Tony Robinson learning resources: If You Only Do 1 Thing…
CFE Levels 1 and 2
Resource created by Jen Buchan
Greeks
First Level
Art and Design
On page 19, we learn about the different uses that the Greeks had for olive oil. Design
a label for a jar of olive oil which could have appeared in Greek times to show all of the
different ways it could be used.
EXA 1-04a
Second Level
Science
Aristotle believed that heavy objects fall faster than lighter ones (see page 139). Work
with a partner to design a test which would investigate whether his theory was correct.
Carry out your test to see if Aristotle knew a thing or two about science!
Forces, electricity and waves – SCN 2-08a
Romans
First Level
Numeracy and Mathematics
Look around you for examples of Roman numerals in our everyday lives (on clocks,
watches, buildings and at the end of some television programmes, for example!) Make
your own Roman numeral paper plate clock by drawing on the numerals in bright pens,
making the numerals from plasticine, or using magnetic or felt letters (XV and I) and
placing these on. Attach 2 hands using a paper fastener. Write different times in Roman
numerals and work with a friend, asking him/her to show the times you have written.
Number, money and measure – MTH 1-12a
Second Level
Social Subjects
Imagine you are a rich Roman, recruiting a slave. Create a job advert for the slave,
indicating whether you would like a male or female, what you expect him/her to do for
you and any skills you would like him/her to have (reading and writing/cooking or
entertaining, for example). Use the information in the text (pages 76 and 77) and carry
out some research of your own to help you
(http://www.chiddingstone.kent.sch.uk/homework/romans/slaves.html is very useful!)
People, past events and societies – SOC 2-04a
Egyptians
First Level
Art and Design
Make your own Pharaoh’s headdress (see page 101) by following the instructions and
painting your own headdress using the template at this link:
http://www.firstpalette.com/tool_box/printables/pharaoh.html. Work in pairs to write out
1 fact about the pharaohs that you have learnt. Visit another class wearing your
headdresses and share your facts with the class.
EXA 1-04a
Second Level
Art and Design
Look through the text and online for examples of Egyptian tomb paintings. What do they
all have in common (see page 97 for suggestions)? Draw a tomb painting of your
family or the people with whom you live, showing parents or carers as the most
important people! Use a long strip of paper and use the hieroglyphic symbols on page
103 and decorate your painting with these. Remember to use the correct colours for
males and females and ensure to draw everyone in profile!
EXA – 2-04a
British
First Level
Music
Imagine that you are Dr David Livingstone, exploring undiscovered parts of deepest
Africa. Discuss some of the different types of landscape you would have encountered
(jungle, forest, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, savannahs) and look at pictures of examples of
these to help you visualise them. Think about the types of noises you might have heard
in each place. Use different instruments to make the sounds of the landscapes, weather
and creatures (rattles, rainmakers, bongo and ocean drums, for example). Work in
groups to choose a landscape and create the different noises that Livingstone would
have heard there. Take it in turns to create your sounds for others to listen to and have
them guess where Livingstone might have been on his journey.
EXA 1-18a
Second Level
Social Subjects
Throughout the book, we learn of Grace’s Top 10 British Colonies. Using a blank world
map and an atlas, read about the different colonies and locate/colour these on the map.
You could colour code the colonies and use a key to show the order and dates in which
they were colonised.
People, past events and societies – SOC – 2-06a
Authors Live Event
First Level
Create your own headdress to wear for the event. Choose from either a Roman laurel
wreath, an Egyptian headdress, a Greek soldier’s helmet or a British top hat and
moustache. Look at the video clip, “Introducing Tony Robinson” on his website to spot
the different headdresses that he wears
(http://www.panmacmillan.com/weirdworldofwonders). Can you match each to the
correct groups of people in history?
Art and Design – EXA 1-04a
Second Level
Read the excerpts from reviews of Robinson’s books which are given at the bottom of
his webpage (http://www.panmacmillan.com/weirdworldofwonders). Write your own
comment about the books, sharing your ideas about how the information is presented,
the effect this has on the reader and your own personal experience of reading the
book(s). Collate these in a class leaflet of reviews about the books and put these in
your school library for others to read.
Literacy and English – Reading – Enjoyment and choice – Lit 2-11a