A standalone but thought-provoking and inclusive lesson designed for pupils across the primary age range or those at an equivalent level. In this quick and engaging lesson, we delve into the festive season and explore the question: “Is Christmas for everyone, or just Christians?”
At the beginning of the session the idea of secularism vs religion is introduced and explore through the comparison of buildings, before moving onto Christmas traditions.
This resource aims to foster understanding and appreciation for the diversity of Christmas celebrations, encouraging pupils to reflect on the secular and religious aspects of Christmas, before organising them into the correct places.
Hopefully by the end of the lesson pupils will have a better understanding and tolerance for peers, or others, who celebrate Christmas in a different way to them, or for celebrating for different reasons.
A quick, easy, standalone lesson for pupils in key stage one, or working at an equivalent level.
Resources includes a power point and worksheet.
The power point explains different habitats (savannah, arctic, rainforest and desert) before going on to explain the main activity and gives opportunities to discuss pupils answers. The power point also introduces a second activity which could be used for more able pupils.
The main activity asks pupils to sort animals into different habitats.
The second activity presents pupils with “alien” or fake animals and they must think about the features of the animals before again placing them in differing habitats. This allows for great discussion around adaptation and suitability for different habitats.
A quick, easy, standalone lesson for pupils in EYFS, key stage one, or working at an equivalent level.
Resources includes a power point and worksheet.
The power point goes through some toys which sink and float, giving opportunities for teacher talk around why thinks float and how to make predictions. The power point also introduces both the first and second activities.
The first activity asks pupils to make predictions based on what will or won’t float.
The second activity asks pupils to put items in water and record which float and which sink, using a visual recording method (cut and stick) to make it EYFS / KS1 / LA / SEN friendly
A quick, easy, standalone lesson for pupils in key stage one, lower key stage two or working at an equivalent level.
Resources includes a power point and worksheet.
The power point explains different diets (carnivore, herbivore and omnivore) before going on to explain the main activity and gives opportunities to discuss pupils answers. The power point also introduces a second activity which should be used to discuss food chains and introduces more vocabulary (producer, prey, predator)
The main activity asks pupils to sort animals by their diets.
The second activity presents pupils with a range of animals and asks them to sort them into food chains, matching them with the relevant habitat.
Originally made for a year 4 class, this has successfully been used across Key Stage 2.
Embark on a thrilling expedition into the realm of ancient Egypt with Lesson 3 - “How Do We Know About Ancient Egypt?” from our comprehensive exploration pack. In this captivating lesson, students will explore a variety of engaging activities, including analyzing pictures of artifacts, investigating primary and secondary sources, and delving into the fascinating world of hieroglyphics, enabling them to uncover the secrets of ancient Egypt.
Key Features of Lesson 3 - Decoding Ancient Secrets:
Exploring Artifacts: Immerse students in the world of ancient Egypt as they analyze pictures of artifacts, deciphering their significance and gaining insights into the lives of ancient Egyptians.
Primary and Secondary Sources: Introduce students to the concept of primary and secondary sources, enabling them to understand how historians and archaeologists piece together knowledge about ancient Egypt.
Hieroglyphics Decoding: Dive into the intriguing world of hieroglyphics as students learn about the ancient Egyptian writing system, its symbols, and their meanings. Students will have the exciting opportunity to read and translate hieroglyphic messages.
Cultivating Historical Literacy: Foster historical literacy skills as students evaluate and analyze various sources, enhancing their ability to critically assess historical information and draw informed conclusions.
By immersing students in the mysteries of ancient Egypt through analyzing artifacts, exploring primary and secondary sources, and decoding hieroglyphics, “The Ancient Egypt Exploration Pack: Lesson 3 - Decoding Ancient Secrets” offers an engaging and comprehensive learning experience. Students will develop a deeper appreciation for the methods used to unravel the history of ancient Egypt while honing their analytical and language translation skills.
Bring the wonders of ancient Egypt to life in your classroom and inspire a passion for historical exploration with this captivating lesson.
This lesson has been used to facilitate thought provoking debate with pupils across Key Stage 2.
Embark on a captivating journey to uncover the significance of finding Cleopatra with Lesson 6 from our comprehensive exploration pack. In this thought-provoking lesson, students will explore how our perception of history can evolve and critically examine various aspects of Cleopatra’s life. They will delve into questions surrounding her ethnicity, beauty, and cause of death, investigating archaeological evidence to form their own beliefs.
Key Features of Lesson 6 - Unveiling Cleopatra’s Significance:
Evolving Perceptions of History: Students will begin by exploring the dynamic nature of historical narratives, understanding how our understanding of historical figures like Cleopatra can change over time. They will learn about the influence of cultural biases and the importance of critically analysing historical accounts.
Critical Examination of Cleopatra’s Life: Engage students in a critical analysis of different aspects of Cleopatra’s life, including discussions about her ethnicity, beauty, and cause of death. By evaluating archaeological evidence and historical sources, students will develop their own informed opinions.
Evidence-Based Decision Making: Empower students to make evidence-based decisions by analysing the information presented. Through guided discussions and activities, they will evaluate different theories and perspectives and draw their own conclusions about Cleopatra’s identity, beauty, and cause of death.
By examining the changing perception of history, critically analysing aspects of Cleopatra’s life, and investigating archaeological evidence, “Ancient Egypt: Lesson 6 - Why would finding Cleopatra be so significant?” offers an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of one of history’s most intriguing figures.
This lesson empowers students to challenge preconceptions, think critically, and form their own beliefs based on the available evidence. It encourages a deeper appreciation for the complexities of historical interpretation and the significance of finding Cleopatra as a key figure in understanding ancient Egypt.
Used with success across Key Stage 2.
Engage in a powerful culminating activity with the final lesson - “Should Europeans Display Mummies in Museums or Should They Be Sent Back to Egypt?” from our comprehensive exploration pack. In this thought-provoking lesson, students will have the opportunity to revisit the initial question posed at the start of the unit and reflect critically on the ethical dilemma. By providing a safe and judgment-free environment, students can freely express their thoughts and opinions, showcasing their learning and critical thinking skills developed throughout the unit.
Key Features of the Final Lesson - Critical Reflection on Mummy Display:
Reflecting on the Unit of Work: Encourage students to reflect on their journey throughout the unit, revisiting the knowledge, insights, and perspectives they have gained. This reflection sets the stage for them to critically analyze the ethical question.
Writing Critically: Create a supportive environment where students feel encouraged to write in a critical and thoughtful manner. Emphasise that there are no right or wrong answers to the ethical question, allowing students the freedom to express their opinions without fear of judgment.
Analysing Multiple Perspectives: Encourage students to consider and incorporate multiple perspectives into their writing. Students should engage with arguments for and against displaying mummies in museums or repatriating them to Egypt, demonstrating their ability to think critically and evaluate diverse viewpoints.
Applying Ethical Frameworks: Guide students in applying ethical frameworks, such as cultural preservation, respect for cultural heritage, and the rights of descendant communities, to their analysis and arguments. This allows them to consider the broader ethical implications and impacts of the decision.
Synthesizing Learning: Challenge students to synthesize their learning from the unit, drawing upon the knowledge, evidence, and critical thinking skills they have acquired. Encourage them to support their arguments with examples, evidence, and logical reasoning.
Celebrating Diverse Perspectives: Foster an atmosphere of respect and appreciation for diverse perspectives. Encourage students to engage in constructive discussion and consider counterarguments, demonstrating empathy and an understanding of the complexity of the issue.
Celebrate the diversity of opinions and encourage students to express their thoughts confidently, knowing that their perspectives are valued and respected. This final lesson serves as a culmination of their learning journey, demonstrating their ability to analyse complex ethical dilemmas with nuance and thoughtfulness.
Originally designed for a Year 4 group, this has been a successful unit across Key Stage 2.
Embark on a captivating educational journey with our first lesson in the thought-provoking seven-lesson sequence, delving into the compelling question: “Should the mummies be sent back to Egypt?” Designed to engage and challenge young minds, this initial lesson sets the foundation by providing an insightful overview of Ancient Egypt while assessing students’ existing knowledge.
Immerse your students in the fascinating world of Ancient Egypt as they unravel its mysteries and contemplate the ethical question at hand. This comprehensive lesson offers a well-structured powerpoint to guide both teachers and students through an enriching learning experience.
Key Features of Lesson 1 - “What do I already know?”:
Overview of Ancient Egypt: Students will explore the captivating history, culture, and significance of Ancient Egypt, gaining a deeper understanding of its civilization.
Knowledge Assessment: Engaging assessment activities will gauge students’ prior knowledge, enabling teachers to tailor subsequent lessons to meet the unique needs of their learners.
Critical Thinking: Students will be encouraged to think critically and reflect upon the complexities surrounding the big question: “Should the mummies be sent back to Egypt?”
Interactive Learning: Engage students through a variety of interactive activities, discussions, and multimedia resources that bring the topic to life.
Supporting Resources: supplementary materials, including Big Question for pupil’s books, template for a sider diagram and an exit ticket.
Prepare your students for an exciting and intellectually stimulating exploration of Ancient Egypt’s rich history, ethical considerations, and the debate surrounding repatriation.
Originally made for Year 4 - this resource has been successful across Key Stage 2
Continue your enthralling journey through Ancient Egypt with Lesson 2 - “How, Why, and Who Got Mummified?” from our comprehensive exploration pack. In this captivating lesson, students will delve into the captivating world of mummification, engaging in three mini activities, an exit ticket, and even getting the unique opportunity to mummify an apple.
Key Features of Lesson 2 - Unveiling Mummification:
In-depth Exploration: Students will embark on an in-depth exploration of the intriguing mummification process, unraveling its significance, methods, and rituals.
Three Mini Activities: Engage students’ curiosity and reinforce their understanding through three mini activities that provide opportunities to explore the three parts of the question.
Exit Ticket: Assess students’ comprehension and gauge their learning progress with an exit ticket, allowing you to measure their understanding and tailor future lessons accordingly.
Apple Mummification: Bring history to life with a unique and memorable hands-on activity where students will have the extraordinary opportunity to mummify an apple, replicating the ancient rituals and techniques.
Critical Thinking and Discussion: Encourage critical thinking and lively discussions as students contemplate the reasons behind mummification and the individuals who underwent this intricate process.
With “Ancient Egypt - How, Why and Who got Mummified? (Lesson 2),” students will not only gain a comprehensive understanding of the mummification process but also develop essential critical thinking and practical skills. Spark their curiosity and captivate their imaginations as they uncover the ancient secrets of mummification through hands-on activities, discussions, and engaging learning materials.
Take your students on an extraordinary journey through the mysteries of Ancient Egypt with this captivating exploration pack, ensuring an immersive and enriching experience that brings history to life.
Suitable for debate across Key Stage 2.
Engage in a thought-provoking exploration of archeology and ethics with Lesson 5 - “Howard Carter: Hero or Villain?” from our comprehensive exploration pack. In this captivating lesson, students will delve into the complex persona of Howard Carter, the renowned archaeologist who discovered Tutankhamun’s tomb. They will critically analyse the ethical considerations surrounding Carter’s actions and ultimately determine whether he was a heroic figure or a controversial character.
Key Features of Lesson 5 - Howard Carter: Unraveling the Ethical Dilemma:
Investigating Howard Carter: Students will embark on a journey to uncover the life and achievements of Howard Carter, exploring his contributions to Egyptology and the controversies that surround his work.
Ethical Discussions: Foster critical thinking and ethical reasoning as students engage in lively discussions and debates surrounding the actions and choices made by Carter. They will explore the ethical considerations inherent in archeology and evaluate the impact of his discoveries on ancient Egyptian heritage.
Defining Heroism: Facilitate a deeper exploration of heroism by encouraging students to think about the positive and negative impacts on other people’s lives caused by Carter and his team. They will apply these criteria to assess Carter’s actions and determine whether he meets the criteria of a hero or a villain.
Reflection and Decision-making: Empower students to form their own opinions through reflective activities and decision-making exercises, considering the different viewpoints and evidence presented. They will articulate their stance on whether Carter should be regarded as a hero or a villain.
By engaging in ethical discussions and critically evaluating the actions of Howard Carter, students can think deeply about the intersection of archeology, ethics, and cultural heritage.
This captivating lesson sparks curiosity, cultivates ethical reasoning, and encourages students to form their own opinions based on evidence and critical analysis. It fosters a deeper appreciation for the complexities inherent in the field of archeology and encourages students to consider the broader implications of preserving cultural heritage.
Originally made for a year 4 group, this has successfully been utilised across year 4, covering history and geography themes.
Dive into the captivating influence of the Nile River on Egyptian culture with Lesson 4 - “How Was Egyptian Culture Influenced by the Nile?” from our comprehensive exploration pack. In this immersive lesson, students will actively participate in discussions centered around the topic of “the gifts of the Nile.” They will engage in activities, such as completing missing word problems and exploring comprehension questions, to deepen their understanding of the Nile’s profound impact on ancient Egyptian civilization.
Key Features of Lesson 4 - The Nile’s Influence on Egyptian Culture:
Group Discussions: Foster a collaborative learning environment as students participate in engaging discussions focused on the “gifts of the Nile.” They will explore how the river shaped various aspects of Egyptian culture, including agriculture, transportation, and trade.
Missing Word Problems: Challenge students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills through interactive missing word problems related to the Nile’s influence on Egyptian culture. This activity encourages students to consider the significance of the river in different contexts.
Comprehension Questions: Encourage comprehension and reflection as students respond to thought-provoking questions related to the Nile’s impact on ancient Egyptian civilization. This allows for deeper understanding and analysis of the topic.
By exploring the multifaceted influence of the Nile River on Egyptian culture through group discussions, missing word problems, and comprehension questions, “The Ancient Egypt Exploration Pack: Lesson 4 - The Nile’s Influence on Egyptian Culture” provides a dynamic and immersive learning experience. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how the Nile shaped the civilization, fostering critical thinking, and cultural appreciation.
Immerse your students in the wonders of ancient Egypt as they uncover the rich connections between the Nile and Egyptian culture. This captivating lesson ignites curiosity and cultivates a deeper appreciation for the intricate relationship between geography and civilization.
Seven Lessons for the price of four! This bundle contains 7 lessons each easily modified or amended to meet the needs of your own KS2 class.
Embark on an exciting and comprehensive exploration of Ancient Egypt with our carefully curated Ancient Egypt Exploration Pack. This pack consists of seven engaging lessons, each designed to captivate students’ curiosity, foster critical thinking, and deepen their understanding of this fascinating civilization.
Lesson 1 - What do I already know?: In this introductory lesson, students will immerse themselves in the wonders of Ancient Egypt. They will gain a broad understanding of its history, geography, and cultural significance. Through interactive activities, they will assess their prior knowledge and set the stage for their exploration.
Lesson 2 - How, Why, and Who Got Mummified?: Dive into the intriguing world of mummification with this lesson. Students will explore the mummification process, discover its cultural and religious significance, and even participate in hands-on activities, such as mummifying an apple. They will engage in discussions, critical thinking exercises, and an exit ticket to solidify their understanding.
Lesson 3 - How Do We Know About Ancient Egypt?: Uncover the secrets of deciphering the past with this lesson. Students will examine primary and secondary sources, including artifacts and hieroglyphics, to understand how we piece together the puzzle of Ancient Egypt’s history. They will engage in picture analysis, translation exercises, and discussions on the reliability of sources.
Lesson 4 - How was Egyptian Culture influenced by the Nile?: Explore the profound influence of the Nile River on Egyptian culture and civilization. Through interactive discussions, missing word problems, and comprehension questions, students will understand how the Nile shaped the daily lives, agriculture, and economy of the ancient Egyptians. They will appreciate the gifts of the Nile and the interdependence between the river and the people.
Lesson 5 - Howard Carter: Hero or Villain?: In this thought-provoking lesson, students will delve into the life of Howard Carter, the famed archaeologist who discovered Tutankhamun’s tomb. They will critically analyze the ethics of archeology, exploring the impact of Carter’s work and ultimately deciding whether he should be considered a hero or a villain. Students will engage in discussions, reflection activities, and ethical decision-making exercises.
Lesson 6 - Why would finding Cleopatra be so significant?: Journey into the enigmatic world of Cleopatra with this lesson. Students will critically examine aspects of Cleopatra’s life, such as her ethnicity, beauty, and cause of death. By investigating archaeological evidence, primary sources, and historical interpretations, students will form their own informed opinions about Cleopatra’s significance. Engaging discussions, evidence analysis, and critical thinking exercises will challenge their preconceptions and deepen their understanding.
Lesson 7 - Should the mummies go back to Egypt?: Conclude the exploration pack with a thought-provoking lesson on the ethical dilemmas surrounding the display of mummies in museums. Students will critically evaluate arguments for and against displaying mummies or repatriating them to Egypt. Through respectful discussions, reflective writing, and critical analysis, students will develop a nuanced understanding of the complex ethical considerations involved.
Each lesson in this scheme has been meticulously crafted to engage students in interactive and thought-provoking activities. By fostering critical thinking, cultural sensitivity, and historical analysis, this pack provides a comprehensive and immersive experience that deepens students’ understanding of the wonders and mysteries of Ancient Egypt.
Enhance your teaching materials with this comprehensive pack of ten original texts, accompanied by fifteen thought-provoking questions, carefully designed to align with the VIPER strands. These texts have been specifically crafted to foster ambitious vocabulary, stimulating discussions, and deep learning experiences.
Originally created to support a high-ability group comprising mixed Year 5 and Year 6 students, these texts have the potential to be differentiated and utilized across different age groups. However, due to the vocabulary complexity, textual intricacy, and question depth, they are most suitable for KS2 or KS3 learners.
This meticulously curated pack includes a diverse range of genres to captivate students’ interest and expand their literary horizons:
Short Story - “Garry’s Glasses”
Recipe - “Chicken and Prawn Stir Fry”
Poem - “The Cockerel, The Cow and The Bear”
Report - “A Day Out at Birdoswald”
Biography - “Cleopatra: The Enigmatic Queen of Egypt”
Story - “Zephyr”
Non-Chronological Report - “Sea Turtles”
Diary Entry - “Breaktime Detention”
Newspaper - “Fearless Feline Rescued”
Poem - “Dinner”
Each text is individually taught, introducing a new text every week, allowing students to focus on and fully explore its unique qualities. The meticulously structured questions foster rich discussions, empowering students to comprehend and effectively respond to inquiries. Moreover, the accompanying example answers serve as valuable resources, enhancing students’ understanding and improving their reading and analytical skills.
Elevate your classroom experience with “Reading Comprehension - VIPER Pack 1” – a comprehensive resource that encourages critical thinking, vocabulary development, and an appreciation for diverse literary genres.
Quick View
