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Bringing them home

5. Track the History: Timeline activity sheet - Research activity sheet

Research activity sheet PDF or Word

Aim

To explore how the separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families fits into both Indigenous and non-Indigenous histories.

Step one – getting started

1. Select an event from the timeline. Alternatively, you may wish to identify a particular question that was raised by the information you discovered in the timeline.

2. Most of the events in the timeline have a link to another website where you can find more information. Use the links in the timeline as a starting point for your research. At this stage, you should focus on defining your research topic.

3. Read through what the webpage has to say about the event. If you do not have access to the internet, another good starting point is an encyclopaedia in your school or local library.

4. Use the table below to assist you during your initial research.

Note your research topic or question, along with the date of the event or issue you are interested in and any definitions you discover. You should also note any possible resources or research paths you have identified for further exploration.

Research topic or question:

(Due date: ..................................................................................

Relevant date(s) of event:

Definitions:

Research paths to follow up:

Step two – research

The next step is to do the research. The internet is one place to start research as it puts you in connection with a range of information. However, the internet is not the only place you can 'surf' for information.

try your school, local or state library
approach people in your local community who can give you some information. Local history societies or Indigenous groups may be able to assist you with your search for information (such as a Link-Up organisation).
be creative about what kind of information you look at. Often, pictures and music can be just as informative and revealing.

As you go along, keep track of what you do and where you go. Keep a log (journal) of what material you have read and, if possible, make copies of any images or important bits of information.

Step three – putting it together

After completing your research, you need to sort the information you have gathered into a logical order. This is a really important stage of research where you must create a structure and format for the report, essay or story you will produce.

A good way of doing this is to break it up using the basic questions of research: when, where, what, why, who and how. Use the table below to sort out your notes:

When? When did it happen? Was it connected to other events? Was it just one event or part of a series of events?
What happened? What are the basic facts? Are there differences of opinion? If so, what are these?
Who? Who caused the event? Who did it affect? What people were involved? Who is telling the story?
Why? Why did it happen? Are there differences of opinion? If so, what are they?
How is it related to the separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families? Why do you think this event is included in the timeline?
Other information Record information that may not relate to the above questions, but that you still think is important.

Step four – presenting to an audience

Create a report, presentation or some other format to present your research to an audience.

There are many ways of presenting information: news reportage, standard writing, visually, through music. Your teacher will give you some ideas and direction on how to present the information you have discovered during your research.

The important thing for you to think about is who your audience is and how they best receive information.

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