Source Enquiry: Tollund Man

This fun and interactive lesson on Tollund Man is perfect for introducing students to studying history at secondary school. This classic lesson is well-suited for use as a first history lesson, during a Year 6 open evening in September, or as part of an induction week in the Summer Term.

Tollund Man is one of the best-preserved examples of a bog body, discovered in 1950 in Denmark. He is believed to have lived during the Iron Age, around 400-200 BC. His remains provide valuable insights into prehistoric life, including diet, social structure, and burial practices. This lesson not only captivates students’ interest in history but also promotes critical thinking and teamwork. By exploring the life and times of Tollund Man, students will gain a deeper understanding of archaeology and its importance in uncovering human history.

When you download this free lesson from the History Academy, you will be able to access a 36 slide PowerPoint Presentation that has also been uploaded as PDF. The PowerPoint contains aims, objectives, differentiated outcomes, a variety of starters and plenaries, historical sources, information slides, templates, writing frames, task and activities, to support an investigation into how and why he was killed. Please see the detailed preview.

The aims and objectives of this lesson are:

Theme: Introduction to History
Know: Who was Tollund Man and how was he discovered?
Understand: How do historians use sources?
Evaluate: How did Tollund man die?
Skills: Source Analysis

WILF – What Am I Looking For?
Can You Describe: Who was Tollund man and how was he discovered?
Can You Explain: How to use a historical sources during an enquiry?
Can You Evaluate: How did Tollund man die?

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Kind Regards
Roy