HASS · Year 3

Active learning ideas

The Purpose of Commemoration

Active learning works because commemoration involves emotions, values, and perspectives that students must experience to truly grasp. When students discuss, debate, and create together, they move beyond passive recall to consider why certain events matter to different people. This hands-on approach builds empathy and deepens understanding of shared history.

• ACARA Content Descriptions
• AC9HASS3K01

• 20–45 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 4 activities

Activity 01

• Think-Pair-Share
• 20 min · Pairs

Think-Pair-Share: Justifying Commemoration

Students spend two minutes thinking about why Anzac Day matters. They pair up to share reasons and evidence from class texts, then report one key idea to the whole class on a shared chart. Conclude with a class vote on the strongest justification.

Justify the importance of commemorating historical events.

Facilitation Tip

During Think-Pair-Share, circulate to listen for misconceptions about the tone of commemorations and redirect gently with examples from Anzac Day services you’ve pre-selected.

What to look for

Pose the question: 'If you could create a new national day to commemorate an event or person important to you, what would it be and why?' Guide students to explain the event's significance and how it should be remembered, encouraging them to consider different viewpoints.

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

Activity 02

• Gallery Walk
• 35 min · Small Groups

Gallery Walk: Event Perspectives

Groups create posters showing two views of a commemoration, like Australia Day. Display around the room. Students walk the gallery, noting agreements and differences on sticky notes. Discuss findings as a class.

Evaluate the impact of commemorations on collective memory.

What to look for

Provide students with a short reading about a specific Australian commemoration (e.g., the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge). Ask them to identify two reasons why this event is commemorated and one way it impacts the community's memory.

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Create
• Relationship Skills
• Social Awareness

Activity 03

• Think-Pair-Share
• 40 min · Small Groups

Role-Play Debate: Impact Statements

Divide class into groups representing event stakeholders. Each prepares a two-minute speech on commemoration impacts. Groups present, then peers ask questions. Vote on most convincing argument.

Critique how different groups might interpret the same commemorative event.

What to look for

Ask students to write down one word that describes how commemorations affect a community's memory. Then, have them write one sentence explaining why it is important for different groups to have their perspectives considered during commemorations.

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

Activity 04

• Think-Pair-Share
• 45 min · Small Groups

Commemoration Timeline Build

In small groups, students sequence local and national commemorations on a class timeline, adding symbols and one-sentence impacts. Present to justify placements and evaluate memory effects.

Justify the importance of commemorating historical events.

What to look for

Pose the question: 'If you could create a new national day to commemorate an event or person important to you, what would it be and why?' Guide students to explain the event's significance and how it should be remembered, encouraging them to consider different viewpoints.

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

A few notes on teaching this unit

Teachers should approach this topic by balancing respect for cultural sensitivities with honest discussion about contested events. Focus on guiding students to ask ‘why’ rather than ‘what’—help them see commemoration as an active choice, not just tradition. Research shows students grasp abstract concepts like collective memory better when they connect them to concrete, tangible actions, such as creating a timeline or role-playing a ceremony.

Successful learning looks like students explaining why societies commemorate events, not just listing them. They should justify choices using evidence from texts, images, or discussions, and show awareness that perspectives vary. Clear evidence of reflection comes through their writing, speaking, and collaborative work during activities.

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• During Think-Pair-Share, watch for students assuming commemorations are always celebrations.

  Use the first prompt to focus on the purpose of Anzac Day: ask students to pair up and list two reasons why silence is observed, then share how the tone differs from a holiday.

• During Gallery Walk, watch for students assuming all groups agree on the importance of Australia Day.

  Provide gallery cards showing perspectives like Indigenous views and migrant experiences, then ask students to note one difference between their own thoughts and the card they read.

• During Commemoration Timeline Build, watch for students believing commemorations have no effect today.

  Include a blank section labeled ‘Today’ on the timeline and ask students to add a current action linked to Reconciliation Week, such as school acknowledgments or community events.

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Methods used in this brief

• Think-Pair-Share
• Gallery Walk