Introduction
Students will analyse the history and formation of the ANZAC legend and its impact on the current Australian identity. Students will learn about the signifigance and nature of the ANZAC legend and its commemoration.
Task
Task: How did ANZAC Day begin and is it important to commemorate?
Welcome students! We have a very important task for you to complete and it is also a matter of national debate. With ANZAC Day fast approaching there have been questions about the true meaning of ANZAC Day and why we remember the 25th of April. Your job is to produce an opinion news article that explains what ANZAC Day is about, why we commemorate it and if we should continue commemorating the ANZAC's. As you know in order to write an opinion piece you need facts and evidence to back you up and increase your chances of convincing the readers that your opinion is valid.
Therefore you are going to have to do some research and find key pieces of information to summarise into a concise and professional article. Your opinion article should inform the reader of the history and origin of the ANZAC legend and convince the reader of your opinion of ANZAC commemoration.
In order to successfully complete this project you will need to complete mini research questions to help you with producing your final article.
Process
Task 1: Uncovering the history of the ANZAC's
Using the sites listed below and other reliable sources that you find to answer these questions.
- What does ANZAC stand for?
- When is ANZAC Day?
- Which campaign during WWI first used the term ANZAC?
- Why did this campaign have such a big impact on Australians?
- What do the ANZAC's represent to Australian's?
- How do we commemorate the ANZAC's?
- What does ANZAC day mean to you?
Task 2: Yes or No to ANZAC Day?
Now you need to use your researching skills to investigate the events of ANZAC Day, the commemorations, ceremonies and symbols that go into celebrating ANZAC Day and determine if these are significant in remembering the ANZAC's and if we should continue to celebrate ANZAC Day. Below are some questions to help you on your way!
- What events do we have in Perth and around the globe to commemorate ANZAC Day?
- What is the Last Post and why is it played in ANZAC ceremonies?
- How does the Last Post make you feel?
- Why do we wear red poppies to celebrate ANZAC Day?
- What monuments do we have in Perth that commemorate the ANZAC's?
- What role did Indigenous and 'Other' soldiers play in WWI?
- What role did women play in WWI?
Evaluation
| Excellent (A) | Good (B) | Pass (C) | Developing (D) | Score | |
| ANZAC history and origin | All answers show research and are thoroughly completed. | Some | |||
| ANZAC commemoration and symbolism | All answers include specific details, show research and include additional information. | ||||
Conclusion
Time to put all of your new knowledge to work!
Now that you have researched the history and meaning behind ANZAC Day it is time to write your opinion article debating whether or not ANZAC Day should continue to be celebrated. You should include some of the following information: