The evidence of the Paleolithic Era
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain what archaeologists think they know about the Paleolithic Era and the evidence it is based on.
Key learning points
- The Paleolithic Era took place between two million years ago and ten thousand years ago.
- Many of the types of Paleolithic human who lived in Britain used stone tools, which were often made of flint.
- These tools, especially hand axes, are some of the main sources of evidence archaeologists have for this period.
- Archaeologists have worked out how Paleolithic humans might have used their hand axes.
- Archaeologists think that they probably used them to skin animals for clothing and strip branches for fire and shelter.
Keywords
Paleolithic Era - the Paleolithic Era is a time in history, sometimes called the Early Stone Age
Nomadic - someone who doesn't settle in one place to live is nomadic
Hand axe - a hand axe is a prehistoric tool used for cutting
Flint - flint is a type of stone that was used to make tools in the past
Common misconception
All humans living in the Stone Age were Homo sapiens.
Ensure pupils understand that there were different types of humans such as Neanderthals.
Teacher tip
Set up an archaeologist role play activity. Print and laminate pictures of Paleolithic hand axes, footprints and bones and bury them in sand trays for pupils to discover. Encourage pupils to discuss what the items are and what they do.
Equipment
Trays of sand, laminated pictures of Paleolithic hand axes, footprints and bones.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of upsetting content
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
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.Which three of these tools are used for chopping and cutting?
Q2.What does an archaeologist study?
Q3.What is prehistory?
Q4.What does the word 'evidence' mean?
Q5.In prehistory, there were periods of time when Britain was joined to mainland Europe. What type of bridge joined Britain to Europe?
Q6.Scientists and historians believe different types of humans lived during prehistoric times. What two types of evidence of this is there?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which material was used to make tools and weapons during the Paleolithic Era?
Q2.The Paleolithic Era was part of which age in history?
Q3.Which of the following are types of evidence that historians use from the Paleolithic Era?
Q4.Starting with the earliest, put the parts of the Stone Age into the order they happened.
Q5.What did Early humans use to make Paleolithic hand axes?
Q6.Match the words to the correct definition.
a period in time when stone was used to make tools
a period in time before written records and writing systems
a period in time often called the Early Stone Age
To help you plan your 3 history lesson on: The evidence of the Paleolithic Era, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 history lesson on: The evidence of the Paleolithic Era, 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 Stone Age Britain: what do archaeologists think they know about it? unit, dive into the full primary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.