Census fun in Australian schools, Jul 2001

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Census fun in Australian schools


As school gets back into full swing, the next few weeks will see most Australian schools learning about the 2001 Census to be held Tuesday 7th August, 2001.

Many schools are asking their students to play computer games in the process.

The award-winning CD-ROM, A Tale of Two Worlds, produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has been sent to every school in Australia.

A Tale of Two Worlds shows students how the Census lets them participate in planning the future of Australia, their future.

Students are transported into a fictitious chaotic world - buses go nowhere, planes are landing on freeways, rubbish tips are next to restaurants and schools are full to bursting point. Students helps Eon and Rufus sort it all out and in the process learn about the value of having a census.

A Tale of Two Worlds underwent extensive testing with students and teachers in the development stages to ensure it was both entertaining and educational.

According to the ABS's National Education Services Unit, the CD-ROM's appeal for teachers is the extensive support material that includes lesson plans and worksheets developed by leading Australian educators in accordance with national and state curricula.

A sample of what's on offer, and additional activities for students and teachers, can be found at the census information website at www.abs.gov.au/census/schools.



FURTHER INFORMATION AND RESOURCES FOR THE MEDIA:

Photo opportunities of school students working with A Tale of Two Worlds can be arranged on request.


Education sector information: 1800 623 273 or (03) 9615 7041 or e-mail c.sergi@abs.gov.au.

Comprehensive file footage vision has been supplied to networks, extra copies are available on request. A CD ROM of high resolution census images is also available on request.

Visit
www.abs.gov.au/census/media for media releases and other media material: articles, fact sheets, images and story angles.

ABS census public affairs staff, both at the National Census Communications Unit in Canberra and in all States and Territories, will help wherever, whenever we can.


National media contacts:
State/territory media contacts:
Carolyn Verey
(02) 6252 5379; 0418 202 580

Katherine Lee
(02) 6252 5080; 0419 138 464

Melanie James
(02) 6252 7480; 0409 311 308

Dennis Godfrey
(02) 6252 6139; 0407 940 031
NSW - Olivia Greentree (02) 9268 4560; 0408 427 251

ACT
- Leanne Dickinson (02) 6207 0726; 0407 946 124

QLD
- Vivienne Johnson (07) 3222 6143; 0408 428 480

VIC
- Paul Taylor (03) 9615 7465; 0408 658 821

SA
- Tony Baccari (08) 8237 7417; 0408 424 853

NT
- Rebecca Whitfield (08) 8943 2144; 0428 681 594

TAS
- Nelli Noakes (03) 6222 5927; 0408 422 915

WA
- Simon Beaumont (08) 9360 5387; 0408 425 110