The Looking Back series is designed to introduce primary school students to some of the important events that occurred in the development of Australia as a nation. It does not demand that students view history with preconceived ideas, but simply presents them with an overview of some key events and social movements, along with a wide variety of activities for each that will encourage thinking and learning about our past. It is hoped that in learning about our past, students will be better prepared to make a contribution to our future. No school text book can possibly contain all the topics associated with our history – for this reason, the books are planned to present brief, introductory studies of these topics that to students of each age group – upper, middle and lower primary – are the areas of study most meaningful and relevant to each particular group. The Looking Back series is an ideal aid to teachers faced with the often-difficult task of stimulating an interest in history in primary-aged students. The books will act as a versatile entry point into this important subject for primary students of any age.