Stone Age to Iron Age activity 10: prehistoric monuments and biscuit henge
Children research the fascinating subject of prehistoric monuments, from the wonders of Stonehenge to Bronze Age burial mounds on the Downs above Folkestone.
They seek to answer the questions that have intrigued countless generations.
- What are these mysterious structures?
- And how and why were they built?
Pupils finish with a creative activity that literally ‘takes the biscuit’ - constructing Stonehenge from Bourbons and shortbread!
Learning objectives
Increased knowledge and understanding of prehistoric monuments, including Stonehenge, burial mounds on the Downs above Folkestone and how they were built.
Research skills.
Design technology skills.
Curriculum links
KS1-2 History (Stone Age).
KS1-2 Design technology (Make a model Stonehenge using biscuits!)
Show the class the 18th century print of Stonehenge at Learn with Objects Stone Age to Iron Age 14: Stonehenge. Tell them it’s part of the collection at Folkestone Museum.
Ask the following questions to see what they already know.
- What can you see in the picture?
- What’s the structure made from?
- Can anyone read the inscription?
- How many people can you spot in the picture?
- What are they wearing?
- Is there something strange about the height of the figures compared to the monument?
- Why do you think the artist exaggerated the height of the monument?
- How long ago do you think it was created?
- What kind of media is it?
- How has the print been made?
- In what ways is Stonehenge different today?
Through this discussion the children start to learn about Stonehenge.
Set them a challenge to find out more about Stonehenge and report back. They can also investigate whether there are any surviving prehistoric monuments near Folkestone, or in Kent.
This English Heritage website is about Kits Coty and Little Kits Coty near Maidstone, which were once both Mesolithic ‘dolmen’ burial chambers.
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/kits-coty-house-and-little-kits-coty-house/
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/kits-coty-house-and-little-kits-coty-house/history/
There is a Bronze Age bowl barrow on Castle Hill, Folkestone http://www.gatehouse-gazetteer.info/English%20sites/1617.html
A bit detailed, but this highlights the number and location of prehistoric barrows in Kent. Useful for fining the nearest ones to your school.
The following video clips about prehistoric monuments are well worth watching:
An animated history of Prehistoric monuments
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBnWxKaxLIU
How Stonehenge was created
Construct Stonehenge with biscuits
Build your own mini Stonehenge in the classroom. Just follow the instructions in this excellent English Heritage teachers’ kit. Who said learning wasn’t fun!
And here’s a slightly more serious and detailed approach for KS3-4 students:
Learn with Objects links
Stone Age to Iron Age 14: Stonehenge