Cops and robbers - What do I know about the Industrial Revolution?

In an engaging classroom activity titled "Cops and Robbers," designed by Focus Education (UK) Ltd, pupils delve into their understanding of the Industrial Revolution in a collaborative and interactive manner. The exercise commences with pupils seated in groups of four, each tasked with jotting down everything they can recall about the Industrial Revolution on the left side of a chart. This initial phase is timed at two minutes, allowing students to independently document their knowledge.

Following this individual recall, each pupil is then given a brief 60-second window to peruse the contributions of their three peers. During this time, they are on the lookout for any new information that they themselves haven't noted—the 'stolen knowledge'. After this quick review, students have the opportunity to enrich their chart by adding all the newfound insights into the 'stolen knowledge' section. Each piece of information recorded, whether from memory or gleaned from others, is valued at two points. The entire "Cops and Robbers" activity is designed to be a quick-paced, 15-minute exercise that not only tests but also expands the pupils' knowledge about the Industrial Revolution and its impact, such as the growth of Manchester into a leading city.