Old or new?

Assist students to develop ideas about how toys have changed over time.

You could use the resource How toys have changed to focus on the historical understanding of change and continuity. This interactive resource addresses the changes in materials used in the construction of toys over time. It can be used as a springboard for introducing the term 'artefact' (.docx 25kB) and using artefacts as evidence.

Ask students to compare two similar toys or games, one from the past and one from the present. They might, for example, compare two dolls, two bikes or two monopoly games.

Allow the students to handle the objects as they examine them looking at:

• the materials used
• their shape and colour
• how they work (battery powered, pull along, wind-up, remote control).

Students suggest why materials used today are different from the materials used in the past. Students identify other features that could suggest age such as design, wear and tear.

Complete the 'Old or new?' drag-and-drop sorting activity.