What is the mystery object resource?

This KS1 resource is an excellent starting point when beginning a new history topic, supporting the development of disciplinary knowledge and historical enquiry skills. It can be used as a ‘hook’ to engage pupils’ curiosity. The teacher does not reveal the new topic straight away; instead, children are shown a mystery object and encouraged to investigate and ask questions about it using the enquiry sheet.

Pupils might consider questions such as:

• What condition is the object in?
• What might it have been used for?
• What does it tell us about people in the past?

This approach encourages discussion, observation and historical enquiry, helping children begin to think like historians.

How can the resources be used?

In Year 1, the resource could initially be completed as a whole-class activity, with the teacher modelling how to observe and ask questions. As pupils become more confident, they could move on to completing the sheet in small groups with the sheet enlarged to A3 to allow more space for discussion and recording ideas.

In Year 2, pupils could continue working in groups, before progressing to pairs and eventually completing the activity independently as their enquiry skills develop.

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