The Stone Age To Iron Age – Planning Overview

It’s a daunting task to cover pre-history with your students, but taking it step by step can be an enriching and exciting journey!

From the Stone Age to the Iron Age, so many fascinating aspects of this period captivate young minds and adults. Let my guide help you plan your lessons when teaching about these ancient times, from deciding what topics to focus on to how best to present them in class.

Get ready for laughs, learning and lots of hands-on activities that make sure everyone is engaged!

Related: For more, check out our article on The Indus Valley.

Timeline of the Stone Age and Iron Age

• 3 million BCE – First signs of Homosapiens in Africa
• 200,000 BCE – Homosapiens spread to the Middle East and Europe
• 7000 BCE – Neolithic Revolution begins with the start of agriculture in Europe
• 6000 BCE – Metalworking begins using copper in the Near East
• 4000 BCE – Bronze Age begins with the use of bronze alloys
• 1200 BCE – Iron Age begins in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey)
• 750 BCE – Iron production spreads across the Mediterranean
• 550 BCE – The Celtic Hallstatt culture develops iron weapons and tools
• 400 CE – The Romans develop steel weapons and tools

• Stone Age: During the stone age, Homosapiens spread to the Middle East and Europe, the Neolithic Revolution started with European agriculture, and metalworking began using copper.
• Iron Age: During the iron age, the production of iron spread across the Mediterranean. The Celtic Hallstatt culture developed iron weapons and tools, and the Romans developed steel weapons and tools.

The two periods known as the Stone Age and Iron Age are some of the most important in human history. Together, they represent milestones in human development that span over two million years.

The Stone Age began around 2.6 million years ago and ended around 3,000 BCE. This period of human history is defined by using stone tools and weapons, hunting and gathering, and the development of early human societies.

The Stone Age can be divided into three sub-periods: the Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic Ages.

During the Paleolithic Age, early humans lived in small groups and relied on hunting and gathering for sustenance. Simple stone tools, such as hand axes and knives, were used every day during this time.

The Mesolithic Age saw the development of more advanced stone tools and the use of fire. The Neolithic Age saw the development of agriculture, the domestication of animals, and the use of polished stone tools for farming and building.

On the other hand, the Iron Age began around 1,200 BCE and ended with the advent of written history in various parts of the world around 500 BCE. During this period, humans began using iron tools and weapons instead of stone.

Some of the most well-known inventions of the Iron Age include the chariot, the plough, and the sword.

The Iron Age marked a significant shift in human history towards more complex societies, such as the emergence of civilizations like the Assyrian, Babylonian, and Greek empires.

The Stone Age and Iron Age were two of the most critical periods in human history. They represent milestones in human evolution, technological development, and social organisation.

The Stone Age was characterized by using stone tools and weapons, hunting and gathering, and the developing of early human societies.

At the same time, the Iron Age was marked by using iron tools and weapons, the emergence of more complex societies, and the advent of an ancient civilisation.

These periods continue to fascinate us to this day as we explore our past and uncover the rich history of our ancestors.

Learning Objectives

1. I can explain the spread of Homosapiens during the Stone Age.
2. I can describe how the Neolithic Revolution led to advances in agriculture in Europe.
3. I can identify key dates and developments from Stone Age to Iron Age.
4. I can explain the spread of metalworking during the Iron Age.
5. I can define the bronze and iron ages and identify examples from each era.
6. I can compare and contrast sizes, shapes, materials and uses of stone age tools vs iron age tools.
7. I can discuss how the discovery of iron changed everyday life for people living during this period.
8. I can describe how civilisations developed new technologies as iron became more widespread throughout Europe and Asia Minor (present-day Turkey).
9. I can explain how the Romans developed steel technology in 400CE, revolutionising warfare and production techniques throughout Europe and beyond.
10. I can analyse primary sources related to Iron Age technology, including artefacts and written works such as Homer’s Odyssey.
11. Using evidence from multiple sources, I can construct persuasive arguments regarding why Iron Age technology was so important in human history.
12. I can evaluate different interpretations of Iron Age information based on archaeological evidence.
13. I can recognise patterns between technological advancements involving metalworking that occurred during both Stone Age and Iron Age periods.
14. I can craft a written argument connecting achievements made during both eras and present-day technological advancements.
15. I can explain why understanding changes in technology over time is essential for understanding human development throughout history.

Lesson Plans for the Stone Age and Iron Age

Lesson Plan 1: The Stone Age

Objective

Students will understand the timeline and critical features of the Stone Age.

Materials

• Timeline of the Stone Age
• Pictures of stone tools and weapons
• Artefacts found from the Stone Age

Introduction (5 minutes)

• Have the timeframe of the Stone Age displayed for students to see.
• Ask students what the Stone Age was like and write their answers on the board.
• Discuss with students what they currently know about the Stone Age.

Lesson (20 minutes)

• Show pictures of some of the tools used during the Stone Age.
• Talk about how they were used and how they were made.
• Discuss hunting and gathering techniques.

Activity (25 minutes)

• Show the artefacts found from the Stone Age.
• Have students draw and label one of the tools or weapons they saw in the pictures.
• Ask students to imagine themselves living during the Stone Age and identify the ways they would have survived.

Lesson Plan 2: The Iron Age

Objective

Students will understand the timeline and critical features of the Iron Age.

Materials

• Timeline of the Iron Age
• Pictures of iron tools and weapons
• Artefacts found from the Iron Age

Introduction (5 minutes)

• Have the timeframe of the Iron Age displayed for students to see.
• Ask students what they know about the Iron Age and write their answers on the board.
• Discuss with students what they currently know about the Iron Age.

Lesson (20 minutes)

• Show pictures of some of the tools used during the Iron Age.
• Talk about how they were used and how they were made.
• Discuss the discovery and use of iron.

Activity (25 minutes)

• Show the artefacts found from the Iron Age.
• Have students draw and label one of the tools or weapons they saw in the pictures.
• Ask students to imagine themselves living during the Iron Age and identify the ways they would have survived.

Lesson Plan 3: Comparing the Stone Age and Iron Age

Objective

Students can compare and contrast the Stone Age and Iron Age.

Materials

• Venn Diagram worksheet
• Pictures of stone tools and weapons
• Images of iron tools and weapons
• Artefacts found from both ages

Introduction (5 minutes)

• Ask students what they know about the Stone Age and Iron Age and write their answers on the board.
• Have students identify the differences they already understand between the two periods.

Lesson (20 minutes)

• Show pictures of some tools used during the Stone and Iron Ages.
• Please discuss the similarities and differences between the devices and how they represent each age.

Activity (25 minutes)

• Have students complete a Venn diagram worksheet comparing and contrasting the Stone Age and Iron Age.
• Show the artefacts found from both ages, encouraging students to identify each artefact’s age.
• Have students create an artefact of their own, combining elements from the Stone and Iron Ages.

In conclusion, isn’t it invigorating how the vastness of pre-history can become a manageable and thrilling exploration with the right approach?

From the Stone Age to the Iron Age, there’s no shortage of fascinating aspects to captivate both young learners and adults alike. Can you envision the sense of wonder and discovery these ancient times could spark in your classroom?

Imagine the laughter, the learning, and the hands-on activities that will keep everyone engaged and excited. Isn’t it inspiring to think of the transformative journey you’re about to embark on with your students as you delve into the mysteries of pre-history?

Remember, teaching pre-history doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With careful planning, creativity, and a willingness to make learning fun and interactive, you can turn this challenge into an enriching educational adventure.

So why wait? Dive into the captivating world of pre-history today, and watch as your classroom transforms into a vibrant hub of historical exploration!

FAQ: Teaching Children About the Stone Age and Iron Age