UKS2 Topic: Earliest Civilisations: The Indus Valley Block F: Religion
This is a thought-provoking block about the religion of the Indus Valley people. Learn about some
similarities between modern religions in the Indus Valley region and evidence of religious practices
during the Indus Valley civilisation and discuss the evidence we have in this fascinating area.
Block F: Religion
[3 sessions]
Main outcome: History
Other outcomes: Art and English
By the end of this block you will have achieved
the following outcomes:
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Session 1 History and Art
Seals and figurines
Find out about Indus Valley seals; design and
make your own seal.
Session 2 History and Art
Writing
Discover that no-one is able to read the Indus
Valley script; appreciate how significant it
would be if the writing had been deciphered;
describe some pictograms that we use today to
convey information; design your own
pictogram.
Session 3 History, English and Art
Links to other religions
Learn about some similarities between modern
religions in the Indus Valley region and evidence
of religious practices during the Indus Valley
civilisation; discuss objects that might be buried
with people today and compare with the Indus
valley civilisation; draw an image of a grave
with buried objects that an archaeologist may
excavate in thousands of years.
Know and understand significant aspects of the history of the
wider world: the nature of ancient civilisations; characteristic
features of past non-European societies.
Understand historical concepts such as similarity, difference and
significance.
Understand historical concepts such as continuity and change.
Understand the methods of historical enquiry.
Gain historical perspective by placing their growing knowledge
into different contexts, understanding the connections between
economic, religious and social history.
Improve their mastery of art and design techniques, including
drawing and sculpture.
Maintain attention and participate actively in collaborative
conversations.
Use spoken language to develop understanding through
speculating, imagining and exploring ideas.
Participate in discussions.
Children will:
 Describe Indus Valley seals.
 Design and make their own seal.
Children will :
 Understand that no-one is able to read the Indus valley script.
 Appreciate how significant it would be if the writing had been
deciphered.
 Describe some pictograms that we use today to convey
information.
 Design their own pictogram.
Children will:
 List some similarities between modern religions in the Indus
Valley region and evidence of religious practices during the Indus
Valley civilisation.
 Discuss objects that might be buried with people today and
compare with the Indus valley civilisation.
 Draw an image of a grave with buried objects that an
archaeologist may excavate in thousands of years.
© Original resource copyright Hamilton Trust, who give permission for it to be adapted as wished by individual users.
The links to the websites and the contents of the web pages associated with such links specified on this list (hereafter collectively referred to as the ‘Links’)
have been checked by Hamilton Trust (being the operating name of the registered charity, William Rowan Hamilton Trust) and to the best of Hamilton
Trust’s knowledge, are correct and accurate at the time of publication. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other terms and conditions on the Hamilton
Trust website, you acknowledge that Hamilton Trust has no control over such Links and indeed, the owners of such Links may have removed such Links,
changed such Links and/or contents associated with such Links. Therefore, it is your sole responsibility to verify any of the Links which you wish you use.
Hamilton Trust excludes all responsibility and liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of any Links.
UKS2 Topic: Earliest Civilisations: The Indus Valley Block F: Religion
Resources
Session 1
Provided: Images of Indus artefacts; Playdough instructions.
You will need: Air-dried clay; Clay modelling tools; Plasticine or playdough (make your own – see
session resources!); Computer/laptop for each pair of chn.
Session 2
Provided: Pictograms used today, Indus Valley pictograms; Pictogram template.
You will need: Access to computer/laptop for each pair of chn; Pencils; Rulers; Black felt tips or paint &
brushes.
Session 3
Provided:
You will need: Drawing pencils and paper.
© Original resource copyright Hamilton Trust, who give permission for it to be adapted as wished by individual users.
The links to the websites and the contents of the web pages associated with such links specified on this list (hereafter collectively referred to as the ‘Links’)
have been checked by Hamilton Trust (being the operating name of the registered charity, William Rowan Hamilton Trust) and to the best of Hamilton
Trust’s knowledge, are correct and accurate at the time of publication. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other terms and conditions on the Hamilton
Trust website, you acknowledge that Hamilton Trust has no control over such Links and indeed, the owners of such Links may have removed such Links,
changed such Links and/or contents associated with such Links. Therefore, it is your sole responsibility to verify any of the Links which you wish you use.
Hamilton Trust excludes all responsibility and liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of any Links.