Bringing History to Life
Activities TOC 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Activity Eleven - Suppose

When we ask students to suppose something about events in history, we engage them in conjecture - theory-building, wondering and considering possibilities. These are challenges that call for the imagination envisioned by the Australian National Curriculum.

  • Why do you suppose so many people in Britain signed contracts as indentured servants to work in Australia and America?
  • Why do you suppose so many people in Britain were able to go to church, believe in the Bible but also support the slavery system?
  • Why do you suppose people like Matthew Flinders and Robert Bligh chose to spend so much of their lives exploring the uncharted regions of the world?
  • Why do you suppose some historians twist the truth?

Work with your partner to make a list of 5-6 "Why do you suppose?" questions like those above that would go well with the content focus of the Australian National Curriculum.

© 2010 J. McKenzie, all rights reserved. These activities may not be used for professional development without paying a site licensing fee. For information, consult http://fnopress.com/sitelicense.html