Hunt for gold in this crossword activity, inspired by Elaine Forrestal’s Goldfields Girl

Life looked a little different during the 1892 gold rush, especially when you compare it to life today! Using this comprehensive crossword and some of Clara’s experiences in the novel, students can expand their knowledge about the goldfields and the gold rush era.

After the crossword, why not try some of these other critical and creative thinking activities:

• Locate Fremantle, Southern Cross and Coolgardie on a map of Western Australia and chart Clara’s journey, then research aspects of European settlement in the Western Australian goldfields in the 1890s (such as medical care, transport and communication, and relationships with Indigenous peoples).
• Write a short story detailing a week in the life of either a prospector seeking gold, a young woman working in a hotel in Coolgardie, a doctor posted to Coolgardie or a policeman sent to maintain order in Coolgardie.
• What are some of the effects on the environment caused by mass migration to the goldfields during the 1890s (e.g. camels polluting freshwater sources).

You can download the activity sheet here and, for more teaching activities, download the free teaching notes here.