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PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA INTERACTIVE COMICSPAGE 1TEACHER’S GUIDEThis guide provides teaching materials designed to support and extend the topics coveredin the interactive comics: A Power Hungry Alien and Super Awesome Splash Land. Thestories encourage students to find out about the three levels of government by followingthe characters through a fantasy adventure. The aim is to engage students in topics theyare interested in and to encourage them to make connections with their own everydayexperiences. For each of the stories there is a self-directed activity, small group activityand whole class activity.AusVELS LINKSLEVELSTRANDDOMAINDIMENSION5-8Physical, personaland social learningCivics and citizenshipCivic knowledge andunderstandingBACKGROUND INFORMATIONIn Australia we have three levels of Government: federal, state and local. The power is shared betweenthese three levels. The Federal Parliament’s powers are set out in the Australian Constitution. It hasexclusive powers in matters such as defence, foreign policy, currency, airports, immigration andcommunications.Some powers are shared and both state and federal Parliaments are able to make laws for these matters. If there is a conflicting law the federal law takes precedence. In practice, states and territories rely on theCommonwealth for financial grants to implement programs. This gives the Commonwealth significant powerover the decisions that the states and territories make.Local governments are responsible for services within a council area, however, they do not haveconstitutional independence. The Victorian Local Government Act 1989 gives the Parliament the powerto expand or restrict the powers of local government.Power is often shared between all three levels of government. Some examples of shared governance areroads, environmental management and public health.Version 1 - 11 December 2014
PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA INTERACTIVE COMICSPAGE 2TEACHER’S GUIDEAREAS OF RESPONSIBILITYLOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENTSLOCAL GOVERNMENTSTATE GOVERNMENTFEDERAL GOVERNEMENT Building regulations Waste management Parks and gardens Libraries Swimming pools Animal control Local roads Street lights Law and order Schools Hospitals Water Transport Agriculture Forests Energy Major roads Defence Trade Foreign affairs Immigration Communications Lighthouses Quarantine Currency Bankruptcy Copyright Family Law Pensions HighwaysAUSTRALIA’STHREELEVELS OFGOVERNMENTLEVELLocal: shire, city,rural cityStateCommonwealthor lLAWLocal me MinisterREVENUERates, state andfederal grantsTaxes, federal grantsTaxesHEALTHMeals-on-wheels,garbage collectionPublic hospitals,nursing servicesFunding, Medicare,drug controlEDUCATIONChildcareFunding primary and secondaryFunding post-secondaryTRANSPORTFootpaths, street signsSome railways andbusses, roadsHighways, railways,airports, air safetyOTHERLibraries, petsPolice, fire brigade,environmentForeign affairs,immigration, pensions,post, artsSourced from: cuments/education/Inside Parliament 2014 small.pdf pp. 12Version 1 - 11 December 2014
PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA INTERACTIVE COMICSPAGE 3TEACHER’S GUIDEFURTHER INFORMATIONParliament of VictoriaExplanation of the parliamentary entary-systemAustralian classification websiteInformation on classification categories and process of classification of publications, filmsand computer games.www.classification.gov.auDepartment of State Development Business and InnovationWhere energy comes ation-and-trainingSustainability VictoriaCouncil waste and recycling ste-andrecycling-servicesVicroadsRoads tsDepartment of Transport, Planning and Local InfrastructureGuide to local de-to-local-governmentDepartment of Environment and Primary IndustriesLegal requirements for dog ments-for-dog-ownersEPANoise oisePublic Transport VictoriaEducation ion 1 - 11 December 2014
PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA INTERACTIVE COMICSPAGE 4TEACHER’S GUIDE: A POWER HUNGRY ALIENIn this story, Duncan plays a video gameand must stop an alien beast that hasescaped from the world of the game.The alien is feasting on the city’srubbish and draining energy from theelectricity grid.SELF DIRECTED ACTIVITYAsk students to research how their local council manages waste and answer the following questions: What is the name of the city/shire council in the area where you live? What is closest waste transfer station managed by your council? What items can and can’t be collected by your council for recycling? What is hard waste and green waste and what services does your council provide to collect them? What other services does your council provide to manage waste? What recommendations would you have to improve how your council manages waste? Who might you contact with your recommendations?Ask students to think about what the positives and negatives would be if waste management was handled bya different level of government (state or federal). Have students choose a level of government and completea PMI chart (plus, minus, interesting) to evaluate whether it is the best level of government for handlingwaste management.SMALL GROUP ACTIVITYAsk students to get together and write a list of all their favourite movies and computer games and find outhow each movie or game is classified.Have students research:What each of the classifications mean (G, PG, M, MA, R)?Who makes laws about classification of movies and video games?Ask students to imagine that they are in a parliamentary committee that is looking into changing the lawabout how movies and video games are classified. Have students make a list of different types of people orgroups in the community they would talk to about the topic to take into account everyone’s point of view.Ask students to discuss what they think is meant by ‘freedom of speech’. Have students think about thephrase ‘People should be free to say whatever they want whenever they want’. Get them to write down somearguments for and against this statement.Encourage students to discuss whether they think there should be limits to free speech and what role thegovernment should have.Version 1 - 11 December 2014
PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA INTERACTIVE COMICSPAGE 5TEACHER’S GUIDE: A POWER HUNGRY ALIENWHOLE-CLASS ACTIVITYAsk students to work in pairs. Allocate each pair a level of government (local, state, or federal). Ensure thatthere are equal numbers for each level of government.Ask students to look through newspapers or online media for news items that relate to the responsibilitiesof their allocated level of government. Students may find it helpful to read the Three Levels of Governmentsection of the Parliament of Victoria website system/three-level-of-government which has information about the responsibilities of each level of government.Have a group of students create a chart with a section for each level of government. Ask students to pastetheir news item onto the local, state or federal section of the chart.Use the chart to discuss the areas of responsibility for each level of government that are covered in the newsitems. Discuss some of the current issues brought up in the news around how these areas are managed.Version 1 - 11 December 2014
PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA INTERACTIVE COMICSPMI CHART – WASTE MANAGEMENTLEVEL OF GOVERNMENT:PLUSAdvantages of this level ofgovernment handling wastemanagementMINUSDisadvantages of this level ofgovernment handling wastemanagementINTERESTINGIdeas, areas for furtherinvestigation, questions
PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA INTERACTIVE COMICSPAGE 7TEACHER’S GUIDE: A POWER HUNGRY ALIENQUIZ#QUESTIONANSWER1Which level of government is closest to you and the people living inyour neighborhood?Local2Garbage collection is the responsibility of which level of government?Local3The Australian Classification Board decides how movies and videogames are rated. Which level of government do they work for?Federal4Which level of government is responsible for energy supply such aselectricity, gas and water?State5Our space technologies include satellites for GPS, weather andcommunications. Which level of government is responsible forSpace programs?Federal6You must have a license to own a gun in Victoria. Which level ofgovernment controls guns?State7Which level of government is responsible for aliens who want tobecome citizens?Federal8Without street signs it would be hard to find your way around. Which levelof government is responsible for street signs in your neighborhood?Local9Our waste should be recycled and disposed of in a sustainable way.Which level of government makes sure that everyone uses bestpractices?State10Which level of government is responsible for the defense of Australia?Federal11Who do you contact If street lights go out in your area?LocalVersion 1 - 11 December 2014
PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA INTERACTIVE COMICSPAGE 8TEACHER’S GUIDE: A POWER HUNGRY ALIENLEARNING POINTSTYPECONTENTSCENE #Learning PointYour local council makes laws that affect you and the people inyour neighborhood. There are 69 local government councilsin Victoria.1Learning PointWould you be allowed to play this game? Did you know that thefederal government has an Australian Classification Board thatdecides how your DVD’s and video games are rated?4Time MachineThe Australian Classification Board was formed in 1970. Manyvideo games, books and movies have been banned. Fines forowning banned movies or games can be up to 275,000 or10 years in jail.5Learning PointThe federal government is responsible for space technologies,such as GPS, weather and communications satellites.20Time MachineAustralia has a long history of involvement in space activities.In 1947, the Woomera Rocket Range was established in SouthAustralia by the federal government.20Learning PointThe federal government is responsible for defending Australiathrough the Army, Navy and Air Force.17Learning PointGun ownership in Victoria is tightly controlled by the stategovernment through the Police. You must have a license toown a gun.21Learning PointLook around you. How many things in the room are usingelectricity right now? What would happen if you had a black out?Did you know that the state government is responsible for thesupply of electricity, gas and water?25Learning PointAn alien is a foreigner who is not a naturalised citizen ofAustralia. The federal government is responsiblefor immigration.29Learning PointWhen an alien is approved for citizenship, local government willconduct a naturalisation ceremony and present a certificate.30Learning PointHave you ever been woken up in the morning by the sound of thegarbage truck collecting your rubbish? Your local government isresponsible for collecting garbage from your street.31Time MachineCan you imagine what it would be like without garbagecollection? In 1884, Eugène Poubelle introduced the firstgarbage bins and collection system to Paris. In France the bin isstill called “Poubelle.”31Version 1 - 11 December 2014
PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA INTERACTIVE COMICSPAGE 9TEACHER’S GUIDE: A POWER HUNGRY ALIENLEARNING POINTS (CONTINUED)TYPECONTENTSCENE #Time MachineBefore there was garbage collection, people would often justtoss their rubbish out the window! 50 years ago, people weremuch less wasteful and would reuse or repurpose unwanteditems for other uses. This was before the term ‘recycle’was invented!33Learning PointWhilst electricity supply is the responsibility of the stategovernment, maintenance of street lamps is the responsibilityof local government?35Learning PointOn Clean Up Australia Day 2013, six out of the top 10 itemscollected, could have been recycled. Household recycling is theresponsibility of your local government.39Learning PointWithout adequate roads and signs, this rubbish truck might notbe able to get where it needs to go. Roads and street signs inyour neighborhood are the responsibility of yourlocal government.40Learning PointWhen the garbage truck collects your rubbish, it takes it toa waste transfer station and the rubbish is sorted for eitherrecycling, treatment or disposal. Waste Transfer Stations are theresponsibility of your local government.45Learning PointDid you know that whilst local government is responsible forgarbage collection, your state government is responsible forsustainability and state-wide waste management and planning?48Learning PointOn Clean Up Australia Day in 2013, there were 18,129 tons ofrubbish collected. The majority of the rubbish (37%) was wastefrom disposable drinks (bottles, lids, straws etc.)51Learning PointThere are good reasons why Duncan shouldn’t have beenplaying “Alien Kill 4”. What do you think those reasons are?58Version 1 - 11 December 2014
PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA INTERACTIVE COMICSPAGE 10TEACHER’S GUIDE: SUPER AWESOME SPLASH LANDIn this story, Jenny invents a shrink ray for a science competition but accidently shrinksherself. She manages to return to normal by using the ‘grow juice’ that her friend hasinvented for the competition. Students discover the role of local, state and federalgovernments in managing schools, pools and recreation, libraries, noise restrictions,telecommunications, public transport and animal control.SELF DIRECTED ACTIVITYAsk students to make a list of all the events in Jenny’s story that are related to the responsibilities of thelocal, state or federal governments. Have students fill in the ‘three levels of government and me’ chartshowing activities that they do in a typical day and which levels of government are responsible for theservices that help to make these happen.Examples: Having a shower – water is managed by the state government. Call a friend – telecommunications are handled by the federal government. Swimming lessons – pools are managed by local government.SMALL GROUP ACTIVITYAsk students to research two levels of government and compare and contrast their features using a Venndiagram. Encourage students to consider topics such as taxation, constitution, elections, voting, parliament,representatives, laws and other aspects of government. The ‘About Parliament’ section of the Parliamentof Victoria website system would be a good place forstudents to start their research.Get students to discuss the similarities and differences that they found between the two different levelsof government.Version 1 - 11 December 2014
PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA INTERACTIVE COMICSPAGE 11TEACHER’S GUIDE: SUPER AWESOME SPLASH LANDWHOLE-CLASS ACTIVITYIn a small group, ask students to choose one of the services managed by the local, state or federalgovernment covered in Jenny’s story that they use frequently. E.g. library, communications (telephone/internet), public transport, swimming pool. Ask students to think about how the service could be improvedin their area. Students should also research how they might influence those in power to make changes. Askstudents to prepare a presentation to the class about what they have found.Students should consider: Which level of government is responsible for this service? What changes or improvements would they recommend to make this service better? Who makes decisions about this service i.e. minister, local member of parliament, mayor, councillor? Who could they contact to voice their opinion? Are there any groups that pressure those in power to make changes in this area? Are there any other ways that they might be able to influence people in power to make changes?Version 1 - 11 December 2014
PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA INTERACTIVE COMICSTHREE LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT AND MEACTIVITYE.g. Catching the busLOCALGOVERNMENTSTATEGOVERNMENTStreet signsPublic transportVersion 1 - 11 December 2014FEDERALGOVERNMENT
PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA INTERACTIVE COMICSDIFFERENTSAMEDIFFERENTVENN DIAGRAM: COMPARE LEVELS OF GOVERNMENTVersion 1 - 11 December 2014
PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA INTERACTIVE COMICSPAGE 14TEACHER’S GUIDE: SUPER AWESOME SPLASH LANDQUIZ#QUESTIONANSWER1Which level of government provides the community withswimming pools?Local2Horticulture is the responsibility of which level of government?State3Keeping accurate time and GPS positioning on your mobile phone isdone using satellites in space. Which level of government is responsiblefor space technologies?Federal4Which level of government is responsible for our public transport system?State5Which level of government can help you patent your invention?Federal6Which level of government operates public libraries?Local7Which level of government operates government schools in Victoria?State8Which level of government looks after health and safety at pools?Local9Who builds and looks after recreation facilities in your neighborhood?Local10Which level of government is responsible for telecommunications?Federal11Who do you contact if you are disturbed by loud noises inyour neighborhood?LocalVersion 1 - 11 December 2014
PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA INTERACTIVE COMICSPAGE 15TEACHER’S GUIDE: SUPER AWESOME SPLASH LANDLEARNING POINTSTYPECONTENTSCENE #Learning PointDid you know that the state government operates around 1590government schools in Victoria, including both Primary andSecondary schools?1Learning PointThe federal government operates the Commonwealth Scientificand Industrial Research Organisation. The CSIRO is Australia’snational science agency and one of the largest and most diverseresearch agencies in the world.3Time MachineIn 1958 the black box flight recorder, (it’s actually bright orangein color), was invented by Dr David Warren in Melbourne.3Learning PointHow many sporting grounds, play grounds and parks are in yourneighborhood? Your local government builds and looks afterthese recreation facilities.5Learning PointSwimming pools are carefully maintained so they are safe to use.Your local government looks after health and safety at pools.6Time MachineBefore “Olympic” swimming pools became popular, mostVictorians swam in rivers, lakes, dams, quarries or water tanks.6Learning PointPublic libraries across Victoria offer a wide range of servicessuch as resources for research, holiday reading or usingmultimedia. Did you know that public libraries are operatedby your local government?8Learning PointDid you know that the federal government provides around 879 million a year for research and innovation?11Time MachineSelf-propelled rotary hoe. In 1912 at the age of 16, Cliff Howardof Gilgandra invented a machine with rotating hoe blades onan axle that simultaneously hoed the ground and pulled themachine forward.11Time MachineThe world’s first feature length film was made in Victoria in 1906by Charles Tait. The film was called “The Story of the KellyGang”. It was just over an hour long.16Learning PointDid you know that making a loud noise at night can be disturbingfor your neighbors? Local government is responsible forcontrolling noise pollution.17Learning PointDo you have a great idea for a new invention? The federalgovernment is responsible for IP Australia, the organisation thatcan help you patent your invention.18Version 1 - 11 December 2014
PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA INTERACTIVE COMICSPAGE 16TEACHER’S GUIDE: SUPER AWESOME SPLASH LANDLEARNING POINTS (CONTINUED)TYPECONTENTSCENE #Time MachineMany inventions have resulted in economic and social changes.Famous Australian inventions include H V McKay’s (1885)improvements in the “sunshine harvester” and Professor GClark’s (1978) cochlear bionic ear implant.18Learning PointThe Australian Synchrotron is located in Clayton, a suburb ofMelbourne. Synchrotrons use electricity to produce intensebeams of light a million times brighter than the sun. Researchersuse the synchrotron to invent ways to tackle diseases, makeplants more productive and metals more resilient.20Learning PointThe term ‘telecommunications’ refers to ways of communicatingwith others using technologies such as telephones, television,radio, mobile devices and the internet. The federal government isresponsible for telecommunications.25Time MachineThe telegraph was a communications system that useda conducting wire. It provided links across Australia in the 1800s.Morse code, written as dots and dashes, was used to translatethe signals to messages by representing letters of the alphabetand numbers with combinations of short and long electricsignals.25Learning PointDid you know that keeping accurate time and GPS positioningon your mobile phone is done using satellites in space?The federal government is responsible for Australia’s spacetechnology programs.29Time MachineIn 1929, Alfred Traeger designed the pedal-powered radio for theRoyal Flying Doctor Service.29Learning PointAre dogs allowed to run loose on the streets? Local governmentis responsible for animal welfare in your neighborhood.33Learning PointThe state government is responsible for our public transportsystem, which moves thousands of people around Victoria onbuses, trams and trains.32Learning PointThe roads in your neighborhood are built and looked after bylocal government. State and federal government also look afterhighways and freeways.36Learning PointThe Department of Environment and Primary Industries, (DEPI),looks after horticulture. Victorian horticulturists grow mainly fruit,berries, nuts, grapes and vegetables. The state governmentwould like to double production of these crops by 2030.42Version 1 - 11 December 2014
PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA INTERACTIVE COMICSPAGE 17TEACHER’S GUIDE: SUPER AWESOME SPLASH LANDLEARNING POINTS (CONTINUED)TYPECONTENTSCENE #Learning PointWi-Fi has been claimed as an Australian invention. In 2009 and2012, technology companies agreed to pay CSIRO 470 millionfor WiFi patent infringements. Global firms in the United Statesare required to pay the CSIRO licensing rights, estimated to bean additional 1 billion in royalties.44Time MachineIn 1906, the surf lifesaving reel was designed by Lyster Ormsbyto allow a lifesaver wearing a vest with a rope attached to reacha distressed swimmer.44Learning PointAustralian swimming successes at the Melbourne (1956),Rome (1960) and Tokyo (1964) Olympics fuelled enthusiasmfor competitive swimming in pools. Swimming pools came to beseen as a standard local government community facility that wasavailable to all Australians.50Time MachinePrevention of drowning was a key objective of the Department ofEducation by promoting swimming and lifesavingskills in Victoria. In 1903 the Minister for Education createda certificate for all pupils who could “(a) swim 50 yards in areasonable time; (b) float for at least one minute; and (c) enterthe water by a fairly neat dive.”50Version 1 - 11 December 2014
in the interactive comics: A Power Hungry Alien and Super Awesome Splash Land. The stories encourage students to find out about the three levels of government by following the characters through a fantasy adventure. The aim is to engage students in topics they are interested in and to encourage them to make connections with their own everyday
