What did people do with iron ore - Investigation instructions

During the Stone Age, people discovered the practical uses of iron ore, which marked a significant advancement in their tool and weapon making techniques. Unlike the more time-consuming process of crafting implements from flint and stone, Stone Age individuals learned to extract iron from ore by melting it. Once in a molten state, the iron could be poured into moulds to form the desired shapes. This innovative method of production greatly expedited the creation of tools and weapons, offering Stone Age people a more efficient means of manufacturing these essential items.

To provide students with a hands-on understanding of this process, an educational activity is suggested where pupils make imprints into clay blocks or Plasticine. These imprints are then filled with water and frozen, simulating the concept of casting molten material into a mould. This exercise aims to give students a clearer idea of how ancient people would have used iron ore to produce their tools and weapons by casting the liquid metal into predetermined shapes. The activity forms part of an investigation into the changes that occurred in Britain from the beginning of the Stone Age to the end of the Iron Age, as well as the distinctions between the Stone, Bronze, and Iron Ages.