In this lesson, students take the ideas and principles they are now familiar with and use these to design an ‘ideal state’ by considering such things as the ideal age for voting, the benefits and disadvantages of having a monarchy, and so on. Plenty of room here for group work and spirited debate!
Author: Russel Tarr
“Who Am I?” Challenge – The Origins of World War One
“Who Am I?” Challenge – The Origins of World War One Each team will be presented with a clue about a key historical figure. They get 50 points if they guess it correctly. If they wish to ‘pass’, they get further (easier) clues but the points available steadily decline. An incorrect guess at any point…
Spotify Jukebox for History Teachers
Here’s a new jukebox for History Teachers that I’ve created.
Markscheme and Guidance: The Extended Essay in History
Markscheme and Guidance: The Extended Essay in History – a new addition for IB History students.
Debate – Should the left/right wing computer simulation provide a ‘middle way’ option?
This extension task provides two points of view from different (real!) teachers. One of them argues that the computer simulation is too simplistic in its provision of only two possible options for each policy area (Left and Right). The other teacher argues that the simulation is actually an accurate (and even more flexible) representation of…
Crazy Victorian Inventions – a Quiz!
Using this worksheet, students are given this presentation of 10 wacky inventions. They have to match each depicted invention with one of four possibilities. They should then try designing their own suitably nutty invention which can be later used as ‘Horatio Ramsbottom’s’ invention in the newspaper report task that follows the computer simulation (see below).
Are you Left or Right Wing? – Computer Simulation
Computer Simulation: Are you Left- or Right-Wing? This worksheet accompanies the computer simulation and guides students through a series of questions and asks students to choose the point of view they agree with most. At the end of the simulation the computer provides them with a breakdown of how far their decisions were Left- or…
Undercover in Mussolini’s Italy: new additions
The popular “Undercover in Fascist Italy” simulation has been improved with extra details, a more comprehensive worksheet complete with keyword prompts and various video clips to enrich the experience.
Horatio Ramsbottom Industrial Revolution Game – add a class list!
A new facility on the “Horatio Ramsbottom – Victorian Entrepreneur” game allows teachers to add a class list of students to appear within the game – just click the link at the top of the screen!
Harvard Citation Generator
Other citation generators need YOU to do most of the hard work – and only look for books. This one searches for books, websites and films. All it needs is a web address or a title / author of a book / film.
“Who Am I?” Challenge – Nazi Germany
“Who Am I?” Challenge – Nazi Germany Each team will be presented with a clue about a key historical figure. They get 50 points if they guess it correctly. If they wish to ‘pass’, they get further (easier) clues but the points available steadily decline. An incorrect guess at any point means they get zero…
Assembly Presentation: Reflection on the Results of the Left/Right Wing Computer Simulation
This assembly presentation encourages students to reflect on what it actually means to be Left- or Right-Wing, and the difficulties of determining exactly ‘how far’ you can describe yourself as Left- or Right-Wing given the fact that some policy areas are of far more concern to some people than others.
Step-by-Step Advice: Writing your Extended Essay in History
Step-by-Step Advice: Writing your Extended Essay in History – a new addition to the website for IB HIstory.
History and Politics through PSHCE: Assembly Presentation: What is Politics?
Assembly Presentation: What is Politics? Why are so many people not interested in it and why is this worrying? This presentation is given to the entire group and is designed to get them thinking about why politics is so important. It outlines how the study unit will focus on helping students determine whether they are…
IB History Internal Assessment – guidance and examples
A new section of the webiste. • Click on the various headings to get guidance in choosing a question and writing your study! • There are also fifteen exemplar studies for download from students at the International School of Toulouse which were all graded in the top level by the examiner!
Events of the American Civil War – Mission C: Campaigns and Battles
Mission C: Campaigns and Battles In this final stage of the game-based unit, students take the role of an advisor to either President Davis, or President Lincoln. They will be given a series of military, economic and political problems to deal with. Their first objective is to choose the course of action which they think…
“Who Am I?” Challenge – International Relations in the 1930s
“Who Am I?” Challenge – International Relations in the 1930s Each team will be presented with a clue about a key historical figure. They get 50 points if they guess it correctly. If they wish to ‘pass’, they get further (easier) clues but the points available steadily decline. An incorrect guess at any point means…
Events of the American Civil War – Mission B: Events and Themes
Mission B: Events and Themes In the second stage of the simulation, students are presented with a series of decision points based on key events that took place during the course of the war. For each one, both teams have to decide how their president would have reacted. Correct guesses lead to an increase in…
Facebook Template
The popular ‘Fakebook’ template allows for the creation of Facebook profiles for students and teachers. It now has an ‘animate’ feature and there is an extensive list of sample profile pages to draw inspiration from.
Events of the American Civil War – Classroom Simulation Part 1: People and Places
Mission A: People and Places In this first stage of the simulation, students are divided into “Union” and “Confederate” teams and learn more about the key figures involved in the war. They can then use this to formulate a strategy for winning the simulation – which consists of various armies deciding how best to increase…
Fakebook Project – Key Figures of the American Civil War
In preparation for the roleplay strategy game that follows, each student needs to take on the role of one key politician or soldier from the Civil War and research their life and career and present their findings through a ‘Fakebook’ profile. In this way they will be able to act in role much more effectively…
“Who Am I?” Challenge – International Relations in the 1920s
Each team will be presented with a clue about a key historical figure. They get 50 points if they guess it correctly. If they wish to ‘pass’, they get further (easier) clues but the points available steadily decline. An incorrect guess at any point means they get zero points for that round. You can play…
ActiveHistory Site Search Facility
Following feedback from subscribers I have added a custom site search facility. You will see the search box included at the bottom of all main menu pages in the website including the homepage. Hope you find it useful!
Causes of the American Civil War – Video Project
Video Project – What were the Causes of the American Civil War? This markscheme is designed to help students produce an effective video documentary about the Civil War using the information they have so far gathered.
Causes of the American Civil War – Students’ Timeline Worksheet
Students’ Timeline Worksheet – preparation for the videomaking task Students are guided through the main events leading up to the Civil War using this timeline, which should be used in conjunction with specified clips from the first episode of Ken Burns’ excellent documentary about the American Civil War. At appropriate times they should have time…
Causes of the American Civil War – Teacher’s Introductory Slideshow
Teacher’s Introductory Slideshow The teacher uses this worksheet to help introduce students to the main themes, events and personalities. To be used in conjunction with the student worksheet below.
“Who Am I?” Challenge – Fascist Italy
“Who Am I?” Challenge – Fascist Italy Each team will be presented with a clue about a key historical figure. They get 50 points if they guess it correctly. If they wish to ‘pass’, they get further (easier) clues but the points available steadily decline. An incorrect guess at any point means they get zero…
Stalinism: The Betrayal, or the Natural Conclusion, of Leninism?
Historiography Handouts with Associated Tasks – Stalinism: The Betrayal, or the Natural Conclusion, of Leninism?
Lenin: Hero or Villain?
Historiography Handouts with Associated Tasks – Lenin: Hero or Villain?
“Who Am I?” Challenge – The Events of World War One
“Who Am I?” Challenge – The Events of World War One Each team will be presented with a clue about a key historical figure. They get 50 points if they guess it correctly. If they wish to ‘pass’, they get further (easier) clues but the points available steadily decline. An incorrect guess at any point…
The February Revolution: Caused, or Merely Accelerated, by the Great War?
Historiography Handouts with Associated Tasks – The February Revolution: Caused, or Merely Accelerated, by the Great War?
Compare and Contrast the Role of Lenin and Trotsky between 1917-1924
Compare and Contrast the Role of Lenin and Trotsky between 1917-1924: A popular question in the exam, and this worksheet helps students frame an approach to it in a logical way. A completed teacher version is also available.
Nicholas II- Why did Tsarism survive in 1905, but not 1917? How similar were the Causes of the February and the October Revolutions?
Nicholas II – Why did Tsarism survive in 1905, but not 1917? How similar were the Causes of the February and the October Revolutions?: Detailed notes on the key questions, with activities for students included.
Alexander II and Alexander III – Contrasts and Comparisons Grid
Alexander II and Alexander III – Contrasts and Comparisons Grid – a useful revision resource for IB History
The Reforms of Alexander II: Summary Grid
The Reforms of Alexander II: Summary Grid – a useful revision resource for IB History
How far is it accurate to describe Alexander II as a reformer, and Alexander III as a reactionary?
How far is it accurate to describe Alexander II as a reformer, and Alexander III as a reactionary? – a sample essay produced by Russel Tarr (author of this website) in timed conditions in the style of a Paper 2 answer.
Tsar Alexander II/III: Analysis of IB History Past Paper Questions
Alexander II/III: Analysis of Past Paper Questions: Students work through a list of about 20 past examination questions focusing on spotting and addressing the ‘hidden assumptions’ within each question. They can then look at some sample markschemes to determine if they were on the right lines with their analyses.
Middle East Timeline of Events, 1947-79
Timeline of Events, 1947-79 – a useful revision resource for IB History
Middle East Timeline of Events, 1939-47
Timeline of Events, 1939-47 – a useful revision resource for IB History
Middle East Mapwork Task – Change over Time
Mapwork Task – Change over Time: Students label various maps of the Middle East and shade them in different ways to represent the changing nature of Israel’s borders following key events in the syllabus.
The Middle East Crisis 1914-1939 – The main issues for debate
The main issues for debate: Using a series of discussion points based on the syllabus, a collapsible bullet list from ActiveHistory and also a Keyword Challenge quiz from Classtools, students form their own viewpoints prior to the exam so that their answers have some sharp focus.
How Successful was Mussolini as Ruler of Italy?
How Successful was Mussolini as Ruler of Italy? – a sample essay produced by Russel Tarr (author of this website) in timed conditions in the style of a Paper 2 answer.
How Fascist was Fascist Italy?
How Fascist was Fascist Italy? – a sample essay produced by Russel Tarr (author of this website) in timed conditions in the style of a Paper 2 answer.
How far is Fascism different from Marxism? How similar were Stalin and Mussolini as rulers of their countries?
How far is Fascism different from Marxism? How similar were Stalin and Mussolini as rulers of their countries?: Building on from the previous activity, students now consider the nature of Fascism by looking at various policy areas (economy, society etc) and comparing the Fascist to the Communist approaches to them. A completed teacher version is…
Historiography of Stalin’s Russia
Historiography of Stalin’s Russia: These detailed handouts provide plenty of material for discussion and further research: Books on Stalin Summary of the Main Historiographical Issues
High Stalinism: What policies characterised Stalin’s final years?
High Stalinism: What policies characterised Stalin’s final years?: The main study unit for my students ends in 1941. However, to give students the full picture of Stalin’s Russia, this is a good activity to bring the various policies right up-to-date. Detailed notes are available for Economics 1945-53 and Other Policies 1945-53.
How Communist were Lenin and Stalin?
How Communist were Lenin and Stalin?: This activity gets students thinking about the nature of communism, and then measuring the success of each ruler on these criteria. It thereby covers a lot of ground very efficiently. A completed teacher version is also available.
Summary Notes: Compare and Contrast the Rise of Lenin and Mao
Summary Notes: Compare and Contrast the Rise of Lenin and Mao – a useful revision resource for IB History.
Summary Notes: Compare and Contrast the Rise of Stalin and Lenin
Summary Notes: Compare and Contrast the Rise of Stalin and Lenin – a useful revision resource for IB History.
Model Essay: Compare and Contrast the Rise of Mao and Stalin
Model Essay: Compare and Contrast the Rise of Mao and Stalin – a sample essay produced by Russel Tarr (author of this website) in timed conditions in the style of a Paper 2 answer.
Model Essay: Compare and Contrast the Rise of Mao and Pinochet
Model Essay: Compare and Contrast the Rise of Mao and Pinochet – A sample essay produced by Russel Tarr (author of this website) in timed conditions in the style of a Paper 2 answer.
Model Essay: Why did Mao emerge as leader of China?
Model Essay: Why did Mao emerge as leader of China? (summary notes also available) – A sample essay produced by Russel Tarr (author of this website) in timed conditions in the style of a Paper 2 answer.
The Rise of Single Party State Rulers: Summaries and Contrasts
The Rise of Single Party State Rulers: Summaries and Contrasts: Students first have a brainstorm about what are the most frequent causes for the rise of single party state rulers. They then analyse the key methods and conditions which led to the rise of particular individual dictators, then compare and contrast them. In this way…
Summary Grid – The Impact of World War One on various countries
Summary Grid – The Impact of World War One on various countries – a useful revision resource for IB History
What was the Social and Economic Impact of World War One upon two of the Countries Involved?
What was the Social and Economic Impact of World War One upon two of the Countries Involved? (plus essay plan) – A sample essay produced by Russel Tarr (author of this website) in timed conditions in the style of a Paper 2 answer.
Compare and Contrast the Impact of World War One and World War Two
Compare and Contrast the Impact of World War One and World War Two – A sample essay produced by Russel Tarr (author of this website) in timed conditions in the style of a Paper 2 answer.
Search by Topic / Period page – fully updated
I’ve completely rewritten the ‘Search by Topic / Period’ page of ActiveHistory today to ensure it includes all the latest topics I’ve included since last year.
American Civil War figures: “Fakebook” student projects
My year 9 Historians have been in role as American Civil War politicians and generals for the past couple of weeks. Here are some of the ‘Fakebook’ projects they produced to round off the epic strategy game through which we studied the topic!
Effects of War – Comparisons and Contrasts
Effects of War – Comparisons and Contrasts: Students are provided with detailed information about the practices of three major wars in the form of a grid, broken down into key themes (political, economic, etc). Their task is to complete the grid by providing further examples of other wars that they have studied and try to…
Why did Mao win the Chinese Civil War?
Why did Mao win the Chinese Civil War? – A sample essay produced by Russel Tarr (author of this website) in timed conditions in the style of a Paper 2 answer.
50 Years Ago Today (31st May 1962) – Death of Adolf Eichmann
Death of Adolf Eichmann, German Nazi leader who organised the identification and transportation of Jews from occupied Europe to extermination camps. (Executed)
Why did Germany Lose World War One?
Why did Germany Lose World War One? – A sample essay produced by Russel Tarr (author of this website) in timed conditions in the style of a Paper 2 answer.
25 Years Ago Today (28th May 1987) – Red Square Scandal
Mathias Rust, a 19-year-old amateur pilot from West Germany, illegally landed his plane in Red Square, Moscow
75 Years Ago Today (28th May 1937) – Neville Chamberlain became British Prime Minister
Neville Chamberlain became British Prime Minister.
Compare and Contrast the Impact of Foreign Involvement in the Russian Civil War and the Spanish Civil War
Compare and Contrast the Impact of Foreign Involvement in the Russian Civil War and the Spanish Civil War – A sample essay produced by Russel Tarr (author of this website) in timed conditions in the style of a Paper 2 answer.
Practices of War – Comparisons and Contrasts
Practices of War – Comparisons and Contrasts: With a central focus on the issue of “Limited War v. Total War”, students are provided with detailed information about the practices of three major wars in the form of a grid, broken down into key themes (political, economic, etc). Their task is to complete the grid by…
Model Essay: What were the most frequent causes of 20th Century Wars?
Model Essay: What were the most frequent causes of 20th Century Wars?: A sample essay produced by Russel Tarr (author of this website) in timed conditions in the style of a Paper 2 answer.
Introducing “Fakebook Animated”
One of the most popular applications I’ve developed in the past couple of years has been “Fakebook“, a Fake Facebook Profile Generator that students can use to create engaging narratives of people, places and concepts. I’ve been working on developing the code over the past fortnight so that the application is much quicker (for example…
50 Years Ago Today (19th May 1962): Marilyn Monroe Sings to JFK
American actress Marilyn Monroe famously sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to President John F. Kennedy during a birthday party/fundraiser at Madison Square Garden, New York
Causes of the Chinese Civil War
Causes of the Chinese Civil War: A detailed summary grid for revision purposes.
Create a Fake Facebook Profile
I’ve just completed a major overhaul of “Fakebook” – a tool for creating Fake Facebook profiles with your students. It’s great for getting students to create profiles of historical and literary characters and events, for example. Try it out here!
Causes of the Spanish Civil War: Summary and suggested linkage
Causes of the Spanish Civil War: Summary and suggested linkage: A summary diagram for revision purposes.
Causes of World War One: What was Responsible?:
Causes of World War One: What was Responsible?: An analysis grid which moves towards linking and prioritising the various factors that caused World War One. Students are invited to complete the blank cells using their own knowledge.
Causes of World War One – Who was Responsible?
Causes of World War One – Who was Responsible?: A summary grid for revision purposes.
Causes of Wars – Comparisons and Contrasts
Causes of Wars – Comparisons and Contrasts: Students are provided with detailed information about the causes of three major wars in the form of a grid, broken down into key themes (political, economic, etc). Their task is to complete the grid by providing further examples of other wars that they have studied and try to…
Causes, Practices, Effects of War – Overview of Past IB History Questions
Overview of Past Questions: Students are asked to collate a list of past paper questions from the most recent examination papers, to categorise these into causes, practices and effects questions, and offer some initial observations on the sorts of demands made by each.
A comprehensive list of useful topic quotes for the IB History Syllabus
Using Key Quotes: A series of short, memorable quotes relating to the key topics being studied. Students have to reflect on how they may best be used in the examination.
The October Revolution: Popular Uprising, or Coup d’Etat?
Historiography Handouts with Associated Tasks – The October Revolution: Popular Uprising, or Coup d’Etat?
Essential Historiographical Terms for IB
Essential Historiographical Terms for IB: A condensed, one-sided summary sheet defining clearly and with examples such historiographical terms as Determinism, Accidentalism, Intentionalism, Structuralism.
100 Years Ago Today (22nd April 1912) – First edition of Pravda
‘Pravda’, the official newspaper of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, was first published. (Ceased publication 1996)
Analysing IB History Essay Question ‘Command Terms’
The examiner is very keen that students demonstrate a clear understanding of central terms when they are used in essay questions. In this activity, students work in pairs then as a class to design a clear definition of such key terms as ‘Guerilla Warfare’ and ‘Totalitarianism’. The worksheet uses the examples of Stalin and Mao…
100 Years Ago Today (20th April 1912): Death of Bram Stoker
Death of Bram Stoker, Irish novelist and short story writer, best known for his novel ‘Dracula’.
Modern World History Facebook Fanpage
The Modern World History Facebook Fanpage provides daily quotes, revision tips and recommended websites – if you’re a student currently revising for GCSE/IGCSE Modern World History, you might want to join up!
100 Years Ago Today (15th April 1912): Titanic Sinks
The British liner ‘RMS Titanic’ sank in the Atlantic after hitting an iceberg on her maiden voyage to New York. More than 1,500 people were killed.
Practical Technologies for the Classroom – Facebook Group
Following on from the successful conference which took place at my school on 30th March, I’ve set up a Facebook Group for Practical Technologies in the Classroom. Teachers are invited to sign up to share and exchange ideas!
IB History Curriculum Map
I’ve updated my IB History Curriculum Map to reflect the way I currently teach the syllabus. I’m always changing things around but this approach is how I’m currently doing the course with my Year 12 students.
Transatlantic Slave Trade – new resources
I have just completed teaching the transatlantic slave trade to my Year 9 students. “The Apprentice” roleplay was a particular highlight and I’ve uploaded some new resources to the main page, in particular a new PowerPoint getting students to think about logos, slogans and brand names and a streamlined tasksheet for the Apprentice roleplay exercise.
200 Years Ago Today (6th April 1812): Birth of Herzen
Birth of Alexander Herzen, Russian political thinker, activist and writer, known as the ‘father of Russian socialism’, his work led to the emancipation of the serfs
Archive of #historyteacher tweets – now fully searchable!
I have now added a ‘search’ feature to the full archive of #historyteacher tweets from Twitter – check it out here.
The League and Disarmament in the 1920s: A Classroom Roleplay Exercise
Using a worksheet and a record sheet, students are given different sources from different witnesses and have to analyse their position on the issue of disarmament. They then ‘interview’ each other by moving around the classroom, trying to reach a judgement on the key question of “Who was to blame for the failure of disarmament…
Border Disputes in the 1920s: Diamond 9 Analysis
Students organise the successes and failures of Border Disputes into a ‘Diamond 9’ formation and explain their reasoning. An effective revision aid. There is a sample Teacher Version.
100 Years Ago Today (29th March 1912) – Death of Scott
Death of Robert Falcon Scott, British Antarctic explorer. He and his team perished while returning from his second Antarctic expedition
QR Treasure Hunt Creator – Search feature
I’ve added a search feature so that you can check out some the most recently created QR Treasure Hunts made using the Classtools QR Treasure Hunt Generator.
ActiveHistory Mysteries: new student record sheet/markscheme
After making lots of use of the “History Mysteries” format this year with KS3 in particular, I’ve redesigned the student record sheet and the markscheme for the project to reflect my experience of what’s working in the classroom. My Year 8 students are currently working on the “Gunpowder Plot” mystery.
125 Years Ago Today (23rd March 1887): Birth of Prince Felix Yusupov
Birth of Prince Felix Yusupov, Russian nobleman and mining heir, best known for killing Rasputin
Modern World IGCSE History Revision, Summer 2012
I have just updated my IGCSE revision pages with the most recent past examination questions on the key topics for Papers 1 and 2 ready to start revision lessons with my students next week. Hope you find them useful!
Add your own cast of characters (i.e. students!) to ActiveHistory Decision-Making Games!
I’ve just finished developing a new feature which allows you to customise ActiveHistory decision-making adventures by adding a class list. You then get a special link to a version of the game to share with your students which includes their names as characters in the game itself. You can check it out for yourself in…
100 Years Ago Today (16th March 1912) – Death of Lawrence Oates
Death of Lawrence Oates, British Antarctic explorer, a member of Scott’s ill-fated expedition, who famously said ‘I am just going outside and may be some time’ as he walked into a blizzard where he faced certain death
QR Code Treasure Hunt – the Gunpowder Plot
To accompany the Gunpowder Plot History Mystery, I’ve produced this QR Code Treasure Hunt on the same topic. Whilst students are working on their essays as a two-week homework exercise, these codes are hidden around the school and students gain a point for every QR code they successfully decode, and another point for every QR…
National Minorities in Lenin’s Russia
This worksheet is part of the new Scheme of Work through which the entire topic of Lenin’s Russia is taught through an extended roleplay with students taking the role of different Politburo members.
