Weapon Making in Birmingham

In this Weapon Making in Birmingham activity, children will read an information text about the history of weapon making and then fill out a research template which will guide them look at one of the famous weapon making companies from Birmingham.

Canal Photograph Source Analysis

This Birmingham Canal Source Photograph Analysis Activity will get children studying a photograph of men working on a Birmingham canal and thinking about its historical significance.

Provided is the photograph with key questions, a template which guides children through the questions and provides them with room to record their responses and a teacher guidance sheet to help advise on what the picture shows.

Boulton, Watt and Murdoch - Information Text

This resource contains a two page information text of three key people that influenced the development of Birmingham and its industries.

These three people are Matthew Boulton, James Watt and William Murdoch.

The Three Wise Men - Table Activity

This activity requires children to either use the information they read about in our information text or they could research what the key contributions were from the Three Wise Men - Matthew Boulton, James Watt and William Murdoch.

Afterwards, they could discuss and compare to see who they think made the biggest contribution to shaping the city.

Soho Foundry Description Analysis

Soho Foundry was an important workplace, set up by Matthew Boulton and James Watt during the industrial revolution.

Children will learn more about the foundry through this eyewitness account of a visit to the area.

This could be followed up with questions or used to support creative writing.

The Three Wise Men Statue - History Defenders Activity

This activity to the project will require children to use what they have learned about the famous Three Wise Men to write an argument for why this statue located in the city of Birmingham needs to be protected and respected.

Trades in Birmingham

In this Trades in Birmingham pack, children will be provided with source material from an 1836 book which shows them a number of businesses that were operating from New Street, Birmingham at the time.

Children will have a sheet where they can record different trades and research what they may have involved. A teacher's guide with explanations is provided to be shared with the children.

Different Trades Photo Pack

The provided photographs show some of the different trades that have been carried out in Birmingham.

Children will try and deduce what each picture shows and record their idea underneath. An answer sheet is provided to help you share the correct descriptions for each picture.

Changing Industries PowerPoint

This PowerPoint shows children 6 of the oldest companies that are still operating or lasted several decades within the city of Birmingham - including Firmin and Sons (one of Britains oldest companies) and the famous Cadbury.

The PowerPoint ends with a task to research one of 6 more suggested companies to see what the children can find out.

John Cadbury - Information Text and Comprehension

This information text and supporting comprehension is about the famous John Cadbury - the founder of the world wide brand, Cadbury, which originated in Birmingham.

Children will learn who John was and a brief history of the company leading up to the early 20th century.

Cadbury's Timeline Sorting Cards

This resource includes ten cards which go through the history of the famous Cadbury brand. These could be cut and sorted or used within a display about the company.

Birmingham Enquiry Question with Definitions Banner

This mini display banner features our overarching enquiry question for the Birmingham local history topic.

Keywords have been highlighted within the banner, with definitions of these keywords to further assist children with their understanding.

Birmingham Display Pack

This display pack contains everything that you could possibly need to make an engaging classroom display about Birmingham and why it became known as the workshop of the world. Included in this pack is: a display banner (including editable version), a set of enquiry question speech bubbles (including editable version) and a set of display cutouts.

Birmingham Writing Frames

These writing frames can be used for some end-of-project write-ups ready to display. They are themed around the topic.