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The Shang Dynasty
History | UKS2 | Unit Overview
Introduction
This unit of work will teach your class all about the ancient Shang dynasty. The children will learn who the Ancient Shang people were,
where and when they lived, using maps and atlases to locate Shang cities. They will also learn about the role of the king, the religious
beliefs and rituals of the Shang people and how oracle bones were used in divination ceremonies. The children will also examine a range
of Shang artefacts and draw conclusions about what they can teach us. The unit ends with a close look at the remarkable discovery of
the first intact Shang tomb which belonged to the military general and high priestess Fu Hao.
Assessment Statements
By the end of this unit...
...all children should be able to:
Health & Safety
Ensure protective clothing is worn during the modelling sessions.
Take care when using sharp modelling tools.
Home Learning
A Study of China: Children research modern day China and create a
presentation to compare the similarities and differences with China
at the time of the Shang dynasty.
The Power of the Dragon: Children find out about the significance
of dragons in Chinese history and then complete 2 dragon tasks to
demonstrate their learning.
• Pinpoint the location of the Shang on a map
of China and describe and name some cities
and physical features of the land.
• Describe the roles of different members of
Shang society and know where they fitted
in the Shang social hierarchy.
• Describe a range of artefacts and know
what they were made of and what they
were used for.
• Explain what oracle bones were and how
the Shang used them.
...most children will be able to:
• Explain different ritual elements of the
Shang religion and describe how ancestor
worship worked.
• Describe the processes involved in making
bronze, jade and pottery items.
• Say who Fu Hao was and why the discovery
of her tomb was significant.
...some children will be able to:
Wider Learning
The following museums have ancient Chinese galleries or artefacts:
British Museum - London
China Gallery at Compton Vernery - Warwickshire
Durham University's Oriental Museum
National Museum of Scotland
Other useful websites:
The British Museum website features a range of Shang artefacts in
their online collection.
• Demonstrate a full understanding of the
Shang dynasty by composing their own
historically valid accounts about different
aspects of the civilisation.
• Explain the significance and purpose of a
range of Shang artefacts in detail and draw
their own conclusions.
• Compare and contrast the Shang dynasty
with other early civilisations.
• Recognise and describe why the Shang
dynasty is historically significant.
Watch this documentary about Shang bronzes.
Met Museum Website for information about the Bronze Age in China
Watch this programme from the Lost Lands series
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Lesson Breakdown
1. A Place in Time
Resources
• Access to the Internet (optional)
Continue to develop a chronologically secure knowledge
and understanding of world history, establishing clear
narratives within and across periods by learning when and
where the Shang dynasty existed.
•I can explain when and where the Shang dynasty
was in existence and describe features of its
location.
•I can use archaeological evidence to draw
conclusions about what life was like in the Shang
dynasty and present my findings.
2. Living in the Shang Dynasty
Construct informed responses that involve thoughtful
selection and organisation of relevant historical information
by learning about the social hierarchy of the Shang dynasty
and exploring what life was like for different people.
•I can describe how the social hierarchy of the Shang
dynasty was organised and what life was like for
different people.
3. Gods and Kings
Construct informed responses that involve thoughtful
selection and organisation of relevant historical information
by finding out about the religious beliefs of the people
from the Shang dynasty.
•I can explain some of the religious beliefs and
practices of the people from the Shang dynasty.
4. Dragon Bones
Regularly address and sometimes devise historically valid
questions about change, cause, similarity and difference
and significance by learning about the discovery,
significance and purpose of oracle bones in Shang culture.
•I can explain about the discovery, purpose and
significance of oracle bones.
5. Shang Artefacts
Understand how our knowledge about the past is
constructed from a range of sources and that different
versions of past events may exist, giving some evidence
for this by learning about different artefacts from the
Shang dynasty and evaluating what they can teach us
about life in the Shang dynasty.
•I can examine a range of artefacts to find out about
life in the Shang dynasty.
• Access to information books/
Internet for research
• Modelling dough
• Modelling tools
• Boards and rolling pins
• Tablecloths and aprons
• Access to the Internet for
research
• Access to the Internet and/or
information books
6. Fu Hao
Regularly address and sometimes devise historically valid
questions about change, cause, similarity and difference
and significance by learning about the unearthing of Lady
Fu Hao’s tomb and what the study of the objects inside can
teach us.
•I can explain who Fu Hao was and why the discovery
of her tomb was significant.
National Curriculum Aim
Lesson Context
Child Friendly
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