How were people's lives different in the Middle Ages than now?

Level: Intermediate

For this it's a good idea to think of things that we have now and then find some information about what it was like in the Middle Ages: maybe clothes, work, food, transport, houses, towns, machines and technology?

HOT TIP: these words make great keywords to search for on the internet. For example, try clothes "middle ages" in a google search.

When searching google, if you put double speech marks " " around your search term, google will search for it as a phrase.  Very handy if you're looking for something in particular and you know the words will be in that order.

There's a lot of good information on the EPIC databases about history, particularly the World History in Context database.

HOT TIP: To get to the EPIC databases you will need a password from your school librarian first. Or, you can log on to AnyQuestions.co.nz between 1 and 6pm Monday to Friday, and one of the librarians can help you online.

Some EPIC databases may also be available through your public library.

There's a lot of good quality information about life in the Middle Ages on the internet. Historyforkids has basic information on a lot of different topics, like sailing, buildings, famous people...

Some good sites are:

• History for Kids - from the BBC. You can pick your topic, or era, and explore the resources. There is information about the Anglo-Saxons, and Vikings. Also try the BBC British History - Middle Ages section.
• Middle Ages - links from Wellington City Libraries.
• The Middle Ages from Learner.org.
• Life in the Middle Ages - this site was created by a group of school students in the United States and is fun to wander through.
• History Learning Site: Medieval England - basic information on a few topics, written by a history teacher.