Students paste their essay into this interface and get a score based on how many keywords they have included. Excellent for ensuring topic coverage at first-draft phase.
Author: Russel Tarr
Essay Keyword Checker: Why did Hitler become Chancellor of Germany?
This tool allows students to check the first draft of their essay to determine how many keywords have been included within it. As such it’s a useful way of ensuring that the essential background knowledge has been worked into the essay.
100 years ago today (18th May 1911): Death of Gustav Mahler
100 years ago today (18th May 1911): Death of Gustav Mahler, Austrian composer and conductor
Sourcework examination: The Yom Kippur War and its Aftermath
An exercise to develop sourcework skills in the style of the IB examination. There are also some model answers available.
Jack the Ripper “Wanted” poster template
I’ve just uploaded a template for a “Wanted” Poster which can be used to conclude the Year 9 unit on ““Who was Jack the Ripper?”
History Teachers on Twitter
I have created a (dynamically updating) directory of History Teachers on Twitter. Follow the link to view the directory and to add your own name to it if you wish!
Origins of the Cold War, 1945-49: Telescopic Topic for Revision
I’ve just launched a “telescopic topic” collapsible list (click here) to help my IGCSE students revise for the IGCSE Paper 2 topic on the Origins of the Cold War.
20 years ago today (14th May 1991): Nelson Mandela’s wife Winnie was sentenced to 6 years in jail
20 years ago today (14th May 1991): Nelson Mandela’s wife Winnie was sentenced to 6 years in jail for her part in the kidnapping and beating of 4 youths. (Later reduced to a fine)
Research Task: Nixon, Kissinger, Meir, Sadat, Brezhnev
These five characters are very fascinating in themselves; and as they may well be quoted in the sourcework paper, it makes sense to have a little to say about each one.
“Fill the Gaps” Quiz: The Yom Kippur War
A Quiz. There is also a completed teacher version available.
70 years ago today (10th May 1941): World War II: The last major attack on London during the Blitz
70 years ago today (10th May 1941): World War II: The last major attack on London during the Blitz caused heavy damage to many important buildings, including the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, St James’s Palace and Lambeth Palace, several railway stations and hospitals, the British Museum and the Old Bailey. Over 1,300 people were…
Who Am I? Revision Challenge Quiz for IGCSE Modern World History
The “Who Am I?” Interactive team challenge has now been developed to cover some of the main topics in the IGCSE Modern World History syllabus (e.g. Origins of World War One, Peace Treaties, League of Nations, Causes of World War Two, Origins of the Cold War).
125 years ago today (8th May 1886): Coca-Cola first went on sale, in Atlanta, Georgia, USA
125 years ago today (8th May 1886): Coca-Cola first went on sale, in Atlanta, Georgia, USA
The Yom Kippur War
A series of structured questions to help students make sense of the causes, course and consequence of the Yom Kippur War. There is also a completed teacher version.
The Palestinian Diaspora: Quiz
To test understanding following completion of the previous worksheet.
The Palestinian Diaspora
A worksheet of questions to help students understand the fate of the Palestinians between 1948-1973. A good review exercise. There is also a completed teacher version.
Sourcework Assignment Pack: Weimar Germany
A comprehensive pack of sources and questions in the style of GCSE/IGCSE examinations, designed to be printed off at the beginning of the unit and used as homework exercises over the course of several weeks.
60 years ago today (29th April 1951): Death of Ludwig Wittgenstein
60 years ago today (29th April 1951): Death of Ludwig Wittgenstein, Austrian-born British philosopher, commonly regarded as the greatest philosopher of the 20th century.
25 years ago today (26th April 1986): The world’s worst nuclear accident occurred at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in the Ukraine, Soviet Union
25 years ago today (26th April 1986): The world’s worst nuclear accident occurred at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in the Ukraine, Soviet Union.
The Six-Day War – Classroom Debate
Classroom Debate Students use their completed timelines to get into role as different characters from different countries and reach an independent judgement about which of the three key interpretations listed at the outset is the most convincing. They are then given guidance on how to construct a written essay answering the central question. There are…
Historical Anniversaries for May 2011
50 years ago today (1st May 1961) Fidel Castro declared Cuba a socialist state and abolished multi-party elections 80 years ago today (1st May 1931) The Empire State Building in New York City, USA was officially opened 75 years ago today (2nd May 1936) Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie left the country and went into exile…
IGCSE History Revision Quiz for 2011
A new version of the Play Your Dates Right Quiz, complete with a Highscore Board, testing your knowledge of the main events of the period 1871-1949. Great for IGCSE History Revision, including Origins of the Cold War 1945-1949.
Origins of the Cold War to 1949: Revision quiz
71 questions in the databank – choose between Wordshoot, Manic Miner, Flashcards….! Great for revising the IGCSE compulsory sourcework paper in history for this year.
Compare and Contrast the Rise of Mao and Stalin
An article in the style of an IB / A-Level essay, which I have written for History Review, due to be published in March 2011.
75 years ago today (19th April 1936): The Arab Revolt
75 years ago today (19th April 1936): The Arab Revolt (also known as the Great Uprising) began in Palestine, with a general strike that lasted until October.
50 years ago today (17th April 1961): Bay of Pigs invasion, Cuba.
Approximately 1,500 Cuban exiles who opposed Fidel Castro’s regime attempted an invasion, financed and directed by the USA. The invasion failed
IB Revision Quiz – “Who Am I?” interactive team challenge
“Who Am I?” Revision Quiz Students are placed in teams, and have to guess the historical character presented to them through a series of clues. The quicker they identify the character, the more points they gain. A really great way to revise the entire course.
The Six Day War of 1967: Timeline Analysis
Timeline Analysis Students construct a timeline of events broken down into events relating to Jordan, Egypt and Syria. The teacher can then test their understanding using this classroom challenge and this answer sheet.
25 years ago today (14th April 1986): The USA launched major bombing raids on Tripoli and Benghazi in Libya, killing 60 people. (
Libya responded by blowing up a Pan Am passenger jet over Lockerbie, Scotland in 1988)
80 years ago today (14th April 1931): The Second Spanish Republic was proclaimed.
King Alfonso XIII left Spain and went into exile in Rome, Italy.
Timeline Challenge: The 1967 6-Day War
In this activity, Organise the class 5 teams. Display the first event by clicking the button. All the students should copy this information into their worksheet as instructed. The first team can play for up to 10 points depending on their confidence. They have to not only identify the mistake in the account, but correct…
30 years ago today (11th April 1981): Brixton riot, London.
Approximately 5,000 youths rampaged through the streets, attacking police officers, damaging buildings, looting shops and setting cars alight
25 years ago today (7th April 1986): British home computer pioneer Sir Clive Sinclair sold his entire computer product range and the Sinclair brand name to Amstrad
25 years ago today (7th April 1986): British home computer pioneer Sir Clive Sinclair sold his entire computer product range and the Sinclair brand name to Amstrad
20 years ago today (9th April 1991): Georgia declared its independence from the Soviet Union
20 years ago today (9th April 1991): Georgia declared its independence from the Soviet Union
Introduction and Overview – the 6-Day War of 1967
Introduction and Overview Students are introduced to the main debate that they will investigate: Interpretation 1: Israel was acting defensively. This was a pre-emptive strike against Arab armies who were about to invade her. Throughout the conflict Israel acted with admirable restraint. Interpretation 2: Israel was acting aggressively. She deliberately misread the situation to justify…
The Berlin Blockade: Timeline Challenge [Interactive]
This activity is a great way of testing whether students have completed their notes on the Berlin Blockade. Students are presented with a series of information feeds, each one of which contains an error. Students get points for their teams if they identify the error correctly.
“Fakebook” – create your own fake profile for a historical character or event!
I’ve launched a brand new application which allows you to create imaginary profile pages for study purposes. Use “Fakebook” to chart the plot of a book, the development of a character, a series of historical events, the debates and relationships between people, and so on! Great for revision exercises with exam classes: get each student…
Sourcework Assignment Pack: International Relations in the 1930s
A comprehensive pack of sources and questions in the style of GCSE/IGCSE examinations, designed to be printed off at the beginning of the unit and used as homework exercises over the course of several weeks.
Historical Anniversaries for April 2011
10 years ago today (1st April 2001) Former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic was arrested in Belgrade for corruption, embezzlement and genocide 25 years ago today (7th April 1986) British home computer pioneer Sir Clive Sinclair sold his entire computer product range and the Sinclair brand name to Amstrad 20 years ago today (9th April 1991)…
50 years ago today (21st March 1961): The Beatles gave their first performance at The Cavern Club, Liverpool
The Beatles gave their first performance at The Cavern Club, Liverpool.
Why did Stalin become leader of the USSR? – essay planning task
Students are provided with a detailed list of factors relating to Stalin’s rise to power. These are organised under 3-5 headings. The following headings might give you some ideas: Political | Economic | Personal | Stalin’s Strengths | Opposition Weaknesses | Stalin’s Successes | Opposition Mistakes | Lenin’s Mistakes | Lenin’s Weaknesses. There is a…
The Suez Crisis: Tension Erupts
The Suez Crisis: Tension Erupts Students consider the causes, events and consequences of the Suez Crisis through a series of sources, including a short video from Andrew Marr’s History of Britain. There are teacher notes available for this activity and evidence slips for the main exercise, as well as YouTube Videos available: [1 – Sevres…
Classroom Display Posters: 40 Key Terms for KS3 History
I print these off onto A3, laminate them and then cut them up to display all around the classroom. A great way to get the important terminology across!
League of Nations in the 1920s: new resources
I’ve added various teacher notes, links to video clips and quizzes to the League of Nations in the 1920s page.
GCSE Modern World History: Video
A 3-minute video I use to give Year 9 students an overview of the course. Further materials for Year 9 options discussions can be found here.
Origins of the Cold War: IGCSE Source pack and resources
I’m in the process of tidying up my resources on the Origins of the Cold War, which is the compulsory Sourcework option at IGCSE in June 2011. In particular there’s a sourcework pack with some practice questions that will hopefully be useful.
The Rise of Stalin: Complete scheme of Work with Teacher Versions
I have launched some detailed worksheets and completed teacher versions on the topic of “Why did Stalin become leader of the USSR?”.
The Suez Crisis: Tension Builds
The Suez Crisis: Tension Builds Students consider the proposal to turn the Suez Canal into an international zone, and the infamous “Sevres Protocol”. They will use two primary sources: Nasser’s rejection of the Western plan and the Sevres Protocol. There are several YouTube videos that can be used: [1 – Czech Arms Deal, USA Anger]…
Sourcework Assignment Pack: The Peace Treaties after World War One
A comprehensive pack of sources and questions in the style of GCSE/IGCSE examinations, designed to be printed off at the beginning of the unit and used as homework exercises over the course of several weeks.
20 years ago (28 Feb. 1991) The Gulf War ended – a ceasefire came into effect at midnight.
The Gulf War ended – a ceasefire came into effect at midnight – for more, click here.
60 years ago (26th Feb. 1951): The U.S. Constitution’s 22nd Amendment: this limited the President to two terms in office.
For more on this topic, click here.
The Suez Crisis: Roleplay Exercise
The Suez Crisis: Roleplay Exercise “In this exercise you will take on the role of a French / British / Israeli civil servant. Each of you will develop a particular area of expertise to share with the rest of the group. The group as a whole will have to decide on some key courses of…
Historical Anniversaries for March 2011
150 years ago today (4th March 1861) Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated as the 16th President of the USA 75 years ago today (7th March 1936) Adolf Hitler ordered his troops into the demilitarised zone of the Rhineland, breaking the Treaty of Versailles and the Locarno Pact 20 years ago today (14th March 1991) The ‘Birmingham…
Plagiarizr: Free plagiarism detector for teachers
I have developed a new plagiarism checker – simply COPY and PASTE an essay into it, click “check” and then you will get a full breakdown of any plagiarized phrases, with direct hyperlinks to trace where the text was taken from.
The Growth of Political Opposition in the Reign of Alexander II
After this starter activity based around a short story by Turgenev, I hand out a detailed handout outlining the growth of political opposition in the reign of Alexander. Students are encouraged to turn this into an illustrated mindmap. As an extension activity students could complete this worksheet based around Michael Bakunin’s “Catechism for a Revolutionist”
25 years ago (20th Feb. 1986): The USSR launched the Mir space station.
“The Soviets have opened a new phase in space exploration with the launch of the world’s biggest space station, Mir. The successful launch of Mir comes just over three weeks after the American space shuttle Challenger disaster, in which seven astronauts died….more“
150 years ago today (18th Feb. 1861): Jefferson Davis inaugurated as President of the Confederate States
Jefferson Davis was inaugurated as President of the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War [more]
The Suez Crisis of 1956 – Background: The Palestinian Refugee Problem after 1948
Background: The Palestinian Refugee Problem after 1948 As a recap on the events prior to 1956, students use their textbooks to learn more about Al-Nakba (“the catastrophe”) for the Palestinians. There are teacher notes available for this activity.
40 years ago (15th Feb. 1971): Britain adopted the decimal currency.
For more on Decimal Day, click here.
The League of Nations in the 1920s: Revision Notes
A new Telescopic Topic created using the facility at www.classtools.net.
Sourcework assignment Pack: Causes of World War One
A comprehensive pack of sources and questions in the style of GCSE/IGCSE examinations, designed to be printed off at the beginning of the unit and used as homework exercises over the course of several weeks.
Timeline of Middle East events, 1914-1939, plus factual test
As part of my ongoing project to upload teacher notes for all major units over the course of the year, I’ve added a completed version of the timeline, and a factual test / completed teacher answers to this page. Much more to follow…!
Why did Israel win the war of 1948-49?
Analysis: Why did Israel win the war of 1948-49? Working with a partner, students cut up these slips and then organise them under headings of their choice. Some of the slips may be arguments, whereas others may be substantiating detail you can use to back up these arguments. They should aim for 3-5 categories of…
Victorian Entrepreneur Game – now with leaderboard / new worksheets
I’ve updated the Horatio Ramsbottom game with a simpler worksheet, a second test, a leaderboard and new questions.
Keyword checker: A tool for developing essay skills
I’ve been getting fed up with my IB students not incuding all of the topic keywords / terms in their essays. So I’ve just finished writing this program which checks how many keywords have been included with the click of a button. I’ll be encouraging students to run their essays through this before handing them…
History Mystery: The Princes in the Tower
An ActiveHistory Mystery. The “History Mysteries” lessons are designed as stand-alone projects which each last 3-4 hours. Through engaging historical topics, they teach skills of research, groupwork, structured writing. There is a standard teacher lesson plan and student record sheet / markscheme for each activity.
“Twister” – Create a “Tweet” from a fictional/historical character
This new template allows you to create fictional “status updates” that can then be printed off for display purposes. Students could be asked * What are the most important people in this topic? * What was their most important moment within the topic? * What would their comment be about it? * What particular keywords…
Causes of the Spanish Civil War: Dynamic Essay-Planning Tool
Professor AJP Sailor takes 5 factors and connects them together in endless combinations to help students consider the Origins of Spanish Civil War and how to link factors in essays.
350 years ago today (30 Jan 1661): Cromwell executed…even though dead already
The body of Oliver Cromwell, former Lord Protector of England, was dug up and “executed” more than two years after his death [more]
90 years ago (28 Jan 1921): Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
In Paris, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was installed beneath the Arc de Triomphe, honouring unidentified soldiers who fell in WWI [images]
25 years ago today (28 Jan 1986): Challenger disaster
The American space shuttle “Challenger” exploded shortly after lift-off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, killing all 7 astronauts [video]
Factual Test: Declaration of the State of Israel and the War of 1948-49
Timeline Factual Test To ensure that students have gathered the essential information, they should take this “fill the gaps” exercise which contains 15 questions in a table following the same format as the timeline in the previous worksheet. There is also a completed teacher version available.
Historical Anniversaries for February 2011
40 years ago (2nd Feb. 1971) Idi Amin became President of Uganda. He had overthrown Milton Obote in a military coup the previous week. 100 years ago (6th Feb. 1911) Birth of Ronald Reagan, American actor and 40th President of the United States. 40 years ago (7th Feb. 1971) Women in Switzerland were finally given…
25 years ago (23 Jan 1986): Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame established
The first members were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Chuck Berry, James Brown, Ray Charles, Fats Domino, The Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley [official website].
Tsar Alexander II: Complete scheme of work with teacher notes
I have relaunched the Tsar Alexander II page of the site to include some brand new worksheets and completed teacher notes for all aspects of the topic.
50 years ago (20 Jan 1961): John F. Kennedy was inaugurated as the 35th President of the United States
John F. Kennedy was inaugurated as the 35th President of the United States [video].
100 years ago today (17 Jan 1911): Death of Sir Francis Galton
Death of Sir Francis Galton, British anthropologist, explorer, eugenicist, statistician, and meteorologist, known for his pioneering studies of human intelligence, for devising the concept of correlation, and for creating the first weather map [more]
20 years ago today (16 Jan 1991): The Gulf War begins
The Gulf War begins with “Operation Desert Storm” after a UN deadline for Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait expired [more].
Random Name / Word Picker
The classtools random name / word picker has now been updated with a brand new image which makes it look a little less (in the words of my wife) “Hello Kitty”!
History Mystery: Operation Mincemeat
A new History Mystery, designed to be used as part of a study of World War Two. The “History Mysteries” lessons are designed as stand-alone projects which each last 3-4 hours. Through engaging historical topics, they teach skills of research, groupwork, structured writing. There is a standard teacher lesson plan and student record sheet /…
150 years ago today (9 Jan 1861): First shots of the American Civil War
The first shots were exchanged between Union and Confederate forces in the American Civil War, when the Union ship ‘Star of the West’ attempted to deliver troops and supplies to Fort Sumter, South Carolina [more].
Resources for Holocaust Memorial Day (27th Jan.)
Holocaust Memorial Day January 27th is Holocaust Memorial Day. In preparation for this I have prepared the following materials to help students reflect on the causes and consequences of Genocide. 1. PowerPoint: Assembly introducing the topic of Genocide Designed to last 15-20 minutes, this PowerPoint introduces the topic and the tasks which follow. 1. Student…
League of Nations in the 1920s
I’ve now added a Leaderboard and a new worksheet to this simulation, which will be the subject of the IGCSE Paper 2 (sourcework) in Summer 2012.
Declaration of the State of Israel and the War of 1948-49
Introduction and Overview. The UN General Assembly voted in principle to accept the UNSCOP Majority Plan for partition (with some amendments) in November 1947. On May 14th 1948 David Ben Gurion, leader of the Zionists in Palestine, suddenly declared the independence of Israel. The following day 5 Arab nations invaded the new Jewish state. Israel…
World War One Battlefields Trip Exhibition: Advice and Resources
I’ve just uploaded some resources to help teachers and students follow-up their Battlefields Trip with an exhibition and guided tour. The materials can be found here.
65 years ago today (3 Jan 1946): Execution of Lord Haw-Haw
Execution of William Joyce (‘Lord Haw-Haw’) at Wandsworth prison, London. Joyce was the British traitor who broadcast Nazi propaganda from Germany during World War Two [more].
History Mystery: The Murder of Archbishop Becket
An ActiveHistory Mystery. The “History Mysteries” lessons are designed as stand-alone projects which each last 3-4 hours. Through engaging historical topics, they teach skills of research, groupwork, structured writing. There is a standard teacher lesson plan and student record sheet / markscheme for each activity.
150 years ago (29 Dec 1860): Britain’s first iron-hulled warship, ‘HMS Warrior’, was launched in London
As you arrive at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, the stunning sleek, black lines of Britain’s first iron-hulled, armoured warship, take your breath away. Warrior, launched in 1860, was the pride of Queen Victoria’s fleet. Powered by steam and sail, she was the largest, fastest and most powerful ship of her day and had a profound effect…
UNSCOP and the Debate about the Future of Palestine, 1947: Factual Test
A short factual test to round off the Middle East unit.
History Mysteries: Lesson Plans, Worksheets and Markschemes
I’ve just launched a brand new section on the website called the “ActiveHistory Mysteries“. I have been trialling these with my own students this term and they have proven to be a big hit! If you try them out with your own students, and / or you have any ideas for other “mysteries” I could…
