World War I Start

Year Level

Year 10 (Ages approximately 15-16)

Duration

50 minutes

Class Size

20 students

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Unit Context

This is Lesson 1 of 3 in the unit "Exploring World War Connections".

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Lesson Title

Introduction to World War I

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Learning Objectives (WALT)

• WALT understand the significance of World War I and Australia’s involvement.
• WALT explore the major events leading up to and during World War I (1914-1918).
• WALT collaboratively create a visual timeline to recognise key historical moments.
• WALT develop research skills by investigating an Australian soldier’s story (extension).

Victorian Curriculum Alignment

• AC9HH9K08: The causes of the First World War and reasons why Australians enlisted to fight; identifying and describing long-term causes such as militarism, alliances, imperialism and nationalism; short-term triggers like the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand; perspectives towards war at the turn of the 20th century; responses of Australia’s political leaders to the outbreak of war; reasons for Australian enlistment including the influence of propaganda【6:AC9HH9K08.md】.

• AC9HS6S02: Locate, collect and organise information from primary and secondary sources in various formats, including timelines and flow charts【7:AC9HS6S02.md】.

• AC9HH7S08: Create descriptions and explanations using historical knowledge with reference to sources【5:AC9HH7S08.md】.

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Differentiation and Special Needs Considerations

• Provide short paragraphs with bullet points for dyslexia-friendly reading.
• Use visual resources and hands-on activities suitable for students working at a primary level.
• Pair work to encourage peer support.
• Extension activities offered for advanced learners for further research and presentation.
• Use clear fonts and high-contrast colours for all printed materials.

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Lesson Structure (50 minutes)

Time	Activity	Description	Resources / Support
0-5 min	Introduction & WALT	- Teacher introduces the lesson topic and WALT. - Provide a brief overview of the significance of WWI and Australia’s role.	Verbal explanation, simple visual slide with key points.
5-15 min	Timeline Launch	- Show an example timeline of WWI major events (1914-1918) on projector or large print. - Include coloured images and short bullet points summarising key events.	Example visual timeline poster/slide with images and bullets (e.g., assassination in 1914, Gallipoli 1915, armistice 1918)
15-35 min	Paired Visual Timeline Creation	- Students work in pairs. - Each pair receives a set of event cards with images and key text labels. - Task: Arrange cards chronologically on a blank timeline chart. - Students glue cards and add simple captions.	Pre-made event cards with images and dyslexia-friendly text; large timeline sheets; glue sticks; coloured markers.
35-40 min	Gallery Walk & Share	- Pairs display timelines around the room. - Class walks around to view each timeline and asks brief questions to peers. - Teacher facilitates discussion on key events and Australia’s involvement.	Timelines displayed on walls or desks.
40-50 min	Extension/Individual Research Task Introduction	- For advanced learners: choose an Australian soldier from WWI. - Prepare a short oral presentation or poster about their life and role. - Dyslexia-friendly resource sheets provided with bullet points and images of selected soldiers.	Soldier fact sheets with images and bullet points; template for presentation/poster. Support guide for research.

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Learning Materials

• Timeline event cards with images and simple text labels (dyslexia-friendly).
• Blank timeline worksheets (large A3 or poster size).
• Sample WWI timeline visual to scaffold learning.
• Research fact sheets for extension activity with accessible language.
• Visual aids showing maps (e.g., Gallipoli), propaganda posters.

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Assessment

• Formative assessment through observation of timeline activity and class discussion.
• Check for correct sequencing of events and understanding of Australia’s involvement.
• Extension students assessed on brief research presentations/posters.

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Strategies for Diverse Learners

• Pre-teach key vocabulary using visuals and simple definitions.
• Provide sentence starters for timeline captions and oral presentations.
• Use multisensory methods (handling cards, visual supports).
• Pair stronger readers/writers with peers to support tasks.
• Ensure quiet space and additional time if needed for students with learning difficulties.

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Teacher Reflection & Notes

• Note student engagement during paired activities.
• Observe if timelines reflect understanding of chronology and major events.
• Plan follow-up support for groups/pairs needing further scaffolding.
• Adjust extension challenge based on student interest and capability.

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This lesson plan is specifically tailored to meet Year 10 Victorian Curriculum History standards for understanding World War I and Australian involvement, using active, visual, and collaborative approaches suited for diverse learners and specialist school settings【6:AC9HH9K08.md】【7:AC9HS6S02.md】【5:AC9HH7S08.md】.