Jade artefacts
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe some of the things archaeologists have learnt about the Shang Dynasty from looking at their jade artefacts.
Key learning points
- Archaeologists have used the Shang Dynasty's jade artefacts to try to understand their lives.
- Jade is too hard to be carved and instead must be worn away, taking great skill and patience.
- The large number of ornamental jade weapons found suggests how important warfare was to the Shang Dynasty.
- The Shang Dynasty made many real and imaginary animal figurines out of jade, including the mythical taotie.
- Mingqi are jade figures of servants, which were buried in the tombs of the wealthy to serve them in the afterlife.
Keywords
Ornamental - something that is ornamental is used for decoration
Taotie - the taotie is a mythical animal-like creature that is often used as decoration on items
Mingqi - mingqi are jade figures of servants, which were buried in the tombs of the wealthy to serve them in the afterlife
Common misconception
Some might assume that jade is always green in colour.
Jade is a natural stone and so the colour varies greatly. It can appear as many colours including black, brown, yellow, white, green and blue. Different colours have been more desirable at different points in Chinese history.
Teacher tip
Students could design their own jade taoties.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
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.Select the things that a bronze ding was used for.
Q2.A person who was in someone's family in past times is known as ...
Q3.Bronze dings showed that someone had a high status.
Q4.Bronze dings were decorated with ...
Q5.Bronze is made from ...
Q6.The Shang Dynasty offered sacrifices to their gods or .
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Jade is a ...
Q2.Jade is only green.
Q3.Jade was very during the time of the Shang Dynasty.
Q4.Match the keyword to the definition.
Q5.Lots of weapons were found in tombs.
Q6.Jade Shang Dynasty weapons would have been ...
To help you plan your 3 history lesson on: Jade artefacts, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 history lesson on: Jade artefacts, 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 The Shang: What have archaeologists found out about them? unit, dive into the full primary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.