120 Great History Projects: Bring the Past into the Present with Hours of Fun Creative Activity

by Struan Reid

This is a bumper collection of 120 model-making, costume and recipe projects that can be done at home or in the classroom. They provide hours of creative fun and give amazing insights into history at the same time. The instructions and step-by-step photographs are practical, accessible and easy to follow, and the materials used are inexpensive and easy to find. All of the projects are inspired by authentic artifacts, buildings, clothes and food, and drawn from key cultures around the world. By doing the projects, children will acquire hands-on information about the skills and styles of different civilizations at different times.Many of the projects, such as the cooking recipes and the patchwork craft cushion, can actually be put to practical use. Others will contribute to a greater awareness of the civilisations under examination by letting children dress as historical people and wear their ornaments, accessories or badges of status. Some of the projects show how to make models of buildings, boats, weapons, armour, toys and much more - all are specially designed to demonstrate an important learning point about human history.The projects are arranged thematically to reflect different aspects of everyday life, such as fashion, transport, or entertainment. The introduction to each thematic section sets the scene for the projects that follow. The linking principle throughout the book is that all the projects are developed to be fun to make, accurate and authentic, so that children can have hours of fascination and amusement while simultaenously assimilating detailed practical knowledge of the way our forefathers invented our everyday objects and designed the first versions of our clothes, buildings and methods of transport.Clear step-by-step photographs and accessible instructions describe exactly how to make 120 models, costumes and recipes using simple equipment and techniquesThe projects are all based on authentic designs, materials and they are developed as fun teaching guides so children can learn how people lived in the past through practical experienceBackground information describes the crafts of the past and shows landmark developments in architecture, art, fashion, warfare and much moreEnhances school curriculum history lessons based on the premise that all pupils should be taught how to find out about the past from a range of information; to recognize why people did things and to identify differences between ways of life at different times and in different cultures

256 pages, Paperback

First published November 26, 2001

About the author

Struan was born in East Africa and spent many years in Africa and the Middle East. He read Archaeology and Anthropology at UCL, and before joining Usborne. Struan worked and lived for a number of years in Petra, Jordan and now lives in London and Dorset.

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! This book brings to life through vibrant artwork/paintings, photographs and illustrations of the Ancient worlds (China, Japan, India, Egypt, Greece, Rome) as well as Ancient Civilizations and Cultures (Old West, Native Americans, Middle Ages, Stone Age, Celts, Vikings, Incas, Mayas) and the subjects range from science, math, transportation, architecture, fashion, weaponry/warfare/armor, jewelry, writing, culture, arts, games and food...It's very unique. It also includes over 1400 Photographs (so literally there is a visual aid step by step).

This book is perfect for teachers, homeschool parents, librarians, history buffs, and crafters.
Most of the supplies you may have laying around if you're a teacher or librarian, but there are a lot that use certain types of paint or air drying craft clay that may need to be bought in advance. That's the downside. Also, some of the projects may not work in the library setting (like the culinary ones or the paper mache or takes-more-than-a-day-to-do projects)...The age range for this book ranges from simple ones like Native American jewelry making or Assyrian carts that can be done by as young as 6, and some of the more advanced house-building or boats by ages 10-12. Some of the programs (mostly the cooking ones and more advanced ones) do require adult supervision/assistance and it is notated.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish that I had this book when I was teaching history before my retirement. There are many simple and interesting projects. The color photos of the step-by-step processes are a great help. This is a wonderful way to interest kids in history.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of fun projects for kids!