Year 3 - History
The evidence of the Paleolithic Era
Stone Age Britain: what do archaeologists think they know about it?
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
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.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain what archaeologists think they know about the Paleolithic Era and the evidence it is based on.
Key Notes
- 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.
Vocabulary To Learn
- 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 Mistakes To Avoid
- All humans living in the Stone Age were Homo sapiens.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.
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.
2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'Paleolithic Era'
the Paleolithic Era is a time in history, sometimes called the Early Stone Age.
3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.
Mistake: All humans living in the Stone Age were Homo sapiens. Correction: Ensure pupils understand that there were different types of humans such as Neanderthals.
More Lessons In This Unit
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