Questions for discussion - ABC · Questions for discussion Holden Closure 1. ... Starts with a topic sentence. ... Use Kahoot! to test students ...

©ABC 2017

Questions for discussion

Holden Closure

1. Discuss the BTN story with another student. Record the main points of your discussion.

2. When was Holden founded?

3. Before making cars, Holden made ______________.

4. Which model of Holden was the first Australian-designed car to go into mass production?

5. By 1958, what percentage of Aussie car owners were driving a Holden?

a. 20%

b. 30%

c. 40%

6. Why was Holden’s car manufacturing important for Australia?

7. Name another car company that made cars in Australia.

8. Give some reasons why Aussie car factories have closed down.

9. How will local communities be affected by the closure?

10. How did the BTN story make you feel?

Write a message about the story and post it in the comments section on the story page.

Neutron Stars

1. What did the BTN Neutron Stars story explain?

2. Neutron stars are stars that have reached the end of their lives and exploded in a __________________.

3. How big is the size of the core that they leave behind?

4. One teaspoon of a neutron star would be ___________ times heavier than the biggest pyramid.

5. Because neutron stars are so dense, they have plenty of…

6. Who predicted the existence of gravitational waves more than a hundred years ago?

7. When did scientists first observe gravitational waves?

8. Which one of Einstein’s theories has been confirmed?

9. Which rare element is thought to be made when neutron stars explode?

10. What do you understand more clearly after watching the BTN story?

Write a message about the story and post it in the comments section on the story page.

Relocating Quolls

1. What was the main point of the BTN story?

2. When were eastern quolls last seen on mainland Australia?

3. Quolls are…

a. Monotremes

b. Marsupials

c. Amphibians

Episode 29

24th October 2017

©ABC 2017

4. What are eastern quolls also known as?

5. Which introduced predators drove quolls to extinction on mainland Australia?

6. Which state are breeding quolls to move to NSW?

7. How many quolls will be released in the national park?

8. Why were quolls called the `farmers friend’?

9. How will the quolls be monitored?

10. What did you learn watching the BTN story?

Check out the Eastern Quolls resource on the Teachers page

Do the quiz on the BTN website

Teaching Changes

1. Before you watch the BTN story, predict what you think it’s about.

2. Why did Mr Jessett want to be a teacher?

3. When was the first public school in Australia opened?

4. What did teachers check first thing every morning?

5. Teachers were allowed to hit children who were misbehaving. True or false?

6. How have classrooms changed over the years?

7. How old were most kids when they left school?

8. Give an example of how teaching has changed over the years.

9. What do the students like about being in Mr Jessett’s class?

10. What do you think makes a great teacher?

Nominate your teacher for the BTN Teacher Awards. Go to the website for all the details.

History of Video Games

1. When was the first video game created?

2. What was the game called?

3. Who invented the first video game?

4. What were the early video games like?

5. In which decade did arcade games become popular?

6. Why did arcade games become less popular?

7. Give examples of video games that are back in fashion.

8. What do you think is the future of video games?

9. Which is your favourite video game? Why?

10. What did you like about the BTN story?

Check out the History of Video Games resource on the Teachers page

©ABC 2017

Teacher Resource

Eastern Quolls

1. What was the main point of the BTN story?

2. When were eastern quolls last seen on mainland Australia?

3. Quolls are…

a. Monotremes

b. Marsupials

c. Amphibians

4. What are eastern quolls also known as?

5. Which introduced predators drove quolls to extinction on mainland Australia?

6. Which state are breeding quolls to move to NSW?

7. How many quolls will be released in the national park?

8. Why were quolls called the `farmers friend’?

9. How will the quolls be monitored?

10. What did you learn watching the BTN story?

Note Taking

Students take notes while watching the BTN story.

After watching the story, students reflect on and organise the

information into three categories.

What information about quolls was...?

• Positive

• Negative or

• Interesting

Class Discussion

Discuss the BTN Eastern Quoll story as a class. What questions were raised in the discussion (what are the

gaps in their knowledge)? The KWLH organiser provides students with a framework to explore their

knowledge on this topic and consider what they would like to know and learn.

What do I know? What do I want to know? What have I learnt? How will I find out?

Students will investigate a native

animal that is a threatened species.

Science – Year 4

Living things have life cycles.

Living things, including plants and

animals, depend on each other and

the environment to survive.

Science – Year 5

Living things have structural features

and adaptations that help them to

survive in their environment.

Science – Year 6

The growth and survival of living

things are affected by the physical

conditions of their environment

©ABC 2017

Key Words

Students will develop a glossary of words and terms that relate to threatened species. Below are some

words to get them started. Students will add words and meanings to their glossary as they come across

unfamiliar words throughout their research. Students may want to consider using pictures and diagrams to

illustrate meanings.

Species Habitat Ecosystem Extinct

Critically Endangered Endangered Vulnerable Fauna

Students watch the following videos to learn more about the threats faced by quoll species.

ABC Splash SOS! Quoll Rescue BTN Quoll story

Students will investigate a native animal that is a threatened

species and create a profile of them. Ask students what they

know about threatened species. Can they name any?

Using the Australian Government’s list of threatened fauna

students choose a threatened Australian species to

research. They record their information on the Research

Project: Threatened Species template.

Students will research the following for their project:

• Name

• Appearance

• Habitat

• Conservation status

• Threats

• What is being done to save the species?

Students can share their research findings with the class or

create a display in the classroom.

©ABC 2017

Information report

Students will create an information report about Eastern Quolls. The following may help guide students’

research:

• Description of an Eastern Quoll

• Diet, habitat

• The life cycle of an Eastern Quoll

• Conservation status

• Threats

• Interesting facts about Eastern Quolls

Structure and features of an information report

Information reports are factual texts written to inform and provide detailed facts about a topic. Discuss with

students what they already know about the purpose, structure and features of an information report. Use the

following as a guide to use with students.

• Purpose – an information report provides information to the reader by stating facts.

• Structure – see table below.

• Language features – write in the present tense, use technical or scientific words and write in the

third person.

Students can then use the following plan to help write their report. They can present their reports using publishing software or as a brochure.

Information report – structure

Title States a topic

Introduction The opening statement explains the subject of the

report, and includes a definition or short description.

Body Facts grouped into paragraphs. Starts with a topic

sentence. Include subject specific language.

Text features such as sub-headings, labelled

diagrams, charts and captioned photographs may be

included.

Conclusion A summary of what the topic is about and end with an

interesting fact.

©ABC 2017

Create a Quiz

Use Kahoot! to test students’ knowledge about

Eastern Quolls. Quizzes can be created to recap

learning or test personal knowledge. There is also

the option to connect with classrooms around the

world and play kahoot in real time.

BTN – Quoll

http://www.abc.net.au/btn/story/s3517667.htm

BTN – Quoll Return

http://www.abc.net.au/btn/story/s3997737.htm

ABC News – Eastern quolls will soon be reintroduced to Australian mainland after being wiped out by foxes

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-16/rewilding-australia-eastern-quoll-to-booderee-park-nsw/9049306

Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania – Eastern Quoll

http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/?base=4774

ABC Splash – SOS! Quoll rescue

http://splash.abc.net.au/home#!/media/29952/quoll-rescue

©ABC 2017

Teacher Resource

Video Games

1. When was the first video game created?

2. What was the game called?

3. Who invented the first video game?

4. What were the early video games like?

5. In which decade did arcade games become popular?

6. Why did arcade games become less popular?

7. Give examples of video games that are back in fashion.

8. What do you think is the future of video games?

9. Which is your favourite video game? Why?

10. What did you like about the BTN story?

Test your students

Before watching the BTN Video Games story, test your students by asking

this multiple-choice question:

“When do you think the

first video game was

created?” In the…

• 1950s

• 1970s

• 1990s

Reveal the answer to

your class, by watching

the BTN Video Games

story. Students will then

respond to one or more

of the following:

• What did you learn watching this story?

• What’s your favourite video game? Why?

• Leave a message on the BTN story page.

• Do you have a question about a game? Visit the ABC’s Spawn Point

to ask your question.

Episode 29

24th October 2017

Students will experiment with coding using simple online coding programs. Students will investigate the history of video games.

Digital Technologies – Years 5 & 6 Examine how whole numbers are used to represent all data in digital systems

Implement digital solutions as

simple visual programs involving

branching, iteration (repetition),

and user input

Digital Technologies – Years 7

& 8

Implement and modify programs

with user interfaces involving

branching, iteration and functions

in a general-purpose programming

language

Design and Technologies –

Years 5 & 6

Generate, develop and

communicate design ideas and

processes for audiences using

appropriate technical terms and

graphical representation

techniques

©ABC 2017

History of video games

Students will investigate the history of video

games from the 1950s to the 2010s, using the

following games to base their research.

• 1950s – Pong

• 1960s – Spacewar!

• 1970s – Space Invaders

• 1980s – Mario Bros

• 1990s – Ristar

• 2000s – Singstar

• 2010s – Minecraft

Students will download this timeline to learn more

about the history of video games and then

respond to one or more of the following questions:

• Who invented each of the video games

highlighted in the timeline?

• Make comparisons between the video

games in the timeline. How are they

similar or different?

• Who is involved in the making of a video

game? Make a list of the different roles

and their responsibilities.

Video Game Review

Choose a video game that you have played this year and

write your own video game review.

• What are the themes in the video game?

• What did you like or dislike about the video game?

Why?

• Would you recommend the video game to other kids

your age? Why or why not?

• Include an illustration with your review. It could be a

sketch of one of the characters from the game.

• Tip: Think about the audience you are trying to reach.

Use effective vocabulary and accurate and persuasive

language.

For a selection of games direct your students to the ABC Me Games page.

Visit the ABC’s Spawn Point for reviews on your favourite games.

©ABC 2017

Make your own game using Scratch

Visit ABC Splash for videos on how to make a

game using Scratch. Chapters include:

• Choosing a character and a

background

• Make your character move

• Catch a sprite and keep score

• How to end the game

• Resetting and testing your game

• Use your movement to control your

game

Alternatively, students can visit the Coding

Corner on the Spawn Point website, to learn

some coding tips and tricks in Scratch.

Further challenge

Consider entering your class in the Australia STEM Video Game Challenge, visit their website for more

information on how to enter.

Persuasive text

Students will develop a persuasive text based on the following statement: `Video games are good for kids’.

Students will conduct research to help develop their arguments. Encourage students to use a range of

sources. Students may want to read this article to find out what experts say about the good and bad effects

that video games have on kids – Why do adults think video games are bad? Provide students with the

following structure to follow when completing this activity.

Structure of a persuasive text Introduction

• What is the point you are trying to argue? Construct an introductory paragraph which states the issue or topic.

• Introduce the arguments that will be developed in the body of the text.

Body

• Construct arguments that support your point of view.

• Each paragraph starts with a topic sentence which introduces each point.

• The rest of the paragraph gives more reasons.

• Arguments can be ordered from strongest to weakest.

Conclusion

• Restate your position on the argument.

• Construct a concluding paragraph that provides a summary of your arguments and a call to action.

Tips for writing persuasive texts

• Who is your audience? For example, are you directing your argument at kids, teachers or politicians?

• Explore how language choices can have a big impact on persuading your audience.

• Which language devices give the report credibility and authority?

• Which are designed to create an emotional response in the listener?

• Provide facts and evidence to support your argument.

• Write in the present tense.

• Check your spelling and punctuation.

Use this Read Write Think persuasion map to plan your exposition text.

©ABC 2017

ABC Me – Spawn Point

http://www.abc.net.au/abc3/goodgamesp/

Scratch – Design your own game

https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/598125/

BTN – Game History

http://www.abc.net.au/btn/story/s2219573.htm

Code Club – Coding Projects

https://codeclubprojects.org/en-GB/

Australian STEM Video Game Challenge – Student Resources

https://www.stemgames.org.au/students/resources

©ABC 2017

BTN: Episode 29 Transcript 24/10/17

Hi, Amelia here. Welcome to BTN! Coming up today:

• We reveal a discovery that's out of this world.

• Meet some cute quolls about to embark on a comeback tour of mainland Australia.

• And we'll tell you how you can nominate your amazing teacher for our inaugural BTN Teacher awards!

We'll tell you more about that exciting competition soon.

Holden Closure

Reporter: Jack Evans

INTRO: But first the very last Australian-made car has rolled off the production line in South Australia. Last week the Holden car factory closed its doors for good. It's a sad time for workers and Holden fans and the end of an era for Aussie manufacturing. Take a look. HOLDEN AD: Australia what’s your favourite sport? FOOTBALL. Snack? PIES. Animal? KANGAROO. And what's your favourite car Australia? HOLDEN! Yep, there's no denying that over the years, Holden cars have become an Aussie icon. HOLDEN AD: We love football, meat pies, kangaroos and Holden cars. Football, meat pies- Holden was founded about 160 years ago, by this guy James Alexander Holden, hence the name. At first, they made saddles, yep, for horses! But Mr Holden realised that as a mode of transport, horses were about to be replaced by cars. So, Holden started making car upholstery and then car shells before joining up with the giant US company, General Motors. And, In 1948 Holden released its first fully Australian car. NEWSCASTER: And that’s how she looks, the car whose appearance and general design had an element of secrecy for so long. The Holden FX was the first Australian-designed car to go into mass production and it was pretty popular around the country. By 1958 40% of Aussie car owners were cruising around in a Holden. NEWSCASTER: The birth of this car is the birth of a great new industry. You see, for a young country like Australia being able to drive a car that was designed and made here was a pretty big deal at the time. It meant more jobs for Aussies and money for

©ABC 2017

the economy and it wasn't just Holden. Several other companies were making cars here like the really popular Ford Falcon. But times changed and cars changed. It became easier and cheaper to buy cars from overseas where factories often cost less to run. One by one, car companies closed their Australian factories. Last week the last Holden car to be manufactured in Australia rolled off the production line at the Elizabeth factory in SA. In fact, it was the last car to be made in Australia. MAN: It's very, very sad for me because of what Holden’s have meant to so many thousands of Australians over the years. But it's not just Holden fans finding it hard to say goodbye. INDIANA: My dad was a team leader for the engine line and he placed the engine into the car. Indiana and Cooper's family was just one of the hundreds affected by the factories closure and they say it's been a pretty tough week. INDIANA: It was kinda sad but its ok cause he'll have more free time and he can just take us to school and yeah.. COOPER: New Job. And it's not just the thousand workers who've lost their jobs. Many other people in the area where Indiana and Cooper live rely on Holden. Whether they're supplying the parts or working in shops, restaurants and schools used by workers and their families. The government says it'll help people affected to find new work. But some reckon Australia should have tried harder to keep its car manufacturing industry. Others say we'd be better off trying to support more innovative, modern businesses. In any case last week will be remembered as the end of an era when we said goodbye to an Aussie icon.

This Week in News

The Australian Government's announced a new plan for where Australia's electricity will come from in the future It's called the National Energy Guarantee and the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says it'll make energy cheaper and more reliable. But not everyone's a fan. Some reckon the plan doesn't do enough to support renewable energy sources like wind and solar. It still has to be approved by Parliament so it might be a while before we see any changes.

©ABC 2017

New Zealand has a new Prime Minister and she's the youngest woman to ever lead a country! Her name is Jacinda Ardern and she's 37. She's the head of the New Zealand Labour Party which has teamed up with the New Zealand First Party to form government. Ms Ardern says she wants to focus on wages, housing affordability and climate change.

Aussie scientists have helped come up with a way to stop apples going brown! Experts from the CSIRO say they can change the DNA of fruit and veggies to keep them looking fresh for longer which they hope will lead to less food waste! An American company is already using the technology to sell specially designed sliced apples that can keep their colour.

Neutron Stars Reporter: Ruby Cornish

INTRO: Now to some news from a little further away, actually a lot further away! Last week scientists announced they'd managed to spot two neutron stars colliding 130 million light years away thanks to the gravitational waves they sent out. So, why's that a big deal? And what's a neutron star, anyway? Let's find out! Long, long ago... RUBY: Like we're talking a really long time ago guys, like 130 million years ago. In a galaxy faaaar, far away. RUBY: Like really far away guys, like we're talking this many kilometres, which is a number I can't even say… sorry.. Two neutron stars were hatching a plan, knowing full well the results might be explosive. RUBY: I know that sounds like flowery language guys but it's not, they- Hey! I’m telling a story Neutron stars are stars that have reached the end of their lives and exploded in what's called a supernova. The core they leave behind, which is about the size of a small city, is called a neutron star. These stars are so dense that just a teaspoon of one would be 900 times heavier than the biggest pyramid on Earth! Because they're so dense, they have plenty of gravitational pull, and that's what's been dragging these stars toward each other over billions of years, and finally caused them to collide! SUSAN SCOTT, AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY: Astronomers have been wanting to look at the collision of two neutron stars for decades, but have never been able to find one in sufficient time to look at it.

©ABC 2017

So how did they track down something in a galaxy so far, far away? The clue was gravitational waves. You see, gravity travels in waves, just like light and sound. Albert Einstein predicted their existence more than a hundred years ago, but he was only proven right last year, thanks to machines in the US and Italy built to detect gravity waves. DAVID REITZE, PHYSICIST: Ladies and gentlemen, we have detected gravitational waves. We did it! In fact, the scientists who built them have been awarded a Nobel Peace Prize! Once the initial discovery was made, astronomers from all over the world, including Australia, teamed up to track down where the explosion was coming from. DAVID REITZE, PHYSICIST: We have, for the first time, seen both gravitational waves and light, from the collision of two dense dead stars called neutron stars. And they'll keep their eyes glued to their telescopes, to see what happens in the aftermath of a neutron star collision. Scientists are calling this a "game changer" because it's given us heaps of new information about how the universe works. It confirms another one of Einstein's theories that the speed of gravity is the same as the speed of light. Scientists also reckon they now have proof that some rare elements on earth - like gold - came from exploding neutron stars. DAVID REITZE, PHYSICIST: This is my great-grandfathers gold watch, it’s about 100 years old. The gold in this watch was very likely produced in the collision of two neutron stars. Wow, I guess that means there's a whole lot more gold out there now. RUBY: So, if you know a way to get me and my wheelbarrow 130 million light years through the galaxy and back today. Get in touch!

Ask a Reporter

Have you got a question about neutron stars or gravitational waves? Ask me live on Friday during Ask A Reporter! Head to our website for all the details.

Quiz

Now to a quick quiz. What travels faster - sound or light? The answer is light. In fact, nothing can travel faster than the speed of light!

Relocating Eastern Quolls

©ABC 2017

Reporter: Oscar Coleman

INTRO: Now, have you ever seen an Eastern Quoll? If you have you're pretty lucky! While the cute little marsupials are common in Tassie, they've been extinct in the wild for more than 50 years on mainland Australia. But now, they're set to make a comeback! OSCAR: Have you seen this quoll? OSCAR: Have you seen this quoll? RUBY: What kind of quoll? OSCAR: I'm looking for an eastern quoll. RUBY: Mate, there are no eastern quolls around here! OSCAR: What? Actually, she was right! These guys haven't been seen anywhere on mainland Australia since 1963. Back then, my mum wasn't even born yet, and Sydney looked like this. For those of you who've never seen a quoll - and that might be a lot of you - they're an Aussie meat-eating marsupial about the size of a cat. In fact, they're also known as the eastern native cat. And there was a time when they could be found all over the place - across the eastern coast of SA, through most of Victoria and along the Central Coast of New South Wales. But quolls had enemies. Introduced predators like foxes and cats hunted quolls and drove them to extinction in mainland Australia. Luckily for quolls - and fans of quolls - there was a place where they survived. Here in Tasmania, there are no feral foxes and there are lots of quolls! And now, for the first time in more than 50 years, conservationists are bringing them back to the mainland. They're taking quolls - that've been bred at a sanctuary for endangered species - on a big journey across Bass Strait. Over the next three years, 100 of the little guys will be moved to New South Wales. They'll be released in Booderee National Park, Jervis Bay. WADE ANTHONY, TASMANIAN QUOLL CONSERVATION PROGRAM: To be able to reintroduce the species back into its former home range is something- I think its very important. It might be the first step in a number of different species or a number of different sites for the eastern quolls. SHANE (CHICKO) STURGEON, BOODEREE NATIONAL PARK: In a community sense, it's a big thing. And not only that, just seeing these animals in your hands when you release them, it's an overwhelming experience to just meet new species and it's one of those things you just can't wait for it to happen, I suppose.

©ABC 2017

These guys say bringing back quolls could actually really help the environment. ROB BREWSTER, REWILDING AUSTRALIA: It is one of Australia's most beautiful animals, it performs a real significant role in our ecosystems, so yeah, we've absolutely got to try and bring it back. Farmers used to love them. They used to call them the farmers' friend. They eat pasture grubs. They eat pests, mice, rats. They’re a really fantastic animal to have around. Foxes are controlled in the National Park, so it's hoped the quolls will be safe from any predators. But researchers will still be keeping an eye on them. The critters will be kitted out with GPS trackers and monitored by high-tech cameras. WWF-Australia is also asking people to suggest names for the new arrivals. Because it's only polite to call a new neighbour by name - how about Oscar Quoll-man? Quolly McQuollface? Hmm, might have to work on that. It'll be a while before these guys have settled in - and researchers know whether the move's been a success - but hopefully these little natives are set for a big comeback.

Quiz

Okay time for an animal quiz now. Which of these Aussie creatures is NOT a marsupial?

The Tasmanian devil

The platypus

Or the kangaroo The answer is the platypus. It's actually a monotreme which is a mammal that lays eggs!

Teaching Changes

Reporter: Jack Evans

INTRO: Now, here at BTN we think teaching is one of the most important jobs out there. So, to finish the year we wanted to do something to celebrate all of the amazing work teachers do each and every year. That's why we're introducing the very first BTN Teacher Awards! Soon, we'll give you all the details about how you can nominate your teacher. But first, we're going to find out a little more about what this job really involves and how it's changed over the years. MR JESSETT: Good morning Everyone. CLASS: Good morning Mr Jessett.

©ABC 2017

Meet Mr Jessett. He's a teacher so I can't reveal his first name. MR JESSETT: It's Matt. What? MR JESSETT: My first name is Matt. I don't mind if you use it. Oh, ok. Well Matt or Mr Jessett to his students has been a teacher for 7 years. MR JESSETT: So today’s lesson’s gonna be about computational thinking so in the middle- MR JESSETT: I wanted to be a teacher because I wanted to have a career that was very sociable. I wanted to have a career which makes a difference in children’s lives. Teaching has always been one of the most important jobs around but it’s a role that has changed quite a bit over the years. TEACHER: Any questions? Nick, you had one! For starters, early Aussie school were all run by the church. it wasn't until 1849 that first public school was opened and back then teachers were a lot stricter. Every morning they would check student’s nails, hair and teeth to make sure they were clean and teachers were allowed to use a cane to hit children who were playing up. TEACHER: -Strokes of the cane! Classrooms looked pretty different as well. There were no computers and pens looked like this you had to dip them into ink wells to write. There were also lessons on how to keep your back straight and boys and girls had different subjects they had to study, home economics for the girls and wood and metal work for the boys. And, up until the 1940's most kids left school when they were 14. NEWSCASTER: The engineering problem they’re solving would take an experienced- But over the years schools changed and so did the way teachers taught. Today there are all sorts of classrooms and teachers. Some schools are bi-lingual which means lessons are taught in two different languages and some lessons can take place without a teacher having to be in the same room. TEACHER: Over to Max. MAX: Would animal be one? TEACHER: Yup, an animal, that’s correct. Teachers are now educated at university and they work hard to find the best way to help kids to learn.

©ABC 2017

MR JESSETT: These days its more common for children to negotiate with you about what they want to work in what they're interests are and what they would like to do. MR JESSETT: What does move it forward mean? And Mr Jessett’s class reckon he's doing a pretty good job. KID 1: Well he likes to engage us in our learning, makes it fun and does most activities in groups which allows us to collaborate and have fun while we're learning. KID 2: Previously, with other teachers, I haven't liked Maths a lot because I'm not very good at it but with Mr Jessett, he's really helped me and he makes maths really fun and easy to understand. KID 3: He's fun, he's kind,. he can teach you things while not making it feel like really hard sit down work. MR JESSETT: -You possibly could, do you know what the best thing to do could be? Is to try it.

Teacher Awards

Now guys, you might want to tell your teacher to leave the room because we just want to talk to you for a second. Do you reckon your teacher is pretty awesome? Do they go above and beyond to make learning fun? If so, we want to hear from you! We're launching a new national competition to find Australia's most special teacher. All it takes to nominate yours is a short video telling (and showing!) us why you think they're the best. Our special guest judges; Federal Education Minister Simon Birmingham, superstar maths teacher and star of WooTube, Eddie Woo and the head of ABC Education Annabel Astbury, will decide the national winner. That lucky teacher will receive a special trophy and prize pack from the ABC Shop. For more info on how you can nominate your teacher, just head to our website.

Sport

The Aussie women’s cricket team has taken an early lead in the ashes series after claiming a two wicket win over England in the first match in Brisbane.

©ABC 2017

The visitors ended their innings on 9 for 228 but Australia won the day reaching the target in the final over. Alex Blackwell was named player of the match after finishing on 67.

The Wallabies have ended their seven-game losing streak against the All Blacks. Over the weekend the Aussies defeated New Zealand 23 -18 in Brisbane claiming their first win against the kiwis since 2015. The match was also a chance for the Wallabies to show off their Indigenous Jerseys which they will continue to wear in future games.

Aussie Ben Simmons has made his official NBA debut with the Philadelphia 76ers. He's the guy people are comparing to LeBron James and Magic Johnson and last week he made his mark when his team took on the Washington Wizards. While Philadelphia was defeated by 5 points, Simmons played a great game and scored 18 points.

And here's a race worth wait-ing for. Get it! It's the annual waiters race in Buenos Aires in Argentina. Hundreds of competitors had to try to walk as fast as possible without losing control of their drink trays. The race went on for about one and a half kays and the prize for the winner was a thousand bucks which is quite a tip!

BTN Investigates – History of Video Games

Reporter: Ruby Cornish

INTRO: Hi BTN, this is Mini here. I’ve got a question. What was the first ever video game, who created it and why? RUBY: Hey dude, mind if I change the channel? NIC: What? Uh.. Yeah, Yeah, I'm in the middle of a game right now RUBY: But I really wanna try out my new time-warp controller. NIC: Wai- Wait a second, your what? RUBY: My new time-warp controller. Apparently, it lets you time travel through video games. I got it for two bucks from the op shop.

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NIC: Yeah… I’m sure it does. RUBY: I’ll show you. So, you're playing some car racing game from this year, but if we take it back to say, 2000, you get something like this. NIC: Ah, old school. RUBY: You think that's old school? Let’s go back to 1995. NIC: Oh yuck. Am I, the grey pixel or green pixel? RUBY: What about the 1980s when the first handheld device was invented! NIC: Oh, I remember having one of these! RUBY: alright, enough of this high-tech business. Let's go back to the first ever video game. That's going to take a bit of detective work. To find out about the early days, I had a chat to Simon Wisbey. RUBY: G’day, I’m Ruby. SIMON: Hi Ruby, I’m Simon. He's a video game expert who's been in the business a long time. SIMON: Come through and I’ll show you some games! RUBY: Yeah, cool, let’s do it RUBY: So, Simon, what were early video games like? SIMON: Really simple Ruby. They were just black and white, very simplistic, minimum sound. Do you recognise this game? You might know it as naughts and crosses, but the original version from 1952 was called OXO. An English computer scientist named Alexander Douglas invented it as part of a university project showing how people and computers could interact. In 1958, this slightly more complicated game, Tennis For Two was released. As you can see, still not the most exciting graphics. But in the 1980s, it was made famous, when it became an arcade video game. It's still one of the most popular of all time. RUBY: So how is it that video games made it onto the arcade scene? SIMON: Well that’s really interesting Ruby, we saw that sorta start happening in the early 80s, where all the fish and chip shops and all the little takeaway stores, chicken shops used to have a pinball and an arcade game. Then they started making dedicated arcades, and that's where you saw arcades just wall-to-wall full of video games, pinball machines, driving simulators. It was huge!

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But like all good things, that came to an end. As games came out that you could play at home on the couch, fewer people felt the need to visit arcades. But that doesn't mean it's game over for all these machines! Simon says they're back in fashion. RUBY: Okay I have one more question. Can we play a game? SIMON: Absolutely. You pick it. NICK: Aw man, another tie, that was so close. This game is so underrated!

Closer

And that's it for today but there's always more to see and do on our website including our BTN Teacher Awards nomination page! Thanks for joining us and we'll see you next week!