Resources
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The forced migration of children to postwar Australia
Following World War II, thousands of children were sent from Britain to Australia. Most of the children were orphans or unable to be cared for by their parents. In this clip, Hildi describes being taken from her grandmother’s home and secretly put on board a ship to Australia. Frankie Lewis describes the sense of isolation and anonymity wrought by not having a birth certificate.
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The global car industry
Children explore interdependence and globalisation through examining the car manufacturing industry
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The importance of risky play
Statistically, the safest time in your life is between the ages of 5 and 9. Children can expect to live longer and be healthier than any previous generation, and yet parents seem more worried than ever. Mathematician Lily Serna presents two experiments: one with a group of children and one with their parents, who begin to learn the benefits of potentially risky "loose parts play".
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The science of fear
Why do people love to watch horror movies? Are there some positives to experiencing fear? Sociologist Dr Margee Kerr thinks so. Discover reasons why you might love scary movies – and why your friends might not.
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The Ten Pound Pom experience
Not everyone who migrated to Australia in the 1950s and 1960s enjoyed their new home. Many immigrants found the environment strange and unwelcoming; although, children thrived in the wide-open spaces. Listen as Professor Stefan Petrow describes the experiences of British immigrants in Tasmania.
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Very Grimm fairy tales
Can you remember the fairy tales you were told as a child? Stories like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Sleeping Beauty or Little Red Riding Hood? Have you ever wondered where they came from? Find out about the Brothers Grimm, who they were, how they collected Grimm's fairy tales, and more.
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What is a physics engine?
Video games have evolved over the years to become more realistic. One reason for this could be that when objects move in video games, they seem to obey the laws of physics. The software that allows for this is called a physics engine.
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What is compound interest?
Compound interest will be one of the most important things you ever learn. Don't believe it? Gen Fricker will explain why. Learn how compound interest works, and why saving now can help you later. Game changer! Then test yourself with ASIC MoneySmart's "Things to think about" classroom exercises.
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What is compound interest?
Understand how compound interest works and why saving now can help you later
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What is constitutional recognition?
The constitution was written more than a century ago, but Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are not mentioned in it at all, despite having lived here for more than 50,000 years. What is constitutional recognition and why is it important? What are some of the perceived barriers to changing the constitution?
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What is opportunity cost?
What is the true cost of buying something? Gen Fricker explains that it's more than just money. Learn about opportunity cost - what it is, why it's a helpful tool and when to use it. Simple! Then test yourself with ASIC MoneySmart's "Things to think about" classroom exercises.
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What is opportunity cost?
Learn about the true cost of buying something, or opportunity cost, and how it is a helpful financial tool
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What is the riskiest form of transport?
Mathematician Lily Serna introduces a mathematical way to see risk . A micromort is a one-in-a-million chance that an activity will be fatal. In this visualisation, six runners take to the track to see how far they can travel by different modes of transport before accumulating one micromort. How does the risk of these modes of transport compare to the risk of other daily activities?
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What motivates a risk-taker?
Mathematician Lily Serna and neuroscientist Dr Steve Kassem head to a skate park to conduct experiments to explain the genetic and environmental factors that might make a person a risk-taker. How does the brain develop to understand risk? What is dopamine and how does it factor in decision-making?
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What will the world's population be in 2050?
Recently the world's population passed seven billion and it continues to grow by 200,000 people every day. Listen to some reasons why our population is growing at such a rate, and the strain this will put on resources such as food and water. This clip provides context for calculations involving exponential growth.
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What’s globalisation got to do with me?
Children explore ways in which they are linked to flows of people, goods and services around the world.
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Who makes up Australian words?
Which is correct? Ozzie or Aussie? And what does a battler have to do with it? Learn about the origin of these terms from the lexicographer Bruce Moore, who wrote the book 'What's their story? A history of Australian words'. He says that a battler has variously been referred to as a bird, a swagman or a prostitute. Could this really be true? Listen and find out.
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Who on Earth speaks English?
Have you ever wondered why everybody in the world doesn't speak the same language? Or at least why we don't all share a common second language? If we did, what language would it be? Listen to why Robert McCrum says that 'Globish', a version of English, is the world's second language.
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Why Australia wanted a White Australia policy
The Immigration Restriction Act of 1901 was designed to limit non-British immigration to Australia. It came to be known as the White Australia policy. In some quarters, people of non-British (and especially non-European) heritage were regarded as being inferior, greedy or unable to fit in with dominant Australian society. Many Australians wanted their country to remain a paradise for white, working men and their homemaking wives. Learn more in this fascinating clip.
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Why borrowing can cost you more
Learn how interest rates and fees affect the money you borrow and why they may be more expensive in the long run