Students investigate the “Rule by Geriatrics” – Brezhnev, Andropov, Chernenko – and how this lack of flexibility led to the tragedy of the Korean Airliner incident of 1983. Share this:
100 Years Ago Today: Douglas Bader, WW2 Fighter Ace, is born
Born 21st Feb. 1910. In 1928, Bader joined the RAF, but, on 14 December 1931 at Woodley airfield near Reading, lost both of his legs in an aircraft crash attempting a slow roll at very low level following jibes about his not wanting to perform aerobatics that day. Bader recovered, undertook refresher training, passed his…
100 Years Ago Today: Old Trafford hosted its first football match
Old Trafford, Manchester United football ground, opened (100 years ago today). The stadium hosted its inaugural game on 19 February 1910, with United playing host to Liverpool. However, the home side were unable to provide their fans with a win to mark the occasion, as Liverpool won 4–3. A journalist at the game reported the…
Political Tensions within the USSR: Dictatorship and Corruption
Students compare and contrast democracy and dictatorship and produce a written summary outlining the inherent weaknesses of the Soviet system. Share this:
To what extent was the collapse of communism in the USSR the result of Gorbachev’s policies?
The Decline and Collapse of Soviet Control over Eastern Europe is the compulsory sourcework paper for IGCSE History, Summer 2010. This is a new programme of study on the website which can be used to teach this interesting topic. Share this:
Historical Anniversaries for March 2010
• The following list provides important anniversaries that could be commemorated in 2010. • It can be used by teachers preparing assemblies, extension tasks and one-off lessons. • I am limiting the list to multiples of 50 years (1960 (50 years ago today), 1910 (100 years ago today), 1860 (150 years ago today) etc). •…
300 Years Ago Today: Louis XV, King of France, was born
Louis XV, the penultimate King of France, was born: 15th Feb. 1710 (300 years ago today) “Popular legend holds that Louis said, “After me, the flood” (“Après moi, le déluge”). In fact this quotation is more precisely attributed to Madame de Pompadour, although it is not certain that even she ever said it. The remark…
100 Years Ago Today: Winston Churchill becomes Home Secretary
Winston Churchill becomes Home Secretary in Asquith’s Liberal Government: 14th Feb. 1910 (100 years ago today). In this role he notoriously used troops to put down striking miners in South Wales and to assist police during a house siege in Sidney Street in East London in January 1911. Share this:
50 Years Ago Today: France tests its first atomic bomb in the Sahara
France tests its first atomic bomb in the Sahara: 13th Feb. 1960 (50 years ago today) Wikipedia Link Share this:
Overview: Eastern Europe in 1989
Students are provided with essential terminology and produce their own account of the events of 1989-91 by comparing and making deductions from two maps of Europe during the period. Share this:
IB Source Work Paper 1: The Peace Treaties after World War One
A source work paper based on paper 1 of the International Baccalaureate for History. Share this:
Why was the Medieval Church so powerful? – Boardgames project
This four-hour unit helps students to understand why religion was so important in the Middle Ages. This leads neatly into a study of the Cathars and the Reformation. Students study why the Church was so powerful in the Middle Ages. They conduct a card-sort exercise, have a game of charades, then work in pairs and…
100 Years Ago Today: The Dreadnought Hoax
100 Years Ago Today: Prince Makalin of Abyssinia and five other members of royalty were welcomed aboard the British battleship HMS Dreadnought. The prince turned out to be prankster Horace de Vere Cole, and the group included Virginia Woolf: 10th Feb 1910. Wikipedia Link Share this:
IB History Sourcework Paper: The League and Disarmament
A new 1-hour sourcework assignment in the style of the International Baccalaureate syllabus for History. Share this:
Tycho Brahe to be exhumed
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Last U.S. veteran of World War I turns 109
Last U.S. veteran of World War I turns 109
Worst Jobs in History: Victorian
This Victorian Worst Jobs in History simulation can be used as a stand-alone lesson, homework assignment or as part of a broader unit on “Was life Good or Bad during this particular period?”. The worksheet has basic activities for a 30 minute lesson, and extension tasks that could be followed up later. Share this:
Historical Anniversary – 100 Years ago today…
Thomas Crapper, English inventor of the modern toilet, died: 27th Jan. 1910. Share this:
Causes of the Vietnam War – Sourcework
A new resource for IGCSE history – Causes of the Vietnam War – Sourcework. Share this:
Historical Anniversary – 100 Years ago today…
Django Reinhardt, jazz guitarist, was was born: 23rd Jan. 1910. Share this:
Historiography
I’ve produced this Historiographical Terms Handout for my IB students, just to give them some useful points of reference. Feel free to use it in class – and if you think there’s something obvious I could add / amend / correct please let me know! It covers such themes as intentionalism, structuralism, annales school and…
Key Terminology for Historians
Classroom Posters: 24 Key Terms for Historians Two dozen defined terms, designed to be laminated and placed around the classroom for older students. Share this:
Historical Anniversaries for February 2010
• Here are the major events to commemorate in lessons, assemblies and extension tasks in February 2010. • It can be used by teachers preparing assemblies, extension tasks and one-off lessons. • I am limiting the list to multiples of 50 years (1960 (50 years ago today), 1910 (100 years ago today), 1860 (150 years…
Historical Anniversary – 100 Years ago today…
The United Kingdom “Peers v. People” General Election: 15th Jan. 1910. Share this:
Historical Anniversary – 75 Years ago today…
The Saar Plebiscite: The Saar, which had been given to France for 15 years by the Treaty of Versailles after World War One, voted overwhelmingly to return to Germany. One of Hitler’s earliest foreign policy successes, this event returned territory to Germany whose raw materials were immensely important for Hitler’s re-armament plans. Share this:
Why did Germany Lose World War One?
Students then use this interactive essay planning tool to submit a suggested way of linking the four factors, and get – at the simple click of a button – a very detailed model essay plan suggesting not only the content of each paragraph but also – crucially – how they should be linked together. In…
Historical Anniversary – 200 Years ago today…
The marriage of Napoleon Bonaparte and Josephine was annulled: 10th Jan. 1810. Share this:
Henry VIII Wheel of Life
Students rate Henry VIII according to various criteria and “join the dots” in this diagram to produce a “Wheel of Life”. Space is provided for students to explain their reasoning. Share this:
Historical Anniversary – 400 Years ago today…
Galileo Galilei discovered the moons of Jupiter: 7th Jan. 1610. Share this:
King Henry VIII: Classroom Roleplay Lesson
This roleplay exercise divides the class into three teams – prosecution, defence, and judges. The prosecution and the defence gather evidence and prepare their case whilst the judges select some surprise exhibits to use in the trial. The trial itself should be a lively lesson which encourages students to make deductions and question the reliability…
Historical Anniversary – 50 Years ago today…
Albert Camus, author of “The Plague”, died (4th Jan. 1960). Share this:
For those of you who use Twitter
I’ve just created this page which provides a list of the various Twitter accounts I use to share information about Activehistory, Classtools, History in the Headlines and Education Technology in the classroom. If you’re a Twitter user, feel free to follow any or all of them! Share this:
The Bayeux Tapestry: Teacher Notes
A new teacher helpsheet designed to accompany the interactive simulation and student workpack here. Share this:
ActiveHistory on Facebook
I’ve just set up this Facebook page for ActiveHistory.co.uk to provide its users with another way of keeping on top of what’s being added to the site. At the moment it’s just pulling in updates from the site blog, but I’m interested to see if the ability to comment on posts / start discussions turns…
Cuban Missile Crisis Sourcework Exercise
A new resource for IGCSE history – Cuban Missile Crisis Sourcework Exercise. Share this:
Consequences of the Cuban Missile Crisis
A worksheet for IGCSE History on the Consequences of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Share this:
The Trial of King Louis XVI: Roleplay Exercise
Classroom Roleplay: The Trial of King Louis XVI A one-hour lesson. The class is organised into prosecution, defence and judges and each one has a specific task to prepare for the trial. The roleplay itself is a lively activity which forces the students to think on their feet and critically evaluate the evidence prior to…
Top 10 History Films in my school library, 2009
At the International School of Toulouse, we’ve got a library of 150 or so feature films related to historical themes. The most frequently borrowed by students this year were as follows: Most Frequently Borrowed A Knight’s Tale (Medieval Warfare, Chivalry) Marie-Antoinette (French Revolution) Land and Freedom (Spanish Civil War) Cinderella Man (The Great Depression) The…
Causes of the Cuban Missile Crisis
A new worksheet for IGCSE history. Share this:
Causes of the French Revolution: Essay-Planning Task
Essay-Planning Task This worksheet is designed to be used in conjunction with the mid-unit assessment in this unit. Students compare, contrast and connect 6 key factors to produce a detailed essay plan. Share this:
The Reichstag Fire: Roleplay Lesson
The Reichstag Fire Roleplay exercise A roleplay exercise designed to take place over a one-hour lesson. Students investigate the evidence and reliability of the main witnesses after dividing into prosecution and defence teams. A separate team of judges prepare “surprise evidence” for each side. This teacher promptsheet is also necessary. Share this:
Anniversaries for January 2010
• Here are the major events to commemorate in lessons, assemblies and extension tasks in January 2010. • To receive each month’s anniversaries a couple of weeks in advance, follow the ActiveHistory Anniversaries RSS feed. • To add to this list for this or other months, please contact me with your suggestion or send a…
Origins of World War One – The “Big Brother House”
The tensions between the major powers prior to World War One are outlined using the scenario of a shared house in this worksheet. Share this:
Study Guide: The Causes of World War One
An introduction to the relevance of the topic. Share this:
Events of the French Revolution: Decision-Making Simulation
Part 2 of the French Revolution simulation. It is 1789. You are the French aristocrat, the Count of Camembert. You are an advisor to King Louis XVI of France. Your job is to give him good advice when he faces difficult decisions. The game is complete with sound effects and a worksheet. Share this:
Causes of the French Revolution: Decision-Making Simulation
A major update to this popular simulation, which now includes sound effects and improved playability. Students journey around pre-revolutionary France and provide advice to the King in the hope of saving his dynasty. Worksheets provided. Share this:
An Interview with Kaiser Wilhelm II
An extension / homework activity designed to help students understand a little more about the complex personality of Wilhelm II. Share this:
Western Front – Google Maps Tour
An itinerary for a tour of the World War One Battlefields of Ypres and the Somme. Share this:
Menin Gate: Worksheet
A worksheet to accompany the battlefields trip. Share this:
World War One Battlefields Tour in Google Earth
A suggested itinerary for a Battlefields Tour in Ypres and the Somme, in Google Earth. Share this:
Origins of World War One: Essay Planning Tool
A new activity – CLICK HERE! How can I use this tool in class? a. Students should each spend 10-15 minutes reading through various essay plans. Particularly convincing essay plans should be COPIED and PASTED into a Word Processor. b. Then, students spend a further 5 minutes settling upon their favourite essay plan. The others…
Origins of World War One: Austria v. Serbia: Imperialism and Nationalism
The assassination at Sarajevo was merely the flashpoint of a much deeper conflict between Serbia and Austria, as explained here… Share this:
Events of the Vietnam War
A new resource for IGCSE history – Events of the Vietnam War. Share this:
The Assassination at Sarajevo
The spark which started World War One. What happened? Share this:
Anniversaries
I’m just setting up a new facility on the site whereby every month you will be presented with a list of important anniversaries that could be commemorated in 2010. • It can be used by teachers preparing assemblies, extension tasks and one-off lessons. • I am limiting the list to multiples of 50 years (1960…
The Decline and Collapse of Soviet Control over Eastern Europe
I have put together a new section on the website covering “The Decline and Collapse of Soviet Control over Eastern Europe”, which is the compulsory sourcework paper for IGCSE History, Summer 2010. I plan to teach this unit to my students at the International School of Toulouse in the New Year as their final topic….
Heraldry: Design your own Coat of Arms Online
Design your own coat of arms by answering a series of detailed questions about your personality and interests. The computer uses the information to design your shield, choose the colour scheme, and recommend the symbols you should use. A great classroom project which turns into a brilliant display of finished projects! Share this:
Origin of Surnames Worksheet
An updated version of the Year 7 History Worksheet; now included is a template map of the UK (for students to plot names relating to places) and a diamond9 diagram for students to plot profession-based surnames in rank order of status. Share this:
How to Create a Family Tree
Year 7 History students create their own family tree after analysing that of The Simpsons cartoon characters using this worksheet. Share this:
History Essay Planning Tool
History Essay Planner This tool from ActiveHistory helps you to plan History essays! Simply COPY and PASTE your essay questions into this box and press “submit” (if you submit more than one, each should start on a new line). The computer will then provide you with an essay plan for each question! Lesson idea: BEFORE…
The Trial of King Charles I: Primary Source Analysis
Students read transcripts of the trial to consider what they tell us about the King, his prosecutors and the attitude of those present. This resource can be found within this complete Key Stage 3 History Study Unit on the English Civil War. Share this:
Educational Games and Quizzes – Database
Classtools.net now has an archive of user-submitted quizzes and games that can be searched by subject or by template type! Share this:
History in the Headlines
The latest “History in the Headlines“! This newsfeed is updated (almost!) daily. It provides a hand-selected digest of the automated newsfeed at ClassPress.net. This provides a great way of adding contemporary relevance to your classroom studies. Why not print some of the articles out and stick them on a news board? Or get your students…
Year 8 History Revision Quizzes
A selection of quizzes and activities designed to help Year 8 History students revise the year’s work prior to their summer exams. Share this:
Medieval Realms Revision Activities
In this exercise students organise slips of information into appropriate categories, reduce them down to just 15, and use them to answer the question “Was Life Good or Bad in the Middle Ages?”. They work in teams of two or three, and at various points during the exercise the teacher will test each team with…
Songs for the History Classroom: British Empire, Slavery and Civil Rights
I’m just having a play with Grooveshark.com to see if I can create some playlists for use in the classroom…! Share this:
The Execution of King Charles I, 1649
The Execution of King Charles I: Film and Primary Source Analysis How accurately has the event been depicted in films such as Cromwell (1970) and To Kill a King (2002)? The video clips are accessible at YouTube: [Cromwell (1970)] [To Kill a King (2002)] Share this:
Year 9 History Revision
A selection of quizzes and activities designed to help Year 9 History students revise the year’s work prior to their summer exams. Share this:
History Essay Marker
This tool from ActiveHistory helps to mark your history essays! Simply COPY and PASTE your essay question and your essay into the boxes below. The computer will then provide you with detailed feedback about your essay! Share this:
Create your own interactive newsfeed!
The interactive newsfeeds on ActiveHistory are an effective way of getting the narrative of important events across to students in an engaging manner. I have now launched an interface which allows you to create your own – try it out here! Share this:
Interactive Newsfeed: The Events of the Spanish Civil War
Students complete this worksheet using the interactive newsfeed activity, and then categorise the information thematically to begin analysing the causes for Franco’s victory. Share this:
Introduction to the Spanish Civil War
“Introduction: The Outcome of the Spanish Civil War was by no means a foregone conclusion” This worksheet will later be used as the basis for the introduction to the main essay “Why did Franco win the Spanish Civil War?” Share this:
The Trial of King Charles I: Film Analysis
How accurately has the event been depicted in films such as Cromwell (1970) and To Kill a King (2002)? The lesson can be accompanied by the second part of the Prezi Presentation.The video clips are embedded within it, but they are also accessible at YouTube: [Cromwell (1970)] [To Kill a King (2002)]. This resource can…
Using Twitter in Education: Tweetclubs.net
I’ve just finished work on a new Twitter Application called TweetClubs.net. It searches Twitter for particular words / hashtags being used in Twitter posts. HOWEVER – Unlike the standard Twitter Search function, it then organises them so you can see at a glance who has been tweeting about a particular topic, how frequently, and view…
The Events of the English Civil War
An overview of the main events of the English Civil War is provided, and a discussion takes place as to whether the King should be put on trial. The lesson can be accompanied by the first part of a Prezi Presentation. This resource can be found within this complete Key Stage 3 History Study Unit…
King Charles I: Venn Diagram
A thematic analysis of the problems leading up to the outbreak of the English Civil War. This resource can be found within this complete Key Stage 3 History Study Unit on the English Civil War. Share this:
King Charles I: Timeline Analysis
A chronological analysis of the problems leading up to the outbreak of the English Civil War. This resource can be found within this complete Key Stage 3 History Study Unit on the English Civil War. Share this:
Medieval Images of Hell – Video
A short video I put together for my Year 7 students as a “starter” to their studies of views of Hell in the Middle Ages. Share this:
King Charles I: Overview Decision Making Game
Students play as King Charles I and try to avoid taking the country into a Civil War. Comes complete with a worksheet and follow-up activities. This resource can be found within this complete Key Stage 3 History Study Unit on the English Civil War. Share this:
Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot
An in-depth investigation into the Gunpowder plot making use of primary source materials to help students decide whether the Catholics were “framed”. There is a PowerPoint Slide could be used as a starter to the lesson, and there a Fling the Teacher Quiz which can be used as a factual test. This resource can be…
King James I: An Overview
Students consider the personality and policies of King James I as a long-term explanation for the outbreak of the Civil War. This resource can be found within this complete Key Stage 3 History Study Unit on the English Civil War. Share this:
Causes of the English Civil War: Powerpoint lesson starter
A series of images and short textual points designed to generate student interest. What was the Civil War? Why is it important to study? This resource can be found within this complete Key Stage 3 History Study Unit on the English Civil War. Share this:
Why did Germany and her Allies Lose the First World War?
Essay Project: Linking and prioritising, writing up the essay Students then use this worksheet to spot connections between the major themes rather than simply discuss each one in isolation. Share this:
Who Killed King William Rufus?
Analyse and categorise the evidence to solve this medieval mystery! Share this:
End of Topic Debate: Was William the Conqueror a Hero or a Villain?
The class is divided into two groups to debate the key question in the format of a courtroom trial. Share this:
Classroom Posters – the 20th Century
From the first powered flight at Kitty Hawk, through to Boris Yeltsin making a fool of himself after too much vodka: 27 posters highlighting key events caught on the camera in the 20th Century. A full set of poster resources can be found on this page. Share this:
Quotes about History – Classroom posters
“Study History, Study History! In History lies all the secrets of statecraft!” – plus 19 more motivational quotes about the noble subject. A full set of poster resources can be found on this page. Share this:
History Classroom Posters
Was the Black Death a blessing in disguise? Was Victoria’s Empire racist? – 15 key questions, with illustrations, to put up around the classroom. A full set of poster resources can be found on this page. Share this:
Celebrity History Graduates: Posters
Print these off onto A3, get them laminated and stuck up around the room, then point at them whenever any student asks “What can you do with a history degree?” Share this:
Famous History Graduates
An image of 27 well-known History graduates. The appropriate point at which to watch this video is made clear in the PowerPoint presentation above. Get the class into teams. Each team will take it in turns to name a different face. Teams are “knocked out†when they run out of ideas. The winning team will…
GCSE Modern World History – Google Earth Tour
After watching the film, students should watch this Google Earth Tour and list the 10 key personalities shown in it based on what they learned from the film. As the tour progresses, give some clues / anecdotes about each character to maintain interest. Award merits to the best scoring students in the class. A full…
GCSE Modern World History – Video!
A three-minute video I put together to give students an overview of some of the main events and personalities of the 20th Century. The appropriate point at which to watch this video is made clear in the PowerPoint presentation above. Before students watch the film, warn them that there will be a quick factual test…
