The Stone Age was a fascinating time when early humans began experimenting with tools and materials to build shelter. Learning about how people lived during this time is educational and a fun and creative way for Year 3 students to engage with history.
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | [Your Name] |
| Age | 7-8 years old |
| Year Group | Year 3 |
| Project Title | Stone Age House |
| Materials Used | Clay, twigs, leaves, pebbles |
| Learning Outcome | Understanding how Stone Age people built their homes using natural materials. |
Introduction to Stone Age House Building
Brief Overview of the Stone Age
The Stone Age marks a period in history where humans relied heavily on stone tools and natural resources for survival. It spans three key phases: Palaeolithic (Old Stone Age), Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age), and Neolithic (New Stone Age). During this time, humans shifted from nomadic hunter-gatherers to more settled lifestyles, which required building homes for protection and comfort.
Shelter became essential for surviving harsh weather conditions and protecting oneself from predators. The materials available during this time, such as stone, wood, animal hides, and plant materials, were entirely natural.
Importance of Understanding Stone Age Housing
Why is learning about Stone Age houses relevant today? For one, it provides a window into how early humans adapted to their environments and used available resources creatively. For Year 3 students, studying Stone Age houses can spark curiosity about history, sustainability, and architecture. It’s also an excellent hands-on activity that combines history, science, and art.
The objective of the Post
This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the materials and techniques used in Stone Age house building. It offers a fun and educational project for Year 3 students to create their model Stone Age home.
Materials Used in Stone Age Houses
Stone Age homes were built using materials readily available in the surrounding environment. These natural elements were chosen for their durability, insulation, and availability.
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Natural Materials
Stone
Stone was a primary material used in building homes, especially in the Neolithic period. Structures like those found at Skara Brae, a Neolithic settlement in Scotland, were built entirely from stone. Stone provided a sturdy and weather-resistant base for walls and roofs.
Wood
Wood was commonly used for structural support. Early humans used branches, logs, and twigs to create frames for their homes. Wooden poles were often driven into the ground to form the framework of circular or rectangular structures.
Thatch and Moss
For roofing, natural materials like thatch (dried plant stalks) and moss were layered to create an insulated and water-resistant barrier. These materials were lightweight, making them easy to manage.
Feathers and Leaves
In some cases, feathers and large leaves were used to provide additional layers of insulation or to cover gaps in the walls and roof.
Animal Products
Animal hides and skins were stretched over wooden frames to create shelter during the Mesolithic period. They were excellent at keeping out the cold and wind, making them practical for temporary homes.
Earth and Clay
Mud, clay, and earth were used to build mud bricks or to create a daub mixture (mud mixed with straw). These materials were versatile and could be shaped to form walls or insulation layers.
Techniques Used in Stone Age House Building
Stone Age people weren’t just resourceful with materials; they developed ingenious techniques to construct durable homes. Let’s explore some of the most common methods.
Wattle and Daub
This technique involved weaving thin wooden branches (wattle) into a framework and covering them with mud, straw, and sometimes animal dung (daub). Once dried, the daub hardened into a sturdy wall.
Timber Framing
Wooden logs and branches were used as structural supports or frames. These frames formed the shape of the house, whether circular or rectangular. The gaps in the frame were later filled with daub or other insulating materials.
Thatching
Thatching was layering dried plant materials like straw or reeds to create roofs. The materials were arranged in overlapping layers, which allowed water to run off and kept the house dry.
Mud Brick Construction
Mud bricks were made by mixing mud and straw, shaping them into blocks, and leaving them to dry in the sun. These bricks were then stacked to form walls, with additional mud used as mortar.
Types of Stone Age Houses
The type of house built during the Stone Age depended on the time and environment.
Palaeolithic Shelters
Humans primarily used natural shelters like caves or rock overhangs during the Old Stone Age. These provided instant protection without the need for construction.
Mesolithic Structures
In the Middle Stone Age, humans built temporary structures using wooden posts, animal skins, and thatch. These houses were usually circular and easy to dismantle when moving to a new location.
Neolithic Houses
The New Stone Age saw the rise of permanent settlements. Homes were built using stone, wood, and mud bricks. These houses were often rectangular and included features like hearths and storage areas. Skara Brae is an excellent example of Neolithic housing with stone-built homes and furniture.
How to Make a Stone Age House (Year 3 Project)
Are you ready to build your own Stone Age house? Here’s a simple guide for Year 3 students to create a model using everyday materials.
Materials Needed
- Twigs or small sticks (for the frame)
- Moss, feathers, or leaves (for insulation)
- Clay or playdough (for walls)
- String (to tie sticks together)
- Cardboard or thick paper (for the base)
- Scissors and glue (for assembly)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Frame Construction:
- Use twigs or sticks to create a basic structure. Tie them together with a string to form a circular or rectangular base.
- Add vertical supports for walls and a slanted frame for the roof.
- Covering the Walls:
- Apply clay or playdough to the frame to mimic the look of mud and daub.
- Smooth the clay with your fingers to create a uniform wall.
- Roofing:
- Layer moss, dried grass, or paper strips over the roof frame. Overlap the layers to ensure they look realistic and water-resistant.
- Decorations:
- Add small features like a hearth (made from stones or clay) or shelves (made from small pieces of cardboard).
- Use leaves or feathers to add aesthetic details.
Tips for Teachers and Parents
- Integrate Learning: Discuss how early humans used natural resources and the importance of sustainability.
- Safety First: Ensure children handle scissors and glue carefully.
- Encourage Creativity: Allow students to experiment with materials and designs.
Conclusion
Summary of Key Points
Stone Age houses were built using natural materials like stone, wood, moss, clay, and techniques like wattle, daub, or thatching. These homes evolved from simple caves to more complex stone and mud-brick structures.
Educational Value
Learning about Stone Age housing helps students understand human ingenuity and adaptation. For Year 3 students, building a model Stone Age house is a fun, hands-on activity that combines history, art, and science.
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