Why had the Shah become so unpopular by 1979? – Hexagons exercise Students are presented with 30 key facts helping them to answer the question, in the form of hexagons. They then analyse, categorise, link and prioritise these using the format described in this post: “Using Hexagon Learning for categorisation, linkage and prioritisation” at the ClassTools…
Author: Russel Tarr
Causes of the Iranian Revolution, 1979 – Introductory Slideshow for IGCSE
Introductory Slideshow In this teacher-led presentation (during which students should take notes), the class is presented with some of the key questions, images and personalities relating to the 1979 Revolution. In particular, the presentation encourages students to see Iran in its long-term context and to consider how today it appears to again be going through…
Cold War – Historical Context, 1917-39
Historical Context, 1917-39 Students are presented with a detailed, interactive timeline of events and two key questions for consideration: 1: Was the Nazi-Soviet Pact proof that the West were right to distrust Stalin all along, or was it the direct and unfortunate result of that distrust? 2: Based on Question 1, who was therefore more…
Video Worksheet for Episode 1 of the CNN “Cold War” Series (covering the period 1917-44)
Video Worksheet for Episode 1 of the CNN “Cold War” Series (covering the period 1917-44). Students use this worksheet whilst watching the first 30 minutes of the Episode 1 of the CNN “Cold War” series (available on DVD) prior to a factual test. They are encouraged to consider such questions as “Who was responsible?” and…
Long-term roots of the Cold War before 1945 – Study Guide with past examination questions / syllabus details
Study Guide with past examination questions / syllabus details The first half of the 20th century was dominated by the “European Civil War” of 1914-45, which left the continent broken and exhausted. The second half of the century was characterised by the “Cold War” between the two superpowers who emerged from the wreckage: the USSR…
Using ‘The Apprentice’ TV Show Format in the Classroom
I have produced a comprehensive set of instructions and resources which enables teachers to adapt the format of the TV show “The Apprentice” to foster group work, research skills and presentational abilities. In the illustrative example I share, students research and prioritise the methods used by the 19th Century Abolition Movement to outlaw the slave trade. Students are…
Why did the Roman Empire Fall?
Why did the Roman Empire Fall? In this exercise, created using the ClassTools Hexagons Generator, pairs of students are given a sheet of factors explaining the collapse of the Roman Empire in the West. They cut these out and then organise them into meaningful categories, each with a title which makes it clear how they…
IB History sourcework exercise: The Sophiatown Removals
One-hour sourcework exercise: The Sophiatown Removals | Model answers written by RJ Tarr A full sourcework exercise, complete with teacher model answers, based around the following questions: 1. a) According to Source C, why was was there so little resistance to the Sophiatown evictions? [3 marks] 1. b) What message is conveyed by Source B? [2 marks] 2. With reference to…
Infographic challenge: Apartheid in statistics
Infographic challenge: Apartheid in statistics “The impact of apartheid on black South Africans is difficult to comprehend. Your task is to take these essential statistics about apartheid and then convert them into an “info graphic” (for example, using a tool like Piktochart, Canva, Infogr.am or similar.” Part of the complete scheme of work to support…
IB History sourcework practice – in the style of question [1/2/3]
IB sourcework practice – in the style of question [1] IB sourcework practice – in the style of question [2/3] Two sourcework exercies based around conditions under the Apartheid regime. Part of the complete scheme of work to support the IBDP History “Rights and Protest” unit on Apartheid South Africa.
Speech-writing task: a reply to the defenders of Apartheid
Speech-writing task: a reply to the defenders of Apartheid “Watch the following three interviews with people defending the policy of apartheid. For each one, make notes on their essential arguments. Then, use these to help you produce a speech which will (a) summarise the arguments that have been put forward to defend apartheid by its…
Factual Test: The anti-apartheid resistance movement | Teacher answer sheet
Factual Test: The anti-apartheid resistance movement | Teacher answer sheet A detailed factual test in the form of a ‘fill the gaps’ exercise. When completed and corrected, it forms a useful revision aid in itself. Part of the complete scheme of work to support the IBDP History “Rights and Protest” unit on Apartheid South Africa.
IB History – The development of the anti-Apartheid resistance movement
The development of the anti-Apartheid resistance movement The tasks in this worksheet accompany the teacher led multimedia lecture and decision-making exercise at ActiveHistory (above). Both the lecture, and this worksheet, will take up substantially more than one lesson. Therefore, a good strategy is to (a) Complete Task 1 before the start of the lecture; (b)…
Apartheid – Multimedia Teacher-led lecture and decision-making exercise
Multimedia Teacher-led lecture and decision-making exercise This detailed multimedia presentation guides students through the development of the anti-Apartheid resistance movement. Through a series of stimulus images, written sources and video clips, students are guided through a series of decision points which reflect the issues which split the resistance movement into different groups and factions including…
Who was the most interesting Roman Emperor of all time?
Who was the most interesting Roman Emperor of all time? – a classroom debate In this activity, students research different emperors. They can then present their findings in a whole host of ways: through a balloon debate (my favoured approach!), a biopoem, a diamond diagram, and many others which are suggested within the worksheet. Part…
IB/A-Level: Christmas in Stalin’s Russia
IB/A-Level: Christmas in Stalin’s Russia | Teacher Answer Sheet This lesson gets starts with a team-based quiz challenge, and then moves on to look at how Stalin unexpectedly revivied Christmas for his own propagandistic ends. It forms a useful addition to students’ understanding of Stalin’s use of propaganda, and his policies towards religion, and as such is…
GCSE Christmas History: “Have Yourself and Very Nazi Christmas!”
GCSE: “Have Yourself and Very Nazi Christmas!” In this activity you will consider how effectively the Nazis used propaganda to manipulate the message of Christmas so that it promoted Nazi ideology. You will consider which aspects of Christmas traditions that Hitler would particularly dislike (and so remove) and which aspects he could use for Nazi…
Year 9 Christmas History: Ebeneezer Scrooge: Hero or Villain?
Yr9 Lesson 2: Ebeneezer Scrooge: Hero or Villain? | Teacher Support Sheet In this activity, students learn about, then are encouraged to challenge, the traditional interpretation of the Dickens Classic “A Christmas Carol”.
Gladiatorial Combat – A Roleplay Game!
Gladiatorial Combat – A Roleplay Game! | Accompanying question sheet “In this activity you will learn all about Roman Gladiators. You will complete a playing card all about your gladiator, then take the role of a gladiator and use your knowledge to help you win in a series of ‘battles’ against your opponents. Remember: Knowledge…
Yr9 History: The Victorian Invention of Christmas!
Yr9 Lesson 1: The Victorian Invention of Christmas! | Teacher Answers In this activity, students consider how the Industrial Revolution almost destroyed Christmas altogether – until three real-life “Father Christmas” figures came along to save it! This is part one of a two-part lesson and makes use of images of the first Christmas Cracker, the first Christmas Treeand the…
Roman Holiday! – Part 2: Presentations
Roman Holiday! – Part 2: Presentations ” Your teacher will give each team an A3 copy of this Venn diagram. Each team should nominate a scribe. This person should ask each member of the team what site(s) they researched, and write these into the Venn diagram in the appropriate place after discussion. Next, your teacher…
Gifts and Christmas Cards of World War One
In this new stand-alone lesson, the teacher will start by delivering this ActiveHistory Teacher Presentation (which comes complete with a useful video clip) to outline some of the gifts that were marketed to soldiers in World War One. The main task involves deciding how to categorise these 30 Xmas cards from World War One. Students should cut them…
Year 8 History – A Puritan Christmas!
Yr8: A Puritan Christmas! This lesson covers how and why the Protestant Reformation led to the emergence of a ‘Puritan’ movement which banned Christmas altogether. Students will research how various Christmas traditions that we take for granted actually have very little basis in the Bible. In role, and as charmingly as possible, the teacher will…
The Sophiatown removals: podcast note-taking task
The Sophiatown removals: podcast note-taking task Students use the BBC Witness Podcast (10 minutes) to answer a series of structured questions, including: Why were the black residents evicted from Sophiatown? How long did the process take, and how many people were affected? How did the Sophiatown get its name? How did this non-white community manage…
Roman Holiday! – Part 1: Research
Roman Holiday! – Part 1: Research “In this activity you will work in teams. You will design a guided tour which you hope to sell to a customer (your teacher). The class will be arranged into two teams. Each member or each team should choose two sites from different categories in this list to research…
Year 7 History – A Boy Bishopping Medieval Christmas!
Yr7: A Boy Bishopping Medieval Christmas! In this activity students will learn how people celebrated Christmas in the Middle Ages. In particular, the class will re-enact the ceremony of the “Boy Bishop”. This ceremony will provide one student with special religious powers. In particular, that student will have the power to marry pairs of people…
Factual Test: the Apartheid laws
Factual Test: the Apartheid laws | Teacher answer sheet A detailed factual test in the form of a ‘fill the gaps’ exercise. When completed and corrected, it forms a useful revision aid in itself. Part of the complete scheme of work to support the IBDP History “Rights and Protest” unit on Apartheid South Africa.
What is your Roman name?
What is your Roman name? In this activity students will work out what their names would have been if they had been alive during the time of the Roman Empire! Students will be organised into pairs and will use a detailed table to choose the most appropriate three-part name for their partner. Part of the…
Creative writing task: the experience of Apartheid
Creative writing task: the experience of Apartheid Students are provided with THREE possible approache to this task, one of which is to “Produce a fictional first-person account written by a black South African looking back on their life under apartheid. The account should tell a story which allows you to illustrate the impact of the…
The Apartheid Laws: research, categorisation and prioritisation
The Apartheid Laws: research, categorisation and prioritisation | Completed teacher copy “1. Read the details about each Act and use these to complete the second column with the correct titles from this list: Population Registration Act | Bantu Self-Government / Authorities Acts | Group Areas Act | Bantu Education Act | Separate Amenities Act | Public Safety…
IB-style source work exercise: Why was apartheid introduced into South Africa in 1948?
IB-style source work exercise: Why was apartheid introduced into South Africa in 1948? A one-hour source work exercise in the style of the IBDP History Paper 1. Part of the complete scheme of work to support the IBDP History “Rights and Protest” unit on Apartheid South Africa.
South Africa – Discriminatory laws passed before 1948
Discriminatory laws passed before 1948 “Using any sources available to you, research the provisions of each of the following TEN laws passed before 1948.When you have notes on each, colour code the laws using a scheme of your choice and provide a key to make it clear how you have categorised them” Part of the…
South Africa before 1948 – factual test
Factual Test | Teacher Answer Sheet This 20 question, paper-based test is provided in the form of a ‘fill the gaps’ exercise. When completed and corrected, it forms a useful revision aid in itself. Part of the complete scheme of work to support the IBDP History “Rights and Protest” unit on Apartheid South Africa.
Empathy exercise: Understanding the Broderbund and the ANC
Empathy exercise: Understanding the Broderbund and the ANC Supporting material: 1944 ANC Youth League Manifesto | 1948 National Party Platform “In 1912 the Afrikaner Broderbund was established to protect the rights of White Boers. In 1918 the ANC was established to protect the rights of Black South Africans. Produce a press statement from each organisation dated 1944 which…
Overview of South Africa to 1948
Timeline of events to 1948 Students are provided with a detailed timeline of events which enable them to answer key questions about the development of South Africa before the formal establishment of apartheid in 1948. Part of the complete scheme of work to support the IBDP History “Rights and Protest” unit on Apartheid South Africa.
“Guess What”
Great idea here from @PaulRoWilson. “It’s not guess who its guess what. Flexible topic revision with the facts coming from the student.”
QR Code Treasure Hunt
A QR-Code Treasure Hunt is a fun, simple way to get students using their mobile devices to continue learning outside of lesson time. Here’s how we set one up at the International School of Toulouse with some guidance on how to do the same with your own students using the QR Treasure Hunt Generator at ClassTools.net.
Design a children’s storybook
After studying a complex topic, challenge students to turn it into an illustrated storybook that can be understood by primary school students. Spend time in class talking through the main concepts, events and personalities that should be covered in a brief story. Consider too which images could be used to bring the subject to life….
Simulation: Which 20th Century Dictator are YOU?
A stand-alone simulation to help students compare and contrast how single-party state rulers maintained power. Complete with accompanying self-study workpack to enable students to turn their findings into a rigorous essay. “You will be asked 10 key questions about how you would choose to run your imaginary dictatorship. As you proceed you will be given detail about…
The Rise and Rule of Fidel Castro
A new study unit. The rise of Castro is best studied following completion of the ActiveHistory study unit “What are the most common methods and conditions that explain the rise of dictatorships?“, since that unit allows students to build up an overall theory about the nature of dictatorships that can then be tested against this…
Rule of 20th Century Dictators Compared
The IB History examination encourages students to analyse not just the rule of individual dictators, but to compare them across different regions. THIS UNIT provides a rigorous, engaging and efficient way of doing so – firstly by considering one ruler, then comparing him to a second. It is designed to accompany the comparative study unit on the…
Black Death End of Unit Projects
End of Unit Projects Option A: Group Task – Design a Boardgame “In this unit, which starts with a whole-class miming competition, you will design your own board game about the Black Death. Your game should try to show the spread, symptoms, cures and consequences of the Black Death. You will play each other’s games and…
Consequences of the Black Death
Consequences Video Clip: Consequences Hexagons Activity: Consequences of the Black Death This activity is approached through a ‘Hexagons’ approach which is outlined in detail here. Students cut up the hexagons and organise them in logical groups, with adjacent sides of hexagons indicating connections that are then explained around the diagram. The hexagons were created using the ClassTools.net Hexagons…
How to Establish a Whole-School Induction Project for Year 12
“Was World War Two a Period of Progress and Development?” For the past five years I have co-ordinated an intensive IB Induction project at my school here Toulouse. I am currently in the process of discussing how this can be developed and improved further with input and inspiration from my colleagues, and to help them…
NEW IB History Syllabus Curriculum Maps for 2015
The new IBDP History syllabus is very flexible, allowing for a wide combination of topics between the three exam papers (Sourcework, Standard Level Essays and Higher Level Essays). However, due to time constraints it is highly advisable to ensure as much overlap between the three papers as possible. With this in mind I have been…
Impact of the Black Death
Impact Video Clip: Immediate impact and reactions in Italy The Black Death Cardgame! The objective of each player is to get as many cards for their ‘role suit’ as possible. Peasants: should focus on collecting food (clubs) in order to establish a stable food supply. Merchants: should focus on collecting money (diamonds). Nobles: should focus on…
Podcast Research Project
The following task is one that I set for my IB students during the first half term break. Although it can be set at any point, it’s a great way to get them thinking about possible Internal Assessment topics early on in the course. It also requires each student to deliver a classroom presentation.
Weimar Germany Decision Making Simulation – 1921-29
Weimar Germany Decision Making Game – Part 2: 1921-29 This comprehensive decision-making simulation is now complete with follow-up factual test, the answers for which can be shared with students using this online presentation. This simulation is a great way of introducing or revising the issues surrounding Weimar Germany in the years 1921-29. Each of the 7 key decision points…
Cures for the Black Death
Cures Video Clip: Medieval Medicine Cures and Precautions [plus teacher answer sheet] “Historians think that almost half the population of Europe died in the Black Death. The lowest scoring 50% of the class in this exercise will become ‘casualties’. The teacher will count upwards and you should sit down on the floor when your score is reached. The…
Causes of the Black Death
Causes Causes of the Black Death [plus primary sources] “Your teacher will be in role as the local magistrate who has called an emergency meeting to discuss the arrival of the Black Death in our village. The magistrate will read out an account from one of his contacts about what they think has caused the Black Death. Decide where…
Symptoms of the Black Death
Symptoms Video Clip: Arrival of the Black Death in England Symptoms of the Black Death [plus teacher answer sheet] “Imagine a local tradesman has arrived in your village and has fallen ill: you realise with horror that he has brought the Black Death into your village! (a) Number these symptoms from [1] (the first) to [9] (the last)….
Spread of the Black Death
Spread of the Black Death Spread of the Black Death Students use this animated map to draw their own conclusions about where the disease started and spread to, and which areas were most affected. Video Clips: Arrival of the Black Death in [1] Italy and [2] France These two video clips provide extra detail about the spread of disease across…
The Black Death – Introduction
Introduction “What’s the Topic?” – Introductory PowerPoint This series of images is designed to get students thinking about what the next topic might be. Complete with explanatory teacher notes. Starter Video: Overview of the Black Death This online video clip [2m] provides a great flavour of the topic to get students interested! The Black Death…
Black Death – Revamped, Relaunched, New Resources!
The Black Death is a popular subject of study with students. This self-contained scheme of work contains a strong role-play element built around a diary that builds up over several lessons. There is also a fantastic cardgame exercise built into the unit and an interactive, self-marking end of unit assessment along with other opportunities to create a boardgame, have a keyword…
Why did Events in the Gulf Matter?
Why did Events in the Gulf Matter, c.1970-2000? This page is currently a work in progress. This is the compulsory 20th Century Option for the iGCSE sourcework paper for students taking the examination in Summer 2016. I will be teaching this topic to my own students in Year 11. By then, this page will consist…
IB History Revision – The Arab-Israeli Conflict: Eighteen Big Questions!
The Arab-Israeli Conflict: Eighteen Big Questions! Each person in the class will be given a number. When your number appears, treat this as an indication that you are producing a YES argument if you are the first number listed, and a NO if you are the second. Discuss/debate your ideas in pairs, and also reach…
Middle East Revision: Higher Level, 1979-2000
Eight Key Events 1979-2000: Research, Comparison, Conclusions [there is also a completed teacher version] “Different people in the class should produce a research piece on an event outlined in one row of this table, then share them with the group so that everybody is able to complete their grid. When the table is completed, use it to…
IB History Teachers Debate: Is it true that Israel was a state created as a result of terrorism?
IB History Teachers Debate: Is it true that Israel was a state created as a result of terrorism? IB History Teachers have their own Facebook Group where they discuss their views on issues relating to topics that we teach. In December 2014, its members debated the answer to the above question. This worksheet contains their…
Causes of the French Revolution – Model Essay: “What were the Causes of the French Revolution?”
Causes of the French Revolution Model Essay: “What were the Causes of the French Revolution?” (teacher password required) A sample essay which I wrote myself in timed conditions for the benefit of my students. Part of the comprehensive ActiveHistory materials on the Causes, Events and Legacy of the French Revolution.
Causes of the French Revolution – Keyword Checker: “What were the Causes of the French Revolution?”
Causes of the French Revolution Keyword Checker: “What were the Causes of the French Revolution?” Students can run their essay through this tool prior to handing it in (and the teacher can also do so in the marking phase) to provide a quick check of which key terminology has been used in the essay. Part…
Causes of the French Revolution – Historiography: Causes of the French Revolution
Causes of the French Revolution Historiography: Causes of the French Revolution After producing the first draft of their essay (“What were the main causes of the French Revolution?”), students are then provided with this detailed summary of some of the key schools of thought surrounding the French Revolution. Their task is to research some of…
ActiveHistory: Year in Review
It’s been a typically busy year developing ActiveHistory with new resources based on the interests of my students and feedback from visitors to the website! A rundown of resources and events can be found *here*.
Causes of the French Revolution – Research and Presentation Task | Sample Presentation
Causes of the French Revolution Research and Presentation Task | Sample Presentation Students study some sample examiners’ markschemes for questions relating to the causes of the French Revolution to analyse what appear to be the central factors identified. They then watch a 30-minute video to develop their understanding further. They organise their findings under key headings, then each student…
TeachMeet, TeachEat, and much more besides…
Last week I flew out from Toulouse to London on Thursday afternoon with Estelle Ash and Simon Gregg for a busy weekend of events, meetings and great conversations with fellow educators. The full details of my trip are here.
Teacher Introductory PowerPoint – Causes of the French Revolution
Causes of the French Revolution Teacher Introductory PowerPoint A series of images designed to get students thinking firstly about what the topic for study is going to be, and then highlighting some of the key issues surrounding it – in particular, what the central causes of the French Revolution were, how far it delivered on…
Sourcework Skills Overlay Template
This resource is designed to help the analysis of sources. Print if off, cut out the central area, laminate the remainder – then place the source underneath and use a non-permanent marker to annotate as necessary!
Origins of World War One Sourcework Assignment Pack
Sourcework Assignment Pack A comprehensive pack of sources and questions in the style of GCSE/IGCSE examinations, designed to be printed off at the beginning of the unit and used as homework exercises over the course of several weeks. This forms part of the newly updated ActiveHistory Scheme of Work on the Origins of World War One.
The Rise of Stalin: A Sweet Roleplay Exercise!
The Rise of Stalin: A Sweet Roleplay Exercise! It is 1923. Lenin, leader of the Soviet Union, is close to death and the battle to succeed him is raging in the Politburo. Overview: This interactive exercise forms part of the ActiveHistory unit on Stalin’s Rise to Power. Students take the role of five key members of the Politburo…
Origins of World War One: Model answers and exam questions
End of unit exam-style structured question (there are also some model answers available in the teacher area – model answers[1] | model answers [2]) “Your teacher will choose one (a), one (b) and one (c) question from this extensive list of past questions for this test, which will take place in timed conditions next lesson. As homework, you should…
Mr. Men History: The Origins of World War One
Mr. Men History: The Origins of World War One “In this task we will convert the story of the outbreak of the war into a fairy tale. The background will be provided to you. Your job will be to tell the story of how events unfolded using your knowledge of key events”. This forms part…
Historiography: Quotes about the Origins of World War One
Historiography: Quotes about the Origins of World War One “A. For each quote, decide which theme it relates to: 1. Nationalism and Imperialism | 2. Alliance System | 3. Arms Race | 4. Colonial Rivalry | 5. July Crisis B. Circle off the best quote for each theme. Incorporate this into your summary sheet /…
PieCharts: Who was to blame for World War One?
PieCharts: Who was to blame for World War One? This self-updating Excel spreadsheet allows students to divide responsibility for the war between 6 countries in the form of a piechart, and explain their choices alongside. When printed off, these sheets form a colourful display and an interesting discussion point. This forms part of the newly…
Classroom Trial: Who was to blame for World War One?
Classroom Trial: Who was to blame for World War One? (there is also a completed version for stimulus material in the teacher area). Each person in the class will be given a number (1-6). Each student’s task is as follows: 1. To frame TWO prosecution questions against ONE particular country, in this order: Examples (in this case, against…
The Willy-Nicky Telegrams
Extension Task: The Willy-Nicky Telegrams How could both the Kaiser and the Tsar use these telegrams to “prove” they were not responsible for the war breaking out? Which of these two men do you think most genuinely wished to avoid war? This forms part of the newly updated ActiveHistory scheme of work on The Origins of…
The July Crisis – Decision-making exercise
The July Crisis – Decision-making exercise (requires teacher support sheet). This key period – often overlooked by students who say that the assassination was simply followed by a ‘domino effect’ of countries declaring war – is approached in a ‘decision-making’ format. “Your teacher will provide you with a “decision point” for the first event. Discuss with a…
The Moroccan Crises and Colonial Rivalry
Colonial Rivalry as a Cause of World War One Tension between Germany and Russia (over the issue of Bosnia) and between Germany and Britain (over the Naval Race) was compounded by tension between Germany and France over Morocco and Alsace-Lorraine. This forms part of the newly updated ActiveHistory scheme of work on the Origins of World War One.
The Arms Race and the Role of Kaiser Wilhelm II
The Arms Race This worksheet covers both the arms race on land (Russia and France v. Germany) and at sea (Britain v. Germany). The Role of Kaiser Wilhelm II Imagine you are interviewing Kaiser Wilhelm in 1914. Come up with a series of questions you would like to ask him. Now use the internet to…
Factual Test and Keyword Challenge: The Origins of World War One
Factual Test: The Origins of World War One [teacher password required] This factual test assesses how much knowledge students have acquired so far from their studies. Students should take this test after the class has played the Causes of World War One keyword challenge [play the game | rule of the game] This forms part of the newly updated ActiveHistory…
The Development of the World War One Alliance System
The Alliance System “The idea of an “alliance system” was developed by Bismarck, chancellor of Prussia (a state in modern Germany). Before 1871, Germany was not a unified country, but a collection of independent states. The story continues below. Your job is to show the changing pattern of friendships and enmities in the diagram to…
Nationalism and Imperialism as Causes of World War One
The clash of Serb Nationalism with Austrian Imperialism The tension between Austria and Serbia is explained through a focus on the Bosnian Crisis of 1908 and the Balkan Wars of 1912-1913. Cartoon analysis: Nationalism and Imperialism A simple worksheet with scaffolding sentences to develop sourcework analysis skills. This forms part of the newly updated ActiveHistory…
“Sarajevo Sandwich Syndrome” – Questioning the Reliability of Historical Sources
“Sarajevo Sandwich Syndrome” – Questioning the Reliability of Historical Sources Your task is to investigate six assertions made by a famous BBC documentary about the Origins of World War One. For each one, determine whether it is: (a) Incorrect: Other vidence contradicts the documentary; (b) Inconclusive: Other evidence shows that historians disagree about this point (c) Imaginary:…
Hexagon Learning Case Study: The Rise of Stalin
The ability to select, prioritise, categorise and link evidence is a valuable skill that students learn in History. It is also highly transferable to other subjects. Using hexagons is a simple and effective way of developing these skills, as this case study, which comes complete with all the necessary resources, seeks to demonstrate. The ‘Hexagon…
Introductory Overview: The Origins of World War One
Introductory Overview This handout sets up the topic by providing key facts about the war and asking students to consider how they would answer ‘big’ questions such as “In what circumstances would you be prepared to fight in a war? How can we prevent wars from happening? Does war have any positive effects? What is…
The KeyWord Challenge Game!
Overview This is a simple game which is a great way of rounding off a unit and revising important dates, concepts and people. It is particularly effective just before students have to produce some written work making effective use of key terms. Instructions Put students into teams of 4 or 5. The first member of…
Medieval Castles Simulation, new worksheet and extension task
The popular Medieval Castles Simulator has now been updated with a new worksheet with an extension activity based around a primary source relating to the siege of Carcassonne in 1240. The simulation can be used as a stand-alone activity, or as part of the ActiveHistory study of The Norman Conquest or The Albigensian Crusade.
Sample source work and model answers, Assess the causes of the 1967 6-Day War
Assess the causes of the 1967 6-Day War This sample sourcework exercise is based on the IB History syllabus and comes complete with model answers which I have written myself to share with my own students.
“Poppy Fascism?” – a new worksheet for Remembrance
A new worksheet and supporting resources for teaching Remembrance. Students consider questions such as “What does the British Legion actually stand for? What does it do with the money it raises? Why do you think some people might object to the Poppy Appeal?” They then read an article, and read through a cartoon produced directly…
CSI History, The Iceman Mystery!
CSI History: The Iceman Mystery This project was developed as a joint study unit between the Head of History (@russeltarr) and the Head of Geography (@MattPodbury) at the International School of Toulouse. Its purpose is to provide an intensive and exciting induction programme to Year 7 students and to highlight links between Geography and History…
The Suez Crisis, Sample Sourcework assignment and model answers
To what extent do you agree with the view that Israel and the West bear the largest responsibility for the Suez Crisis in 1956? This sample sourcework exercise is based on the IB History syllabus and comes complete with model answers which I have written myself to share with my own students.
Google Books for Student Research: 3-minute guide
I have put together the following guide for students to help with their research for Extended Essays, Internal Assessments, Personal Projects…I hope you find it useful!
Technology Tools for the #historyteacher Classroom – Google Hangout!
Last month I delivered a 50-minute talk to one hundred or so teachers of the OIB programme who were attending a conference in Sevres, France. I wasn’t able to attend in person so I used Google Hangouts to share some ideas and resources with a focus on the materials I have developed at www.activehistory.co.uk and www.classtools.net….
ActiveHistory Mystery: Cat Bottoms and Golden Cups!
This latest ActiveHistory Mystery, which I used with my Year 8 students, is based in the Middle Ages and involves cats’ bottoms, golden cups, mass murder and plenty of treachery… The “History Mysteries” lessons are designed as stand-alone projects which each last 3-4 hours. Through engaging historical topics, they teach skills of problem formulation, deductive reasoning,…
Google Hangout Video Conference: Professor Orlando Figes answers questions on Lenin’s Russia
Following his earlier talk with students on the subject of the 1917 October Revolution, Professor Orlando Figes of Birkbeck University answered questions from students at the International School of Toulouse on the topic of Lenin’s rule of Russia 1918-1924. Over the course of 45 minutes he answered a wide range of questions that the class had formulated in…
Remembrance Day: Memorials
Memorials “Almost every village, town and city in Europe has a memorial to a war which affected its community. In this activity you will consider the purpose of such memorials, research one in depth and contrast it with others from around the world using this PowerPoint Template” Part of a comprehensive set of Remembrance materials…
Remembrance Day: Peace Charities: Which should our school support?
Peace Charities: Which should our school support? This exercise involves students researching a range of different charities, debating their respective merits and deciding which should be the ‘official’ charity that the school should support this year. Could be a particularly good student council project / assembly (e.g. student council presents a range; students vote in…
Remembrance Day: Current Conflicts
Current Conflicts “Remembrance Day commemorates not just past wars, but also current ones too. In this activity you will research a current conflict, produce a one-slide summary using a PowerPoint template, and then compare it to others in order to reflect on the most common causes of warfare” (there is a research template available) Part…
Remembrance Day: Statistics and Infographics
Statistics and Infographics “One death is a tragedy, a million deaths is just a statistic” said Josef Stalin. In this exercise we will familiarize ourselves with some of the key statistics relating to World War One, and consider creative ways in which we can present those statistics to make them more meaningful. Part of a…
Remembrance Day: Songs of War and Peace
Songs of War and Peace “In this activity we will research a whole range of war-related songs, divided between different members of the class. The outcome will be a compilation of what we consider to be the 10 best songs overall” Part of a comprehensive set of Remembrance materials for every single year group.
Remembrance Day: Paintings of WW1
Paintings of WW1 Why do governments employ war artists? What makes a great work of art? What is the difference between art and propaganda? Students consider a range of different paintings, compare and contrast findings. My own selection of paintings can be used instead if you prefer: The Hero (Grosz) | Harvest of Battle, Hospital,…
Remembrance Day: War Poetry
War Poetry “Your teacher will allocate the poems between the members of the class. Use the poem you have been allocated to answer these questions: (a) What is the best word to describe the tone of this poem? (b) How does the poet make you feel this way? (c) How reliable is your source as…
