Did you know that the State Library a holds a collection of historical board games that tell stories about people, places and events in South Australia’s history?
These board games provide opportunities for learners to develop empathy and explore perspectives through simulating events experienced by people in the past. Imagine emigrating from another country in search of gold and a better life or racing to the end of the Earth to discover the South Pole.
Key inquiry questions include:
The learning experiences are aligned with the Australian Curriculum for schools, with a particular emphasis on the learning area of HASS: History and Geography, and the general capabilities of literacy, and critical and creative thinking.
Effective Learning principles strongly underpin the learning design.
Elements of this resource have been co-designed in partnership with children to provide relevant learning experiences that effectively engage young learners.
Image: Antarctica: the race to the South Pole board game
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Antarctica: the Race to the South Pole
Antarctica - A4 (PDF 1.2MB)
Antarctica - A3 (PDF 2.3MB)
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Around the Commonwealth by Aeroplane
Around the Commonwealth - A4 (PDF 1.3MB)
Around the Commonwealth - A3 (PDF 2.2MB)
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The National Football Game
National Football Game - A4 (PDF 1.2MB)
National Football Game - A3 (PDF 2.0MB)
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Race to the Gold Diggings
Race to Gold Diggings - A4 (PDF 1.8MB)
Race to Gold Diggings - A3 (PDF 3.3MB)
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The Sir Ross Smith Aeroplane Race Game
Sir Ross Smith Aeroplane Race - A4 (PDF 1.2MB)
Sir Ross Smith Aeroplane Race - A3 (PDF 2.0MB)
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All digital resources are provided free by the State Library of South Australia and are available for download on the website
Online engagement supports school groups to engage in quality learning programs at a time when school groups are not permitted to visit onsite.
All resources have been developed by experienced educators in line with child safe policies and legislation
We value your feedback. Please assist us by completing the appropriate survey once you have used the Digital Resource:
Educator survey - DIGITAL RESOURCE
Visit the State Library of South Australia’s Digital Collections, to explore objects from the collection that explore stories aligned to each of the board games. They have been organised under various themed tabs, as outlined below. Each object has a catalogue record for more detailed information. Try the zoom tool to look more closely at the object.
Board Games | Where to find them at SLSA |
Antarctica: The Race to the South Pole | Located under Themes Tab – Exploring Antarctica |
The National Football Game | Located under Themes Tab – Sport |
Around the Commonwealth by Aeroplane | Located under Themes Tab – Federation |
Race to the Gold Diggings of Australia | Located under Themes Tab – Gold rush and Emigration |
The Sir Ross Smith Aeroplane Race Game | Located under Featured Collections Tab – Sir Ross and Sir Keith Smith, pioneer aviators |
What is the cost of using a Digital Resource?
All State Library Digital Resources are provided free of charge.
Any additional tools and materials to complement the experience are provided by the school.
General Information
Access Guides for each Digital Resource from the program page on the Library website
How do I use the Digital Resource?
We have provided a Guide for each of the Digital Resources which outlines curriculum links and learning processes and resources. These ideas can be adopted, adapted or used as a springboard to innovate and develop our own program.
What can I do if the videos don't work?
We recommend using browsers Chrome, Edge or Safari
How can I provide feedback?
We value your feedback and invite you to complete the short survey linked through the QR code on the Guide for your Digital Resource. This will enable us to further develop programs.
Is there someone I can speak to about the resources if I need assistance?
For any questions regarding the resources, please reach out to the Community Learning Team.