UKS2 Topic: Stone Age to Iron Age Block G: Hill forts

Chn will have a better understanding of the range of hill forts and their significance in Iron Age society, have investigated one hill fort in detail and produced a reconstruction drawing or model of a hill fort. They will also know how to read ordnance survey maps.

Block G: Hill forts
[6 sessions] / Main outcomes:HistoryandGeography
By the end of this block you will have achieved the following outcomes: /
  • Understand the differential distribution of hill forts across the country.
  • Identify features on a map using a key.
  • Transfer features from one map to another of a different scale.
  • Read contour lines.
  • Answer historical questions using map-reading skills.
  • Follow and generate four or six-figure grid references.
  • Generate questions about a historical topic.
  • Generate questions about a historical topic
  • Select, record and present historical information
  • Read an archaeological site plan
  • Create an information poster to inform others
  • Follow grid references and use a map and compass to find geographical features
  • Create a sketch plan of a site
  • Create a profile of an archaeological feature
  • Start to interpret the archaeological evidence on a site

Session 1: History and Geography
Introduction to hill forts
Learn about the background of hill forts. Use maps to identify some well-known and local hill forts. / Children will
  • Know and understand the history of the British Isles as a coherent, chronological narrative.
  • Understand historical concepts such as continuity and change, cause and consequence, similarity, difference and significance, and use them to make connections, draw contrasts, analyse trends.
  • Name and locate counties and cities of the UK, geographical regions and their key topographical features (including hills, mountains, coasts and rivers), and land-use patterns; and understand how some of these aspects have changed over time.

Session 2: History and Geography
Were hill forts on hills?
Make a 3D contour model of a map section with a hill fort. / Children will
  • Use the symbols and key of Ordnance Survey maps.
  • Address historically valid questions about change, cause, similarity and difference, and significance.

Session 3: History and Geography
Finding hill forts
Research into life in Danebury in the Iron Age and find hill forts using grid references. / Children will
  • Understand how our knowledge of the past is constructed from a range of sources.
  • Read and generate four and six-figure grid references.

Session 4:History and Geography
How do we know what the inside of a hill fort was like?
Use a plan from an archaeological dig to draw or model a structure. / Children will
  • Become familiar with sketch maps and plans.
  • Devise historically valid questions and investigate answers from a range of sources.

Session 5:History and Geography
Visit to a hill fort (optional)
Take part in real fieldwork at a hill fort. / Children will
  • Use fieldwork to observe, measure, record and present the human and physical features in the local area using a range of methods, including sketch maps.
  • Understand different methods of historical enquiry.
  • Understand how our knowledge of the past is constructed from different sources; ask questions about cause and significance.

Session 6:History and Geography
Create a book/display about hill forts
Make or draw a reconstruction of a hill fort, including physical geography features and interior details. / Children will
  • Describe and understand key aspects of types of settlement and land use, economic activity including trade links, and the distribution of natural resources including energy, food, minerals and water.
  • Construct informed responses that involve thoughtful selection and organisation of relevant historical information.

Resources

Session 1

Provided: Large scale map of Britain.

You will need: Buy one or more copies of the Ordnance Survey's map of Ancient Britain; Print out or photocopy a map of Britain from the internet or an atlas on A4 for each group.

Session 2

Provided:How to read contours.

You will need: Old cardboard boxes; Photocopies of an Ordnance; Survey map of your local area; Photocopies of Ordnance Survey; Explorer map 131 showing Danebury and Woolbury hill forts.

Session 3

Provided: Following and generating grid references.

You will need: Ordnance Survey map of Ancient Britain; Ordnance Survey Explorer Map 131.

Session 4

Provided: How to read an archaeological site plan and images of Danebury.

You will need:

Session 5

Provided: Ideas on setting up a pretend hill fort in your school grounds and surveying instruction sheet.

You will need: Knowledge of the location of your local hill fort; Maps of your local hill fort; String; Line levels; Tape measures; Compasses; Clipboards; Squared paper; Calculators.

Session 6

Provided:

You will need: Model making materials such as card; Tape; Glue; Modroc; Paint.

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