Civil Rights and Social Movements · Term 3

Origins of Second-Wave Feminism

Explore the social and political context that gave rise to second-wave feminism in the 1960s.

About This Topic

The Environmental Movement examines the rise of ecological awareness and activism from the mid-20th century to the present. This topic traces the movement from the publication of Rachel Carson's 'Silent Spring' in 1962 to the formation of global organizations like Greenpeace and the emergence of climate activism. Students investigate how environmental issues shifted from local concerns to a central theme in global politics.

In the Year 12 Modern History curriculum, this topic is a key study of how scientific knowledge can drive social and political change. It aligns with ACARA's focus on the role of NGOs and the impact of grassroots campaigns. A major focus is the Australian context, particularly the 1983 Franklin River campaign, which redefined the relationship between the federal government, the states, and the environment.

This topic comes alive when students can physically model the tension between economic development and conservation through a collaborative stakeholder simulation.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game: The Franklin River Debate

Divide the class into stakeholders: the Tasmanian Government (pro-dam), the Wilderness Society (anti-dam), local workers, and the Federal Government. They must present their arguments to a 'High Court' panel, illustrating the legal and political complexity of the case.

⏱ 60 min·Whole Class

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Inquiry Circle: 'Silent Spring' and its Impact

Groups analyze excerpts from Rachel Carson's book and the subsequent backlash from the chemical industry. They must create a 'concept map' showing how her work led to the banning of DDT and the birth of the modern environmental movement.

⏱ 45 min·Small Groups

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Gallery Walk: Iconic Environmental Protests

Display images and descriptions of protests like the Green Bans in Sydney, the Rainbow Warrior sinking, and the School Strike for Climate. Students move in pairs to identify the different tactics used (e.g., direct action, union bans, strikes) and their effectiveness.

⏱ 40 min·Pairs

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Environmentalism is a 'new' 21st-century concern.

What to Teach Instead

The modern movement has deep roots in the 1960s and 70s, and conservation efforts go back much further. Peer discussion of the 19th-century National Parks movement helps students see the long history of human concern for the natural world.

Common Misconception

The movement is only about 'saving trees'.

What to Teach Instead

It encompasses a wide range of issues, including public health, social justice, and economic sustainability. A collaborative investigation into the 'Green Bans' in Sydney helps students see the link between environmental protection and urban heritage/workers' rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the significance of the Franklin River campaign?

The 1982-83 campaign to stop a hydroelectric dam in Tasmania was a landmark for the Australian movement. It led to a historic High Court decision that confirmed the Federal Government's power to use international treaties (like World Heritage) to protect the environment, even against state wishes.

Who were the 'Green Bans'?

The Green Bans were a form of strike action in the 1970s where the Builders Labourers Federation (BLF) refused to work on projects that would destroy heritage buildings or green spaces in Sydney. It was a unique alliance between unions and environmentalists.

How did the 1972 Stockholm Conference change global politics?

The UN Conference on the Human Environment was the first major international meeting on the environment. It led to the creation of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and established the principle that nations are responsible for the environmental impact of their actions on others.

How can active learning help students understand the environmental movement?

Active learning strategies like 'stakeholder role-plays' help students understand that environmental issues are rarely simple 'black and white' conflicts. By acting as a logger, a scientist, or a politician, students must grapple with the real-world trade-offs between jobs, economic growth, and ecological health. This approach fosters a more sophisticated understanding of the political challenges involved in environmental protection.

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