aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	History
What age group	Year or Grade 10
What topic	the inter war years
Quantity	1
Any other preferences

Starting a Lesson on the Interwar Years

Introduction: The Period Between the Wars

Objective: Engage students and set the stage for a deeper exploration of the interwar years (1919-1939), highlighting key events and their global impact.

Lesson Hook: The Time Capsule Activity

Overview

Begin the lesson with an interactive "Time Capsule" activity. This will set the mood and help students contextualise the complex events and societal changes that occurred during the interwar years.

Materials Needed

• A large cardboard box or a clear container (the "time capsule")
• Sample items representing the 1920s and 1930s (these can be photocopies or small, representative objects)
• Sticky notes and markers
• A timeline poster or whiteboard for visual aids

Steps to Implement

1. Create Curiosity: Start the lesson by presenting the “time capsule” to the students. Explain that it contains important items that can help them understand what life was like during the interwar years. Avoid revealing all the contents initially.

2. Item Reveal: Pull out each item one by one (or simulate a digital reveal using PowerPoint if physical items aren't available). For example:

   • A style of 1920s flapper dress (or an image)
   • A newspaper clipping about the Stock Market Crash of 1929
   • A photo of an iconic piece of architecture from the 1930s (e.g., the Sydney Harbour Bridge)
   • An influential book or film from the era (e.g., "The Great Gatsby" or early Walt Disney films)

3. Discussion Prompts: After revealing each item, ask the students guiding questions:

   • What does this item tell us about society at the time?
   • How might this reflect cultural or political changes?
   • What is the significance of this item in the context of the interwar years?

4. Group Activity: Divide students into small groups and assign them a specific aspect of the interwar period (e.g., economic challenges, rise of totalitarian regimes, cultural movements). Each group will select an item from the time capsule relevant to their topic and create a short presentation on how it connects to broader historical trends.

5. Connection to the Curriculum: Conclude the activity by explaining that over the next few weeks, the class will dive deeper into each of these significant events and changes, building a comprehensive understanding of the interwar years. Reiterate how these events shaped modern history and continue to influence contemporary society.

Conclusion

By using the Time Capsule activity, students not only engage with tangible artifacts from the past but also build curiosity and critical thinking skills. This approach will enhance their understanding of the complexities and significance of the interwar years as they transition into formal lessons.