Newgrange and the winter solstice
Download a two-page 4th Class history worksheet labelling the parts of Newgrange and sequencing the winter solstice sunrise.
- Subject
- History (SEE)
- Year group
- 4th Class · Primary
- Curriculum topic
- Early peoples and ancient societies
- Download
About this resource
Ready to print, adapt and use.
This two-page worksheet explores Ireland's most famous passage tomb. Pupils label the cairn, kerbstones, passage, roof-box, chamber and corbelled roof on a cutaway diagram of Newgrange, then put in order the five steps by which sunlight travels into the chamber at sunrise on 21 December.
Teaching notes
Show a short video of the solstice sunrise before pupils begin so they can picture the beam of light. Link to Brú na Bóinne in Co. Meath, the OPW solstice lottery and the fact that Newgrange is older than Stonehenge and the pyramids.
Learning objectives
- Label the main parts of a passage tomb.
- Sequence what happens at Newgrange at sunrise on 21 December.
- Explain why Newgrange shows the skill of Ireland's first farmers.
What’s included
- Two printable worksheet pages
- Cutaway labelling diagram of Newgrange
- Winter solstice sequencing activity
Example PDF
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