Take your learners on an exciting historical journey through the Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age — examining how weapons evolved over time. In this active and engaging session, students explore a wide variety of ancient weaponry, analyse key developments, and consider how different cultures advanced at different speeds based on access to materials, trade, and innovation.

Please note: This lesson is also session 3 of a three-lesson unit pack about the prehistoric ages and the development of weapons over time.

What’s Included:

• Editable ActivInspire flipchart (6 slides) with key vocabulary, timeline visuals, and activity guidance (PDF included).
• Curated video clip to introduce the development of weapons
• Timeline references for key ancient weapons, from stone tools to crossbows
• Guided reading task using a rich source text
• Main activity: Pupils complete a structured chart comparing typical weapons from each age
• Plenary slide with discussion prompts to consolidate understanding

Key Features:

• Promotes chronological understanding and source-based learning
• Encourages discussion on technological advancement and global development
• All materials linked to the UK National Curriculum (KS2) history framework
• Easy to adapt for individual, paired, or group tasks
• Ready for classroom, cover, or home learning use

Perfect For:

• KS2 History (Years 4–6)
• Stone Age to Iron Age units
• Used as part of the IPC (International Primary Curriculum) unit ‘Making New Materials’.
• Comparing ancient civilisations
• Developing historical enquiry and reasoning skills
• Lessons focusing on technology, warfare, or cultural development