Upper Key Stage 2 Early Islamic Civilisation - NEW LOOK
The Silk Road - NEW LOOK

Discover the silk road and spice routes and the goods which were carried along them. Make a board game based on the silk road to illustrate the flow of goods, the hazards of trade and life on the road.

Session 1 Introducing the Silk Road

Objectives

History

  • Undertake an in-depth study of a non-European society that provides contrasts with British history – the Early Islamic Civilisation.
  • Note connections over time.

Enquiry question
How did goods and ideas move around the early Islamic Civilisation?

Outcomes
Children will:

  • Discuss ‘The Silk Road’.
  • Explore some of the goods traded along the silk road.
  • Learn about the ‘trade’ in ideas and how this was affected by the silk road.

You Will Also Need

Actual examples of trade goods, where possible, e.g. pepper, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, silk, ivory, sandalwood, porcelain, cotton, tea, paper, salt, precious stones, incense, gold, grains and fruit

Weblinks
Animation explaining the origins of ‘The Silk Road’
Further explanation of ‘The Silk Road’
NB: It is VERY important that teachers watch the Animation and the video clip first to assess suitability for the children in their class.

Session 2 Exploring life on The Silk Road: designing a board-game

Objectives

History

  • Undertake an in-depth study of a non-European society that provides contrasts with British history – the Early Islamic Civilisation.
  • Address questions about significance.
  • Understand how our knowledge of the past is constructed from a range of sources.

Enquiry question
What was life like on the silk road?

Outcomes
Children will:

  • Investigate the people who travelled the silk road, caravans, physical geography, and hazards.
  • Design a board game based on the silk road, incorporating rules, features and experiences that reflect life on the road.

You Will Also Need

No extra resources are required for this session.