Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 18/01/2026
Subject: History
Lesson Topic: Analyse and evaluate how aspects of the past have been interpreted and represented
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the concept of historical interpretation and representation.
  • Identify and classify primary and secondary sources and their purposes.
  • Analyse how context influences historical narratives.
  • Evaluate the reliability, bias and perspective of different representations.
  • Construct evidence‑based arguments comparing competing historiographical interpretations.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Printed packets of primary source excerpts
  • Printed secondary source analyses
  • Student worksheets for source critique
  • Laptops or tablets for digital storytelling
  • Speakers for audio/video clips
 Introduction:
Begin with a striking image of a 19th‑century textbook depiction of the French Revolution versus a modern documentary clip to spark curiosity. Ask students what they already know about how history can be presented differently over time. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to critique sources, compare representations, and articulate a clear historiographical argument.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5') – Students examine two contrasting representations of the French Revolution and note initial observations.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Define historiography, source types, and the impact of context on interpretation; model source criticism using one example.
  3. Source workshop (15') – In pairs, students receive a primary source and a secondary interpretation, complete a critique worksheet, and write a brief reflective paragraph.
  4. Debate preparation (5') – Groups select a historiographical stance and gather supporting evidence from the provided materials.
  5. Structured debate (10') – Teams argue their positions while peers note strengths and weaknesses of each representation.
  6. Whole‑class debrief (5') – Summarise key insights, link back to success criteria.
Conclusion:
Recap the main ways context shapes historical representations and the criteria used to evaluate them. Students complete an exit ticket by writing one example of bias they identified and how it affects understanding. Assign a short comparative essay on two portrayals of the Industrial Revolution for homework.