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This lesson, titled “How Significant – Gallery Task 1,” is a dynamic and engaging exploration of the British Empire’s impact on the world. It is structured around a fictional scenario in which students are curators for a new exhibition at the “National British Empire Museum.” The central question guiding the lesson is: “How did the British Empire shape the world?” Students are encouraged to think critically about the concept of historical significance and to evaluate the British Empire’s legacy through both short-term and long-term lenses.

The lesson begins with a reflective activity that prompts students to consider why the British Empire had a significant impact. Using the acronym B.I.G. (Breakthrough, Impact, Groundbreaking), students are introduced to a framework for assessing historical significance. This sets the stage for deeper inquiry and helps students develop a structured approach to evaluating historical events and developments.

The core of the lesson is an interactive “evidence walk,” where students move around the classroom examining ten historical sources. These include images, maps, photographs, and posters that represent various aspects of the British Empire’s influence—ranging from military conquests and political structures to migration, cultural exchange, and ongoing debates about colonial legacies. Students work in pairs or groups to analyze each source, determine whether it represents a short-term or long-term impact, and select three sources for each category to include in their exhibition.

Throughout the activity, students are encouraged to consider four thematic lenses—political, social, economic, and military—when analyzing the sources. This multidimensional approach deepens their understanding and allows them to see the complexity of the Empire’s influence. The lesson culminates in a writing task where students justify their selection of sources using a structured format (Point, Source, Explain, Finish), reinforcing their analytical and communication skills.

This lesson is an excellent resource because it combines historical inquiry with creativity and collaboration. It encourages students to engage with primary and secondary sources, think critically about historical narratives, and articulate their interpretations in a meaningful way. By simulating a real-world task—curating a museum exhibition—it makes history relevant and accessible, while also fostering empathy, debate, and a nuanced understanding of the British Empire’s legacy