Case Study Overview
The Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme is always presented as the beginnings of, and a triumph for, multiculturalism in Australia. If it was, how were former enemies able to work together apparently so successfully in a new community? How were tensions, even hatreds, overcome? Focusing on some specific case studies, students investigate a number of possible explanations and draw their own conclusions about the scheme.
Case Study unit of work inquiry structure (pdf)
- Teacher’s Guide
- Activity 1: How do you solve this problem in the school?
Understanding the main concept(s) raised in the case study - Activity 2: Background to the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme
Exploring sources to understand the Scheme - Activity 3: Background to Australia’s post-war immigration policy
Using background information and evidence to draw first impressions - Activity 4: Visiting the scene of the events
Looking at the video segment of this case study and answering questions about it - Activity 5: Making a decision: why were the Snowy workers able to work together?
Examining statistical data and testing ideas against evidence - Activity 6: The Snowy Scheme – a case of multiculturalism or assimilation?
Categorising different sources of evidence - Activity 7: How might the National Museum of Australia represent this historical theme?
Looking at existing interpretative objects and suggesting others that might tell more of the story
