create a story which tells the tale of federation and includes the current states and territiories of australia and capital cities. include a bit about what democracy is and voting. Keep it simple

Australia 

A bright classroom with a whiteboard displaying 'Australia 1901' in bold letters. Steven stands at the front gesturing enthusiastically while teaching. Lucy and Harry sit at separate desks exchanging excited glances across the room. Colorful maps of Australia decorate the classroom walls.

"Class, we're starting a special project about Australia's history," announced Steven to his eager students. Lucy and Harry exchanged excited glances from across the classroom. "We'll learn how our country formed through Federation and how our democracy works," Steven continued, writing 'Australia 1901' on the whiteboard.

The Special Project

Steven points to a large historical map showing the six separate British colonies of Australia before 1901. Lucy sits in the front row with her hand raised, looking curious. The classroom walls display vintage photographs of colonial Australia and British flags.

"Before 1901, Australia wasn't one country but six separate British colonies," Steven explained. Lucy raised her hand and asked, "What were they called?" "New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania - each with their own governments and laws," replied Steven.

Before Federation

Harry proudly displays his colorful timeline showing the federation process. Lucy stands nearby reading from her research notes. The timeline shows important dates and meetings with small illustrations of colonial leaders. Other students gather around looking impressed.

Harry created a colorful timeline showing how the colonies decided to join together. "The leaders met several times to discuss becoming one nation," Lucy read from her research notes. "They wanted to improve trade, defense, and immigration policies by working together instead of separately," added Harry.

Coming Together

Steven shows the class a collection of sepia-toned photographs of Federation Day celebrations. Lucy carefully labels a large map of Australia on her desk. Harry stands at the front of the class presenting, pointing to an image of crowds celebrating in Sydney streets. A replica of the Australian flag hangs prominently in the classroom.

"On January 1st, 1901, the Commonwealth of Australia was born," Steven told the class while showing old photographs. Lucy carefully labeled each state on her map project. "The people celebrated in the streets of Sydney, which was where the first ceremony took place," Harry reported to his classmates.

The Commonwealth Forms

Steven stands beside a large wall map of Australia with state boundaries clearly marked. Lucy recites state capitals while pointing to locations on her own partially completed map. Harry sits nearby nodding as he completes his own map. The classroom is decorated with photos of famous landmarks from each state capital.

"Each state kept its own capital city," Steven explained as the children added to their maps. "Sydney for New South Wales, Melbourne for Victoria, Brisbane for Queensland," recited Lucy. "Perth for Western Australia, Adelaide for South Australia, and Hobart for Tasmania," Harry completed.

States and Their Capitals

Lucy carefully draws a star on her detailed map where Canberra is located. Harry stands at the whiteboard explaining to classmates about the capital city's origins. Steven watches approvingly from his desk. A poster showing Parliament House in Canberra is visible on the classroom wall.

"Australia also has territories - the Northern Territory with Darwin as its capital, and the Australian Capital Territory," Steven continued. Lucy drew a star on her map where Canberra is located. "Canberra was specially built as the nation's capital after Federation because Sydney and Melbourne couldn't agree which city should be the capital," Harry explained to the class.

Territories and Canberra

Steven gestures expressively while explaining democracy to the attentive class. Lucy sits with her chin resting on her hand, nodding thoughtfully. Harry raises his hand to contribute to the discussion. A poster showing people voting at polling booths hangs on the wall behind them.

"Democracy means people have a say in how the country is run," Steven explained during their next lesson. Lucy nodded thoughtfully and said, "So we choose our leaders by voting." "And everyone's vote counts equally, which makes it fair," added Harry.

What is Democracy?

Steven displays sample ballot papers to the class. Lucy stands at the front giving her presentation, pointing to a diagram of preferential voting. Harry conducts a mock election with a ballot box on his desk while classmates line up to cast their votes. Posters explaining the Australian electoral system decorate the walls.

Steven brought in sample ballot papers to show the class. "In Australia, all citizens over 18 must vote - it's compulsory," he explained. "We use a system called preferential voting where you number candidates in order of choice," Lucy told her classmates during her presentation. Harry demonstrated by holding a mini-election for class representative.

How Voting Works

Steven points to a simple pyramid diagram showing the three levels of Australian government. Lucy writes notes in her open notebook, her face concentrated. Harry adds labels to his own diagram showing responsibilities of each government level. The classroom whiteboard displays 'Federal, State, Local' in different colors.

"Australia has three levels of government working together," Steven explained with a simple diagram. "Federal government for the whole country, state governments for each state, and local councils for communities," Lucy summarized in her notebook. Harry added, "Each level makes different decisions, like federal for defense, states for schools, and local for parks."

Three Levels of Government

A classroom transformed for parents' night with colorful displays about Australia. Lucy stands beside her project board explaining to visiting parents. Harry proudly points to his detailed map showing all states united as one nation. Steven stands between them with a proud smile. Australian flags and symbols decorate the festive classroom.

The class prepared displays about modern Australia for parents' night. "Federation helped create the Australia we know today," Lucy explained to visitors viewing her work. Harry pointed to his map showing all states and territories united as one nation. "I'm proud of how you've both shown Australia's journey to becoming a democratic country," Steven told them with a smile.