Downloadable lessons

We have developed a range of lesson plans and activities for use in the classroom. These activities either relate to digital versions of objects in our collections, or are related to the subjects we teach. 

Science for Secondary Schools

How can and should genetic information be used?
(KS 4 Science)

In this lesson students are placed in situations requiring an informed ethical discussion concerning how genetic information is used, GMO's or genetic diseases. As a small group they will discuss whether they agree or disagree with the character’s viewpoint and why, before deciding where on a scale the group’s position falls.
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
Apply specific knowledge of genetics and disease to debate ethical implications of new technologies.
Use scientific knowledge to take part in informed discussions as part of a group.

Mars in the Classroom
(KS 3 and 4 Science)

Developed by the UCL Earth Sciences, Mars in the Classroom provides an exciting program of hands-on and thought-provoking science activities for students aged 13 to 16. The project is themed around the students planning their own manned mission to Mars, and comprises a series of modules to be carried out in small groups.
To see the Mars in the Classroom resource site, click here.

Rocks and Weathering – teacher-led visit St Pancras Old Church
(KS 3 Science)

Developed by UCL Earth Sciences to support the teaching of Rocks and Weathering, this resource provides teachers with resources and activities to run a field visit to St Pancras Old Church.
Click here to go to Geology in the landscape and buildings of London resource site. 

History for Secondary Schools

The French Revolution
(KS 3 History)

The UCL Art Museum has developed three lessons using images from their collections – two exploring the death of Paul Marat, and one investigating the Three Estates. There are separate resources for teachers and their students. Alternatively teachers can use other images from the Collections in their own lessons. There is also an online exhibition about the French revolution. 

Marat – Corday lessons:

Three Estates lesson:

Other:

Geography for Secondary Schools

Volcanoes
(KS 3 Geography)

UCL Earth Sciences have developed a lesson to investigate the structure of volcanoes in a easy fun and practical way. 

Click here to go to the volcano lesson’s site.

Mapping Excercies on Hampstead Heath
(GCSE Geography)

Developed by UCL Earth Sciences, this set of field activities guides teachers through leading a lesson on the Heath to teach mapping, and also the geology of London. Resources and links are provided. 

Click here to go to Geology in the landscape and buildings of London resource site.

Rocks and Weathering – teacher-led visit to City of London Cemetery
(GCSE Geography)

Developed by UCL Earth Sciences to support the teaching of weathering and classification of rocks, this resource provides teachers with resources and activities to run a field visit to City of London Cemetery.

Click here to go to Geology in the landscape and buildings of London resource site.

Citizenship in Secondary Schools

Critical thinking and debates about museum collections
(KS 3 and 4 Citizenship)

In this lesson students are placed in hypothetical situations requiring an informed ethical choice concerning where objects in museums come from and how they should be treated. They will consider national and global, cultural and scientific issues of current importance, and present and justify their thoughts to their group.
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
Express and explain their own opinions to others through discussions and voting.
Communicate an argument, taking account of different viewpoints and drawing on what they have learnt through research, action and debate.
Justify their argument, giving reasons to try to persuade others to think again, change or support them.
Engage with and reflect on different ideas, opinions, beliefs and values when exploring topical and controversial issues and problems.