To help students with their revision, this is a quick summary of resources for some of the main topic areas that I cover at IB History Level at ActiveHistory. During revision time I tend to start each lesson by introducing the main task, then directing students to a ‘Fling the Teacher’ quiz. Students have 10 minutes…
“Who Am I?” Challenge – Weimar Germany
“Who Am I?” Challenge – Weimar 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…
Pirates – End of Unit Project: Instructions / Markscheme
End of Unit Project: Instructions / Markscheme To round the unit off, students produce an individual research project bringing their findings together using this helpsheet. The mark scheme is based closely on those used for the ActiveHistory Mysteries so that students can build upon their previous progress. Share this:
The Middle East, 1939-79: Fling the Teacher Challenge (135 possible questions!)
Another great revision quiz – this time with 135 possible questions – designed to help students revise the Middle East Paper 1 depth study as part of their IB revision programme. I give students 10 minutes at the start of the lesson to try to complete the quiz. Anyone completing the quiz within the available time gets…
Individual Research Task: In-depth analysis of one war
Each student in the class is given a different war to focus on taken from the IB syllabus, and asked to analyse it in terms of key themes of causation (e.g. political, military, socio-economic). Share this:
Mussolini’s Italy: 45 Question Fling the Teacher Quiz
Another great revision quiz. I give students 10 minutes at the start of the lesson to try to complete the quiz. Anyone completing the quiz within the available time gets a score based on the amount of minutes left on the clock. They can then move on to the first lesson task, whatever that happens…
Henry VIII – New resources for Year 8
I’ve developed the resources for teaching Henry VIII to include a markscheme for the suggested essay, a helpsheet for writing the ‘storybook’ and a markscheme for the same project, as well as further instructions for how to run a joint lesson with primary school students. Share this:
How far are Sea Myths accurately portrayed in the Pirates of the Caribbean?
The Flying Dutchman, Davy Jones, the Kraken and Calypso | Primary Sources on the Flying Dutchman Students are presented with information about the ways in which various sea myths are depicted in the film. Firstly, we use some primary sources which show the evolution of the Flying Dutchman myth to test the accuracy of the…
Lenin’s Russia – keyword challenge
30 keywords to test knowledge of Lenin’s USSR. Share this:
“Who Am I?” Challenge – Spanish Civil War
“Who Am I?” Challenge – Spanish Civil War 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…
Mission MapQuest: Modern World History Revision
This 20-question quiz requires students to locate places hidden within Google Maps that tests their knowledge of Modern World History. A great way to revise, it also contains a leaderboard so you can monitor their progress! Share this:
Comparisons and Contrasts between different pirates
…-Wink-… / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND Table: Comparisons and Contrasts between different pirates and / or Venn: Comparisons and Contrasts between different pirates This could be used as an extension activity if time is pressing, but otherwise should be used as a standard part of the unit. Share this:
Does a study of the Palestinian struggle after 1948 prove that violence pays and diplomacy does not?
A sample sourcework assignment, complete with model answers, in the style of the IB History Paper 1. Share this:
IB History – Sample Sourcework Papers / Model Answers
mnadi / People Photos / CC BY-NC I’ve just uploaded a range of Sourcework exercises that I’ve designed for the IB History Paper 1, focusing on the Middle East, along with model answers. More to follow…! Share this:
Primary Sources – Genuine Pirate Codes
…-Wink-… / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND Part of the Pirates unit. This study unit allows students to investigate the key question “How useful is the film ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ to historians investigating the ‘Golden Age’ of Piracy? An interactive strategy game forms the hub of the unit, with students investigating the following key elements…
“Who Am I?” Challenge – The Middle East 1939-79
“Who Am I?” Challenge – The Middle East 1939-79 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…
“Save Game” Facility for the “Middle Passage” Simulation
I have added a ‘save this game’ feature to the Middle Passage Simulation on this page. This means that students can now save their progress in the game and pick up where they left off later. Is this a useful feature that you’d like to see rolled out over other games? Share this:
How accurately is Weaponry used in the Pirates of the Caribbean?
Weaponry in the films: Evidence of Accuracy | Video Clip The Pirates of the Caribbean films do a good job in using historically accurate weaponry. This worksheet and this accompanying video clip helps students understand how and why. Share this:
Fake SMS Text Message Generator
Use the icons in this new template to create a chat between two historical or fictional characters. You can save your work for future changes. You can drag and drop, edit and delete entries by hovering over them. After saving, you will also be able to get a QR Code or embed the chat into…
Randomiser / Pirate Insult Tool
Randomiser / Pirate Insult Tool – this useful tool helps you to choose random positions on the board for each ship at the start of the game and if they get hit by hurricanes / the Kraken. The ‘insult’ tool is one of the ‘forfeits’ that appears in the game. Share this:
“Who Am I?” Challenge – The Middle East to 1939
“Who Am I?” Challenge – The Middle East to 1939 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…
Pirate Flags Quiz
This quiz is designed to accompany the Pirates Strategy Game. Share this:
Quiz Questions – Pirates Strategy Game
Student teams succeed in their ‘attacks’ only if they can correctly answer factual questions testing their knowledge of the topic. This detailed bank of questions is broken down into various categories focusing on particular worksheets in this unit. Share this:
“Who Am I?” Challenge – The Chinese Civil War
“Who Am I?” Challenge – The Chinese Civil War 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…
Game Rules – Caribbean Pirates Strategy Game
Game Rules – The full explanation of how the game works in class is provided here. It requires just a bit of preparation – the students will love it! Share this:
Feedback Phase – How far is Jack Sparrow based on genuine pirates?
Each ‘crew’ pool their findings to complete this worksheet, which encourages them to test key points about Jack Sparrow to determine if they match what we know about one or more of the pirates that they have now researched. This is followed by a quiz round which enables each ‘ship’ and its crew to win…
How far is Jack Sparrow based on genuine Pirates?
Research instructions | ‘Wanted Poster’ Template The first thing we investigate is how far “Jack Sparrow” is based on actual pirates. The class conducts a discussion about the sorts of things we know about “Jack Sparrow” from “Pirates of the Caribbean”. Students are then allocated different pirates to research. They record their findings in the…
How Accurate is ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’? to the historian of the ‘Golden Age of Piracy’?
This worksheet gets students familiar with the key areas to be investigated. They organise themselves into ‘crews’, elect a ‘captain’ in preparation for the strategy game at the heart of the unit, and name their pirate ship. They also use the following two videos, along with a written account, to develop some basic knowledge. A…
Nature of Sources: Evaluation Worksheet
This worksheet, part of a new batch on the IGCSE History Revision area, helps students develop source work skills. Share this:
IB History Extended Essay: Samples and Guidance
IB History Extended Essay: Samples and Guidance – an extensive new section on the website! Share this:
Purpose of Sources: Evaluation Worksheet for IGCSE History
This worksheet, part of a new batch on the IGCSE History Revision area, helps students develop source work skills. Share this:
“Who Am I?” Challenge: The Rule of Lenin
“Who Am I?” Challenge: The Rule of Lenin 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…
20th Century Dictators: Historiography – Why do dicators emerge?
Historiography – Why do dictators emerge? This activity encourages students to investigate the theories of six different historians (Marx, Davies, Huntington, Gurr, Tilly, Skocpol) whom have formulated theories regarding the causes for the rise of dictators. These theories are compared, contrasted and linked: structuralists are separated from intentionalists. Finally, students consider which of the dictators…
20th Century Dictators: Feedback Process
Feedback Process In this lesson, students start to compare and contrast the different methods and conditions used by different dictators to obtain power. Working in pairs, small groups and then as a class, they identify the most prevalent methods and conditions. They then identify exactly which dictators match these criteria and makes notes from the…
Origin of Sources: Evaluation Worksheet for IGCSE History
This worksheet, part of a new batch on the IGCSE History Revision area, helps students develop source work skills. Share this:
20th Century Dictators – Research Template
Research Template Students use this template to record their findings about the key “Methods” and “Conditions” which led to the rise to power of the dictator they have researched. Share this:
20th Century Dictators: Introductory Historiography and Research Task
Introductory Historiography and Research Task Each student chooses one dictator from the IB Syllabus Africa: Kenya-Kenyatta; Tanzania-Nyerere Americas: Argentina-Peron; Cuba-Castro Europe and the Middle East: Germany-Hitler; USSR-Stalin; Egypt-Nasser Asia and Oceania: China-Mao; Indonesia-Sukarno Share this:
New for subscribers – View your access logs
This new feature allows whole-school subscribers to check their access logs. The logs are cleared out once a month to improve site performance but I hope this is a useful feature. Share this:
“Who Am I?” Challenge – Tsar Nicholas II and the Russian Revolutions
“Who Am I?” Challenge – Tsar Nicholas II and the Russian Revolutions 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…
Glossary: Historiographical and Subject-Specific Terminology for History Extended Essays
Glossary: Historiographical and Subject-Specific Terminology for History Extended Essays – a new addition for IB History students. Share this:
Historical Anniversaries – “On This Day” and “In This Week”
A new feature on the site – view historical anniversaries taking place each day and all week. Unlike other “On this Day” scripts, this one does NOT list anniversaries of any random year: only those which are in multiples of 50 or 100 years. Share this:
Critical Thinking – The 6-Hat Technique (Worksheet/Lesson Plan)
Part of the ‘Critical Thinking’ PSHCE unit. In this activity, the teacher will take the role of someone with a “Green Hat”. They will choose (or ask the class to vote on) one of the “Imagine a world…” discussion point which are listed overleaf (or invent one of their own). When the discussion point has…
Assembly Presentation: What is critical thinking? (PSHCE)
Part of the “Critical Thinking” unit. This presentation is given to the entire group and is designed to get them thinking about what critical thinking entails. In particular it provides students with an introdution into the De Bono 6-Hat Technique which will form the basis of the activity in the main part of the unit….
Voting Systems: Which is the most truly democratic?
This stand-alone assembly resource was something I put together when the school was preparing to hold student council elections. It highlights some of the essential problems with the whole nature of democracy and how votes should be interpreted. Share this:
PSHCE Politics – Extremist political ideologies
This worksheet questionnaire develops from the earlier work on Left- and Right-Wing ideologies by getting students familiar with Fascist and Communist views on the same policy areas. There is a completed teacher version available. Share this:
PSHCE Politics – Design your ‘ideal state’
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! Share this:
“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. Share this:
Markscheme and Guidance: The Extended Essay in History
Markscheme and Guidance: The Extended Essay in History – a new addition for IB History students. Share this:
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. Share this:
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! Share this:
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. Share this:
“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. Share this:
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. Share this:
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! Share this:
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. Share this:
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! Share this:
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. Share this:
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. Share this:
“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? Share this:
Lenin: Hero or Villain?
Historiography Handouts with Associated Tasks – Lenin: Hero or Villain? Share this:
“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? Share this:
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. Share this:
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. Share this:
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 Share this:
The Reforms of Alexander II: Summary Grid
The Reforms of Alexander II: Summary Grid – a useful revision resource for IB History Share this:
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. Share this:
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. Share this:
Middle East Timeline of Events, 1947-79
Timeline of Events, 1947-79 – a useful revision resource for IB History Share this:
Middle East Timeline of Events, 1939-47
Timeline of Events, 1939-47 – a useful revision resource for IB History Share this:
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. Share this:
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. Share this:
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. Share this:
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. Share this:
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 Share this:
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. Share this:
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. Share this:
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. Share this:
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. Share this:
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. Share this:
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. Share this:
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. Share this:
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 Share this:
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. Share this:
