World War 1

Investigate the history of World War One and discover what led up to the start of one of the largest wars in history. Explore what life was like for the soldiers on the front line as well as what life was like at home for the women and children who kept Britain running. Challenge your class to discuss the significance of events within the war and how alliances between countries, power-hungry empires and the assassination of an archduke began WWI.

You might be interested in our World War 1 Topic Bundle, which includes this History scheme in addition to Art and English schemes. 

This seven-lesson scheme of work for KS2 is packed with a range of resources including activities, worksheets, pictures and information about WWI. These ready-to-teach materials are just what's needed to inspire and engage your class in their learning about this key event in history.

 

The Beginning

How did the first world war start? Have your class discover the events in the lead-up to WWI and how the assassination of the heir to Austria-Hungary’s throne sparked the beginning of the war. Challenge your class to investigate countries who were involved in WWI and discuss how their alliances may have been one of the biggest reasons for the war starting.

This downloadable lesson includes a lesson plan, a slideshow presentation and printable teaching resources.

View Lesson 1

Trench Warfare Life on the Front Line

Investigate the Western Front with your class and discover the beginning of trench warfare and how this affected how the war was fought. Take a look into a soldier’s day when living on the front line and learn about the poor conditions that they had to put up with whilst fighting the enemy.

This downloadable lesson includes a lesson plan, a slideshow presentation and printable teaching resources.

View Lesson 2

WW1 Inventions

Explore how technology advanced during WWI and how the inventions and development of vehicles and weapons such as planes, tanks and machine guns changed the way in which the war was fought. Challenge your class to put their historians’ hats on and investigate what photographical sources can tell us about these technologies.

This downloadable lesson includes a lesson plan, a slideshow presentation and printable teaching resources.

View Lesson 3

Animals in WW1

Discover how millions of animals worked alongside the human soldiers during WWI and learn about their different jobs and roles which were vital for communications, transport and morale. Investigate how many different animals such as horses, dogs, pigeons and even elephants did their bit in helping support the war.

This downloadable lesson includes a lesson plan, a slideshow presentation and printable teaching resources.

View Lesson 4

On the Home Front

Explore the effects that having most men away at war had on life in Britain during WWI. Discover the new and changing roles that women had to play in order to keep the country fed and running, as well as looking after children and supporting the war effort by raising money and making ammunitions. Investigate what roles younger children played in supporting the war by becoming Boy Scouts and Girl Guides as well as looking at the propaganda posters that were used in Britain during the war.

This downloadable lesson includes a lesson plan, a slideshow presentation and printable teaching resources.

View Lesson 5

How did WW1 End?

Investigate and discuss some of the events which led up to Germany signing an armistice to end the fighting of WWI. Identify the similarities and differences between Europe in 1914 and in 1920 and why these changes may have happened. Discuss the Treaty of Versailles with your class and how the terms for peace may or may not have been harsh or deserving.

This downloadable lesson includes a lesson plan, a slideshow presentation and printable teaching resources.

View Lesson 6

Consolidation of Understanding

What have your class learnt about WWI? Challenge them to come up with their own presentation of information to make their own quiz to show off what they know about this key event in history. Alternatively discuss the events that happened within WWI and how some were more significant than others.

This downloadable lesson includes a lesson plan, a slideshow presentation and printable teaching resources.

View Lesson 7

Add Complete Series to Cart