The way history is often taught, there is little room for speculation or wondering. The story of past events is told as if set in concrete, yet the actual events may have hung in a more tenuous balance.

Students might be asked to ponder the consequences of major reversals or shifts.

What if the French or the Dutch had been more aggressive and made Australia their own instead of the British? How do you think modern day Australia might be different?

What if the settlement of North America, New Zealand and Australia by Europeans had been conducted without warfare and conflict with native people?

What if Britain had not used convicts to help with the settlement of Australia? How do you think modern day Australia might be different?