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Copyright
© 2000-2007
Ydalir Vikings

Activities

Viking Crafts and Demonstrations for School Visits

All activities are subject to availability. When selecting, please indicate alternatives, as, while we will do our best to accommodate, we cannot guarantee to give you all your first choices. Alternatively, you can leave the selection to us. Where a visit includes more than one activity, they will usually consist of one main craft session and one or two interactive demonstrations. All materials are provided unless otherwise indicated.

All activities cover the broad requirements of KS2 History, in particular Breadth of Study 8a and b: British History; and 9: Vikings in Britain.

Main Craft Sessions

Activity	Preparation and equipment	Curriculum areas
Leatherwork The children use the Viking Runes to make a leather bracelet, learning the basics of embossing and stamping, and the theory of tanning. Why is oak bark and wee so important? A perennial favourite with our regulars	Some preparatory work with the Elder Futhark is recommended (a worksheet is included in the resource pack). You will need to provide water pots, and scraps of clean rag or sponge for the activity.	History 2a: characteristic features of the period English 3.4: Spelling Science 3: Materials and their properties Design Technology 2 & 4 Art & Design 2: investigating and making
Pottery Learn the basics of pinch and coil, and their application in making cups, lamps, beads, and spindle whorls.	Wipe-clean tables and adjacent hand-washing facilities are recommended. We are unable to fire finished pots.	History 2a Science 3 Design Technology Art & Design 2: investigating and making
Cooking and food Have a go at grinding grain, handle some authentic reproduction cooking equipment, and mix up some flatbread, which we then cook. The children get to eat the results with honey, ending up gloriously sticky!	Cooking facilities with at least 2 rings, heavy skillets, wipe-clean surfaces, sink with hot water for washing up, and adjacent hand-washing. Sufficient floor space to accommodate children round the quernstone. Please inform us whether any of the children have food allergies; and of any relevant cultural issues.	History 2a Science 3: Materials and their properties
Dyeing Try out how natural dyestuffs work on different materials, learn the mystery of mordants, and marvel at our beautiful sample display. Why are some colours posher than others? Why does getting a good blue involve really bad smells? The children end up with a range of samples, which can be incorporated into a large group project, such as a collage.	Cooking facilities with at least 2 rings, wipe-clean surfaces, sink, and adjacent hand-washing. Pencils, scissors, and tape. Dye record sheet (supplied) should be photocopied and distributed (children are encouraged to record the results of their experiments). Dyes can stain clothing, so overalls are strongly recommended both for children and adult supervisors. All dyestuffs used will be non-poisonous; however handling any natural substance incurs a small risk. Children should be encouraged to wash their hands immediately afterwards.	History 2 English 3.5: handwriting and presentation Science 1: Scientific enquiry Science 3: Materials and their properties Science Breadth of Study 1 & 2 Design Technology This can also lead into work covering Art & Design curriculum

Interactive Demonstrations

Activity	Preparation and equipment	Curriculum areas
Writing How did the Vikings and their contemporaries write, and what did they write about? Why would any sensible person want to put dog poo on their head? These and other questions are answered in our lighthearted look at period writing, equipment, and texts. Ties in well with Leatherwork.	Tables and chairs.	History 2 & 3 English 2.5: Non-fiction and non-literary texts English 3.5: Handwriting and presentation Science 3: Materials and their properties Art & Design 4 & 5d: investigating different kinds of art, craft, and design
Spinning and Textiles Find out what the well-dressed Viking was wearing and how they made it, discover the properties of fleece, and take a look at spinning it and other materials. This ties in well with the Dyeing activity.	No extra equipment needed. Teachers should be aware that handling fleece can cause a mild allergic reaction in some people, especially those prone to eczema. Children should be encouraged to wash their hands immediately afterwards.	History 2a-b Science 3: Materials and their properties Design Technology Art & Design 4
Games and Money What did Vikings do to relax? What was the Viking's equivalent of the Happy Meal? See some Viking board games, and have a go at calculating the Viking way. It all adds up to a fascinating peek at some lesser-known aspects of Viking life.	Tables and chairs.	History 2a-b Mathematics
Poetry and Myth How do we know the Norse myths? What is a kenning? Enter the Nine Worlds of the Norse; peopled by gods, kings, heroes, pirates, giants, elves, and dwarfs; and hear about the poets and saga-writers and their comic and tragic tales.	No extra equipment needed. This activity is offered in addition to the story usually included in the normal programme.	History 1-4 English 1: Speaking and listening. This can also lead into work covering English 2 &3: Reading and Writing

Please note:

While we make every effort to follow best health and safety practice, responsibility for the safety and behaviour of the children remains with the school. A teacher or other responsible adult should be with the children at all times during the visit. We reserve the right to discontinue any activity on health and safety grounds, and to exclude any child or group of children whose behaviour is putting others at risk.