Skara Brae and life in the Neolithic Era
I can explain why archaeologists think humans began to farm in Britain during the Neolithic Era.
Skara Brae and life in the Neolithic Era
I can explain why archaeologists think humans began to farm in Britain during the Neolithic Era.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The Neolithic Era saw lots of changes for early humans in Britain.
- Animal bones found during excavations suggest that this is when humans began to domesticate animals such as cattle.
- This was the first time that people started deliberately planting and harvesting crops.
- Excavations at Skara Brae have unearthed barley seeds, suggesting cultivation.
- New technologies developed: this is the first period from which archaeologists find pottery, including at Skara Brae.
Keywords
Neolithic Era - the Neolithic Era is also known as the New Stone Age and is the third and final part of the Stone Age
Domesticated - a domesticated plant or animal is under human control
Pottery - items made out of clay are called pottery
Common misconception
That all Neolithic houses were built from stone.
Explain that many Neolithic house in Britain were built from wood and daub. Houses at Skara Brae were built from stone as no wood was available.
To help you plan your year 3 history lesson on: Skara Brae and life in the Neolithic Era, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 3 history lesson on: Skara Brae and life in the Neolithic Era, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 2 history lessons from the Stone Age Britain: what do archaeologists think they know about it? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Some clay to make pots.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
Early Stone Age
Middle Stone Age
New Stone Age