Memory challenge - How homes have changed

The Year 3 Memory Challenge is an engaging classroom activity designed to help students recall historical facts related to the evolution of homes and everyday life. Pupils are given a two-minute window to earn as many points as possible by answering a variety of questions. The challenge includes a range of point values associated with each question, encouraging students to think strategically about the facts they remember and the points they wish to collect.

Questions worth one to ten points cover a broad spectrum of topics, from the chronological order of historical periods like the Bronze and Iron Ages, to identifying the inventions that came first, such as the Penny Farthing versus a BMX bike. Students are prompted to name famous British historical figures, describe the materials used for clothing in the Stone Age, and list utensils from a Victorian kitchen. They are asked about the concept of an allotment, who resided in hill forts, the traditional Sunday lunch, the drawbacks of coal fires in living rooms, and the reputed inventor of the telephone. Additionally, the quiz touches upon the workings of central heating, the origin of the term 'backyard', modern home heating solutions, the lifestyle of hunter-gatherers, and the function of solar panels. This memory challenge not only tests the pupils' recall abilities but also promotes a discussion about the transformation of homes throughout history.