the only surviving group of humans is the Homo sapiens

someone who studies human history by exploring artefacts found in the ground is an archaeologist

something from before written history is known as prehistoric

an Ice Age is when the Earth becomes very cold for a long period of time

The big picture of the earliest humans in Britain

History

In 'Stone Age Britain: what do archaeologists think they know about it?' pupils have learnt about how the archaeological record informs what we know about Stone Age Britain. In 'Bronze and Iron Age Britain: how did life change during this time?' pupils examine the archaeological record with a focus on the changes brought about by the Bronze and Iron Ages.

'Significant individuals who changed Britain: how did they fight for change?' strengthened pupils' knowledge of twentieth century British history by asking them to compare two individuals fighting for change. 'Stone Age Britain: what do archaeologists think they know about it?' contrasts this by transporting pupils to some of the earliest history of the British Isles, focusing on archaeology.

This unit examines the archaeological record that exists for Stone Age Britain and introduces pupils to the way in which archaeologists make claims based on this evidence. As the first unit in KS2, it covers the settlement of humans in Britain during the Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic eras.

Stone Age Britain: what do archaeologists think they know about it?

Depiction of scary, confusing or unsettling events or characters placed in danger, including creation of a scary atmosphere through the use of music and sound.

Depiction or discussion of upsetting content

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Which group of humans are the only ones to have survived? 

Pick two types of evidence that have been used to show early humans were in Britain.

Izzy: "Archaeologists study human history and look for artefacts in the ground."

Jun: "Archaeologists look after your teeth and gums."

Aisha: "Archaeologists study science and carry out science investigations."

Three children are discussing what an archaeologist does. Who is correct? 

They caused long periods when no humans lived in Britain.

They caused long periods when only a few humans lived in Britain.

They caused long periods when lots of humans lived in Britain. 

How did the Ice Ages affect the number of humans living in Britain?

How many different types of early humans are believed to have come and left Britain in the past?

Which two factors meant early humans came to and left Britain at different times in the past? 

Which of these time expressions is in the past?

Starting with the longest ago, put the times in order of when they happened.

Which picture shows a way of life from the past? 

Starting with the youngest put the humans in order of age. 

A timeline is a diagram that shows events that happened in the past. Which picture shows a timeline?

A timeline is a diagram that shows events that happened in the past. What order is a timeline in? 

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of upsetting content

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

The big picture of the earliest humans in Britain

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.