Wikipedia exercise – using facts to develop opinions. 1.Using the relevant Wikipedia sites, research Australia in 1956 and decide which events have implications for popular culture. 2.Compare the Wikipedia pages for 1956 in Music and the List of Top 25 singles for 1956 in Australia. What evidence is there to indicate that rock ‘n’ roll was becoming popular? Is that popularity being reflected in Australia? 3.Create a mind map centred on Australia in 1956

Discuss what the main influences on Australian popular culture seem to be by 1956, and what factors were emerging to change the nature of popular culture? Divide class into two groups to investigate the impact of rock ‘n’ roll and television on Australia

Rock ‘n’ roll group could investigate areas such as: the early rock ‘n’ roll tours of Australia early Australian performers such as George Assang, Johnny O’Keefe and Col Joye (TEXTBOOK p 92 and 94) the role of promoter Lee Gordon the impact of surf music (TEXTBOOK p 95) early rock ‘n’ roll charts Television group could investigate areas such as: the debate over the model for Australian television the race to have TV ready for the Melbourne Olympics early programming the geographical spread of television in Australia early TV schedules

Two groups to present research to class and discuss/debate:  The impact of rock ‘n’ roll and TV on Australian life in the period 1956 – 1964  what the arrival of rock ‘n’ roll and TV reveals about overseas influences on Australian culture  whether rock ‘n’ roll or television has had the greatest impact on Australian society

H/W …..