History Detectives

Before your visit

  • Divide the children into groups: we advise 6 children or fewer per group.
  • There must be one adult per group. The adults will guide the children between zones in the room and help with the activities. There are notes to help the adults in each section.
  • Have a look at our museum trail for this session.
  • Make sure that the adults have a map of the site and are clear about the time and location of the session.
  • Tell the children that they will be able to touch genuine artefacts from the Second World War. Discuss respect and careful handling.
  • Remember to bring payment and your entry ticket with you on the day.

Your session

The History Detectives activity lasts for 90 minutes.

Coats and bags should be left in the Eating Space before the session.

Sessions start with an introduction by museum staff. Then you will be asked to divide the children into groups. With their adult, each group will explore the zones around the room.

Each zone represents a member of a family. Each member is doing their bit for the war effort. When entering each zone, encourage the children to look for the family member and complete related activities. There are eight zones which look at the Armed Services, Home Front, Civil Defence and civilian support for the war effort, each containing genuine Second World War artefacts.

The session ends with the class back together with museum staff for a plenary.

Learning Objectives

  • Increasing pupils’ knowledge and understanding of the Second World War – a significant event in British history.
  • Understanding methods of historical enquiry, including how evidence is used.
  • Develop thinking skills through reasoning, deduction and problem solving.
  • Gaining a sense of empathy with men, women and children from the Second World War.

History Detectives at IWM Duxford:

Adult Helpers’ Notes

Your visit

Please ask your group leader for a map of the site and the times for your talk and lunch.

HISTORY DETECTIVES
Time: / Location: Learning Space 2, AirSpace Hangar
Go through the doors and turn right after the Polaris nuclear missile.
Follow the path with the dots, at the end go left.
You will see toilets, then the doors to the Eating Space (leave coats and bags there) and after that the doors for Learning Space 2.
A member of museum staff will meet you at the door to Learning Space 2 at your session time.
Lunch
Time: / Location: Eating Space (or outside if the weather is nice)
Next to Learning Space 2, or anywhere suitable on site.

Your session

The History Detectives activity lasts for 90 minutes.

Coats and bags should be left in the picnic room before the session.

Sessions start with an introduction by museum staff. Then you and your group will explore the zones around the room. There will be notes to help you in each section.

Each zone represents a member of a family. Each member is doing their bit for the war effort. When entering each zone, encourage the children to look for the family member and complete related activities. Do not do the tasks for the children – they have to do the hard work! Be prepared to read instructions and questions to them. There are eight zones which look at the Armed Services, Home Front, Civil Defence and civilian support for the war effort, each containing genuine Second World War artefacts.

Please make it clear to children that they objects that they can touch are real and from the Second World War. They should be treated with care and respect.

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Key Stage 2: History Detectives