One-Week Lesson Plan: The Age of Vikings

Overview

This lesson plan explores Viking history, culture, and their impact on the world. It is designed for a 14-year-old student (Grade 9) and aims to cover different aspects of Viking life through engaging activities and explorations.

Day 1: Introduction to the Vikings

Lesson Title: “Who Were the Vikings?”

Learning Objectives:

• Identify key characteristics of Viking society, including their beliefs, culture, and lifestyle.
• Explain the timeline of the Viking Age (c. 793-1066 AD).

Materials Needed:

• Notebook & pen
• "The Vikings" by Neil Oliver (book)
• National Geographic articles on Vikings (online)
• Timeline printable or software/tool (like Google Slides or Canva)

Lesson Introduction:

• Discuss prior knowledge: Ask the student what they think of when they hear "Vikings." Share images of Viking ships and artifacts to spark interest.

Instructional Procedures:

• Exploration: Watch a short introductory video on Viking society.
• Explanation: Briefly explain the Viking Age and cultural aspects (beliefs, daily life, geography).
• Application: Create a timeline of the Viking Age, marking key events and milestones.
• Reflection: Discuss what surprised them about Viking life and culture.

Assessment and Evaluation:

• Review the timeline and ask the student to explain two significant events.

Integration with Other Subjects:

• Incorporate geography by mapping Viking territories in Scandinavia.

Differentiation and Personalization:

• For enrichment, research a specific aspect of Viking customs or beliefs (e.g., Norse mythology).

Real-Life Applications and Field Activities:

• Visit a local museum exhibit on Vikings or similar historical societies.

Resources for Further Learning:

• Recommend the series "Vikings" on History Channel (for historical drama interpretation) and websites like History.com.

Day 2: Viking Society and Culture

Lesson Title: “Daily Life and Beliefs of the Vikings”

Learning Objectives:

• Describe daily life, social structure, and religious beliefs of Vikings.
• Compare Viking society with other contemporary societies.

Materials Needed:

• Access to online articles and resources
• Art supplies (for creative projects)
• Notebooks and pens

Lesson Introduction:

• Show pictures of Viking artifacts and ask the student what they think these items reveal about daily life.

Instructional Procedures:

• Exploration: Research the roles of men, women, and children in Viking society.
• Explanation: Discuss the role of Norse mythology in shaping Viking culture.
• Application: Create a visual project on Viking daily life, including illustrations of clothing, homes, and tools.
• Reflection: Write a paragraph discussing their thoughts on the egalitarian aspects of Viking society.

Assessment and Evaluation:

• Assess the visual project for creativity and detail, discussing their rationale behind their choices.

Integration with Other Subjects:

• Integrate art by creating Viking-inspired crafts or designs.

Differentiation and Personalization:

• For additional support, provide worksheets summarizing Viking society’s structure.

Real-Life Applications and Field Activities:

• Prepare a simple Viking recipe, such as porridge or bread, to explore their diet.

Resources for Further Learning:

• Visit the website Norse Mythology for Kids for engaging stories.

Day 3: Viking Exploration and Trade

Lesson Title: “Navigate the Seas: Viking Raiders and Traders”

Learning Objectives:

• Explain Viking exploration routes and trade practices.
• Identify key Viking settlements outside of Scandinavia.

Materials Needed:

• Maps of Viking routes
• Access to documentaries or videos on Viking raids
• Markers and poster board

Lesson Introduction:

• Discuss with the student the significance of exploration: “What drives people to explore?”

Instructional Procedures:

• Exploration: Examine various Viking trade routes via maps and online resources.
• Explanation: Discuss the distinction between raiders and traders in Viking society.
• Application: Create a detailed map that illustrates Viking exploration routes and settlements.
• Reflection: Discuss what might have motivated Vikings to trade and raid.

Assessment and Evaluation:

• Evaluate the map for accuracy and clarity, discussing details of one settlement.

Integration with Other Subjects:

• Link to geography by studying map-making techniques.

Differentiation and Personalization:

• Encourage the student to select an area of trade or raid they find fascinating to delve deeper into.

Real-Life Applications and Field Activities:

• Conduct a scavenger hunt around the home or local area, comparing items today with those the Vikings might have traded.

Resources for Further Learning:

• “The Vikings” documentary series on PBS for visual context.

Day 4: Viking Warfare and Tactics

Lesson Title: “Battle Ready: Viking Warfare Strategies”

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss Viking warfare tactics and technology, including weapons and boats.
• Analyze the impact of Viking raids on European societies.

Materials Needed:

• Access to online articles
• Construction paper, scissors, and markers for creating models
• Optional: Lego or modeling clay for building

Lesson Introduction:

• Show a clip of a Viking battle scene from a movie. Discuss the tactics used.

Instructional Procedures:

• Exploration: Explore different Viking weapons and tactics through videos and articles.
• Explanation: Discuss the significance of the Longship in Viking warfare.
• Application: Construct a model of a Viking ship from materials or create an infographic of Viking weapons.
• Reflection: Write a reflection on how Viking warfare changed over time.

Assessment and Evaluation:

• Evaluate the model or infographic on creativity and factual accuracy.

Integration with Other Subjects:

• Include physical education by practicing Viking combat moves, such as basic sword fighting (safely).

Differentiation and Personalization:

• Offer extended reading materials on specific battles or events if the student expresses interest.

Real-Life Applications and Field Activities:

• Create a mock battle scenario using safe props at home with family members.

Resources for Further Learning:

• “The Last Kingdom” series for further exploration of Viking battles.

Day 5: The Legacy of the Vikings

Lesson Title: “Vikings Today: Cultural Influence and Legacy”

Learning Objectives:

• Examine the lasting impact of the Vikings on modern culture.
• Discuss how Viking mythology and history influence today’s world (e.g., literature, movies, and place names).

Materials Needed:

• Access to articles or videos on Viking legacy
• Notebook & pen
• Art supplies for creative projects

Lesson Introduction:

• Discuss classic movies/shows that include Viking themes. What are some examples?

Instructional Procedures:

• Exploration: Research modern representations of Vikings in media and literature.
• Explanation: Discuss how Viking culture influenced modern society.
• Application: Create a project displaying how Viking legacy appears today (poster, presentation, etc.).
• Reflection: Discuss what aspect of Viking culture they find most interesting and why.

Assessment and Evaluation:

• Evaluate the project for creativity and the depth of research.

Integration with Other Subjects:

• Incorporate technology by using presentation tools.

Differentiation and Personalization:

• Encourage creative options for presenting research (video, poster, slideshow).

Real-Life Applications and Field Activities:

• Attend or participate in a local history event or reenactment if available.

Resources for Further Learning:

• “Norse Mythology” by Neil Gaiman for literature inspired by Viking culture.

Final Considerations:

• Flexibility: Each lesson is designed to allow pacing and timing adjustments based on the learner's engagement.
• Parental Involvement: Parents can facilitate discussions, assist with research, and participate in hands-on activities.
• Multi-Age Considerations: Younger siblings can participate in simpler activities or research aspects of Viking life suitable for their levels, such as crafts or basic discussions about myths.