Was It Right to Open Tutankhamun's Tomb? | KS2 History, PSHE & English Debate Lesson
KS2 Ancient Egypt debate lesson exploring whether Tutankhamun’s tomb should have been opened. Includes PowerPoint, evidence sorting, extension and reflection.
Discover the past. Question the evidence. Make your judgement!
Was Howard Carter right to open Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922, or should the ancient burial site have remained undisturbed?
Bring historical enquiry, ethical reasoning and lively classroom debate together with this engaging KS2 History, PSHE and English lesson bundle from Miss Williams Makes – Where Learning Sparkles!
Through thought-provoking questions, historical evidence, colourful illustrations and practical activities, pupils investigate the arguments surrounding archaeological discoveries, cultural heritage, respect for the dead and the preservation of ancient artefacts.
Rather than simply learning what happened, pupils are encouraged to think like historians, consider different perspectives and reach their own informed judgements.
What’s included?
• 9-slide illustrated PowerPoint introducing the historical discovery, ethical questions and arguments for and against opening the tomb.
• Brain Spark! Starter – An engaging dilemma encouraging pupils to form an initial opinion, with suggested answers included.
• Key Vocabulary – Child-friendly explanations of ethics, excavation, heritage and perspective.
• Historical Evidence and Discussion – Explore the benefits of archaeological discoveries alongside concerns about religious beliefs, cultural ownership and damage to fragile artefacts.
• Weighing the Discovery Evidence – An illustrated evidence-sorting activity featuring eight statements representing different viewpoints.
• Evidence Balance Sheet – Pupils organise arguments for and against opening the tomb and explain their reasoning.
• Reaching a Judgement – A structured writing activity requiring pupils to use historical evidence to justify their opinion.
• Ranking the Evidence – Pupils evaluate which arguments are most convincing and explain why.
• The Museum Dilemma! – An extension activity exploring whether an Egyptian artefact should remain in a museum, be returned to Egypt or be replaced with a replica.
• Emerald Edit – Reflect. Refine. Shine. – A reflection activity encouraging pupils to reconsider their opinions, recognise alternative perspectives and improve their final judgements in green pen.



