Understanding Australian Curriculum General Capability: Ethical Understanding

IndigenousAustralian Curriculum Cross Curriculum Priorities: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures

PhilosophyPhilosophy

Cooperative LearningCooperative Learning Activity

 

1. In groups of 3 - 4 students, read the following background information from 10 Daily News February 2020.  Reading

Six of the country's greatest sports commentators have been honoured in Australia Post’s new stamp collection [February 2020].

The household names of cricket, rugby league, AFL and football have been celebrated in the series 'Word of Sport'.

"The six acclaimed and much-loved communicators featured in this stamp issue were household names in their respective sports," Australia Post wrote in a statement.

"The many thousands of Australians who avidly follow various sport codes rely on the insights of experienced sporting commentators to inform and entertain through television, radio, print and digital media."

The collection includes Richie Benaud, Les Murray, Reg Gasnier, Lou Richards, Jack Dyer and Bob Davis.

Word of Sport

Cricketing legend Benaud retired from Test cricket in 1964 before embarking in a marvellous career in journalism and commentary that spanned decades. His catchphrases have gone on to become part of the vernacular of the cricketing world.

Rugby League Immortal Gasnier was forced into retirement with injury in 1967 after a celebrated career for St George and as captain of the Kangaroos. 'The Prince Of Centres' then began a career in media and broadcasting, most notably providing expert analysis for ABC Grandstand.

Murray coined the phrase 'The World Game', which went on to become the name of SBS' flagship football program.

Richards, Dyer and Davis were the legendary 'Three Wise Monkeys' on Channel 7's program 'League Teams' for nearly two decades in the 1960s to 1980s. They previously played for Collingwood, Richmond and Geelong respectively in celebrated careers in the VFL [Victorian Football League - before it became the AFL]. (Source: 10 Daily)

 

2. Do you know of any of these Sports Commentators?

What are Benaud "catchphrases"? [Ask your Sports teacher]

This video might give you some ideas...

https://youtu.be/4qqA-5yRt04

 

 

3. In your group, read The Conversation 13 February 2020 Reading

The Conversation

Pick out 2 - 3 points discussed in this article that resonated with you personally.

As a group, write up all the points from your group. Do NOT discuss at this point.

 

4. Read ABC News 9 February 2020 Reading

ABC News 

Investigation

Research

Here is a list the female sports commentators from the first article. Have you heard them at all? Heard of them? Know their voices and style of commentary? Which sports do [did] they cover? As a group, split up these Sports Commentators so you are researching four [4].


Research each one and find a photograph of them. Share with your group.

Name Heard of this Sports Commentator?
Were they a Sportsperson first? What sport?
What ethnicity?
Voice & Style
Qualifications?
Sports covered [Present & Past]
Achievements?
Photograph collected?
Caroline Wilson        
Judith Joy Davies        
Debbie Spillane        
Tracey Holmes        
Mel McLaughlin        
Daisy Pearce        
Alison Mitchell        
Samantha Lane        
Emma Race        
Stephanie Brantz        
Nicole Livingstone        
Neroli Meadows        
Melinda Gainsford-Taylor        
Tiffany Cherry        
Tracy Austin        
Add another female Sports Commentator        

The three attributes - "pale, male and stale" has now changed to "pale, female and exciting [not stale]".

What can be done about "Pale"?

 

5. Read The Conversation 23 January 2020 Reading

The Conversation

Do you know of any Indigenous Sports Commentators? Male? Female?

 

6. Discussion

Discuss as a class

How could young female Indigenous sportspeople be encouraged to become Sports Commentators?

"Pale, Male & Stale" - is this the state of Sports Commentators?

 

 

"The" Science Journalists or Communicators - Prof. Brian Cox, David Attenborough and Dr Karl Kruszelnicki: a comparision!

MiddleMiddle  High SchoolSecondary

CriticalAustralian Curriculum General Capability: Critical and creative thinking

LiteracyAustralian Curriculum General Capability: Literacy

Ethical Understanding Australian Curriculum General Capability: Ethical Understanding

Australian Curriculum Cross Curriculum Priorities: Sustainability Priority

Cooperative LearningCooperative Learning Activity

 

1. In groups of 3 - 4 students, you are to view the following (or parts of the following videos) and make a "Compare and Contrast" analysis [Look at this page to see what is required of you].

2. As you describe Prof. Brian Cox, David Attenborough and Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, focus on what made each Science Communicator unique, similar, the challenges each faced, the lengths they went to to describe their subject, and what each has achieved. What brought each of them to this Science Communicator path?

3. What do you think is the most important difference between these 3 Science Journalists or Presenters. Discuss within your group.

4. You need to defend your own position within your group and then with another group of students.

5. Now that you have compared these three Science Journalist, list the characteristics you have to become a Science Journalist. What do you need to do to get onto the path of becoming a Science Journalist? [We have only looked at TV Science Journalists - also think about creating blogs or being on the radio!]

 

Brian Cox explains why time travels in one direction - Wonders of the Universe - BBC Two
https://youtu.be/uQSoaiubuA0

 

 

Prof. Brian Cox Explains Why Ghosts Aren't Real | Lorraine
https://youtu.be/FUbJEUQYjKk

 

 

Top 5 David Attenborough Moments | BBC Earth
https://youtu.be/-tvA3Ezqjl8

 

 

Great Moments in Science - with Dr Karl Kruszelnicki
https://youtu.be/XXaXXak5SG0

 

 

Dr Karl: Contrails, Mars, and the dearth of critical thinking
https://youtu.be/D9BLtsbdGb4

 

 

 

 

Websites, Games & Apps

School Newspaper Unit

PrimaryPrimary MiddleMiddle  High SchoolSecondary

LiteracyAustralian Curriculum General Capability: Literacy

School Newspaper Unit

Send a Message to Writer's Block

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LiteracyAustralian Curriculum General Capability: Literacy

ICT Capability Australian Curriculum General Capability: ICT Capability

  
Writer's Block

What sort of person would be the perfect teacher?
Who's your favorite athlete?
What would you call your rock n roll band?
What sports are you going to watch at the Olympics?
Go to this site and tell the world - and find out what it's got to say too.

Scoop it!
Easily Publish a Magazine - Free

PrimaryPrimary MiddleMiddle  High SchoolSecondary

LiteracyAustralian Curriculum General Capability: Literacy

ICT Capability Australian Curriculum General Capability: ICT Capability

Scoop it
The New York Times - Less is More: Using Social Media to Inspire Concise Writing

High SchoolSecondary

LiteracyAustralian Curriculum General Capability: Literacy

NY Times: Less is More
News Sense: The Building Blocks of News (a free online course - you need to register)

News Sense
Right on Time?

MiddleMiddle

Literacy
Australian Curriculum General Capability: Literacy



Right on Time?
Other New York Times Lesson Plans on Journalism:

High SchoolSecondary

Literacy
Australian Curriculum General Capability: Literacy


The Whole Story

What Weather, When and Where?

Strong Convictions

Hook, Lead Line, and, Thinker

Measured Opinions

New News is Good News?

Hot off the Web

Casting a wide net

War of Words
Intro to Journalism (a Research Assignment, not a WebQuest as stated)

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Literacy
Australian Curriculum General Capability: Literacy

ICT Capability Australian Curriculum General Capability: ICT Capability


Intro to Journalism

Journalist recording

Discovery News (Free Mobile App)

Discovery News logo
Discovery News screenshots

Price: FREE
Developer: Discovery Communications

 

WebQuests

 

 

Muckrakers: Progressive Era Journalists

High SchoolSecondary

ICTAustralian Curriculum General Capability: Information and Communication Technology Capability
Critical
Australian Curriculum General Capability: Critical and creative thinking
Personal and social capability
Australian Curriculum General Capability: Personal and social capability
Literacy
Australian Curriculum General Capability: Literacy

 

Muckrakers

 

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