Lesson Plan

• Describe the long‑term and immediate causes of the First World War.
• Identify at least three major battles and explain their significance.
• Analyse how new technology altered the conduct and outcome of the war.
• Explain the impact of the war on the home front, especially women’s roles.
• Summarise the main terms of the Treaty of Versailles and its long‑term effects.

• Projector and screen
• PowerPoint slides with maps and images
• Printed worksheets (cause‑analysis and battle‑summary)
• Large map of the Western Front (handout)
• Primary‑source excerpts (letters, propaganda posters)
• Quiz cards for exit ticket

Show a striking photograph of trench warfare to hook interest, then ask students what they already know about the origins of the war. Briefly recap the previous lesson on European alliances. State today’s success criteria: students will explain causes, describe key battles, and assess the war’s legacy.

1. Do‑now (5') – Quick write: “What event could spark a continent‑wide war?”
2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Overview of long‑term and immediate causes using slides.
3. Map activity (15') – In pairs, label the Western and Eastern fronts, locate major battles, and discuss trench geography.
4. Technology stations (10') – Small groups rotate through stations examining machine guns, tanks, gas masks, and U‑boats; each records one impact on warfare.
5. Home‑front role‑play (10') – Groups act out conscription, rationing, and women’s work; reflect on social change.
6. Check for understanding (5') – Kahoot quiz covering causes, battles, and technology.

Summarise how the war’s causes, battles, and new technologies interlinked and led to the Treaty of Versailles. Students complete an exit ticket: one sentence describing the war’s most lasting legacy. Assign homework to finish the revision checklist and prepare a short paragraph on how the war reshaped Europe.