Comparing and contrasting Bronze Age and Iron Age Britain
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe the similarities and differences between Bronze Age and Iron Age Britain.
Key learning points
- Settlements were often very different e.g. Bronze Age farming communities vs Iron Age hillforts.
- Wattle and daub roundhouses occurred in both; farming tools were used in both but were more effective in the Iron Age.
- Art styles changed from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age but metalworking was important in both periods.
- Conflict between groups of people seems to have become more common in the Iron Age as distinct tribes developed.
- A good description of the similarities and differences will use knowledge from across this unit.
Keywords
Settlement - a settlement is a place where people have settled to live and work
Beaker people - Beaker people were a group of people from Europe known for their clay pottery; they came to Britain during the Bronze Age
Metalwork - metalwork is the process of creating items from metal
Common misconception
The changes between the Bronze Age and the Iron Age happened instantly.
Explain that the changes between the Bronze Age and Iron Age happened gradually over time.
Teacher tip
Children could make Iron Age shields from cardboard and decorate with celtic patterns. Show the children examples of celtic patterns. Children could make beaker pots using self-drying clay to create a coil pot and then press patterns into the clay with sticks and twigs before the clay sets.
Equipment
cardbaord, clay, small sticks and twigs
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Starting with the earliest, put the time eras in order.
Q2.Match the material that tools and weapons were made from to the correct era.
Q3.In which era did people build and live in hillforts?
Q4.Iron is than bronze.
Q5.During the Bronze Age people were ...
Q6.What is wattle and daub?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What was the same about settlements in the Bronze Age and the Iron Age?
Q2.Match the type of settlement to the correct era.
Q3.Metal farm tools were used in both the Bronze Age and the Iron Age. What was the difference between the tools used?
Q4.In which era did farmers begin producing surplus crops that they could trade?
Q5.Which Age saw pots decorated with geometric patterns and curved lines?
Q6.As different tribes developed in the Iron Age, conflicts between people became ...
To help you plan your 3 history lesson on: Comparing and contrasting Bronze Age and Iron Age Britain, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 history lesson on: Comparing and contrasting Bronze Age and Iron Age Britain, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 history lessons from the Bronze and Iron Age Britain: how did life change during this time? unit, dive into the full primary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.