I have a super easy guide to creating your own LEGO Stonehenge model for your ancient history unit. Also, look at my page From Simple to Spectacular: Easy LEGO Ideas for Everyone.
Also, look at my page Ancient Civilizations for more ideas, free lapbooks and hands-on activities. And look at my Free England Lapbook For Kids Who Love Hands-On Learning.
Stonehenge is one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world, but it remains one of the greatest mysteries of ancient history.
Stonehenge was built more than 4,000 years ago, long before written records even existed. It is located on the Salisbury Plain in southern England,
Today, historians, archaeologists, and scientists continue to study it to better understand why it was built and how ancient people managed such an incredible engineering feat.
Recreating Stonehenge with LEGO is a wonderful way for kids to explore history hands-on. By building the stone circles piece by piece, your child can visualize how the monument was constructed and better appreciate the skill and planning required by Neolithic people.
I have some great resource ideas for you as well to incorporate books, videos, and more hands on activities.
MORE EASY LEGO IDEAS
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- How to Create a LEGO Duck Pond: Step-by-Step Guide
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- A Splash Of Fun: The Ultimate LEGO Minecraft Coral Reef
- Crust to Core: How to Build LEGO Earth Layers
- Unleashing Creativity: An Easy Guide to a LEGO Stonehenge Model
- Crafting Connections: How to Design a LEGO Family Tree
- Ancient Civilizations: The History & Significance Of The Simple LEGO Ziggurat
BOOKS SET IN ENGLAND OR ABOUT ENGLAND FOR KIDS
First, look at these fun books I’ve rounded up for kids.
10 Books About England Or Set In England
Whether you’re looking for a book set in England or wanting to learn about the history, you’ll find these books delightful.
A captivating picture of the medieval period in British history beginning with the arrival of the Normans led by William the Conqueror and continuing through the 12th, 13th, 14th, and 15th centuries by focusing on the objects of everyday life, all of which in this period were crafted by hand. Through engaging text and striking illustrations we become familiar with all the objects of everyday life: the clothes they wore, the agricultural crops they grew, the food they ate and its manner of preparation, as well as the structures they lived in, and the pastimes they enjoyed. We witness the development of castles, houses, and monasteries, and come to understand the influence of the crusades and impact of the plague. A fine book to round out the picture given by history books that focus primarily on political events and the people involved. For each century a timeline is provided listing famous men, great events, and principal buildings that helps the reader connect the things of a century with the people and events of that era. A book that is enjoyed as much by youth as it is by adults.
Shirley Hughes is one of the best known and most popular creators of children's books, and her keen observation of family life have earned her a special place in the hearts of children and adults. This unique collection brings together some of her very best work and celebrates her amazing achievements over the years. There's a wealth of treasure for children of all ages to enjoy, beginning with a selection of simple rhymes and stories and moving on to some of Shirley's classic picture books featuring such well-loved characters as Dogger, Alfie and Annie Rose. There's also a selection of stories for older readers including The Lion and the Unicorn and Enchantment in the Garden, which combine satisfyingly longer texts with marvellously expansive pictures. Shirley Hughes' warmth and versatility shine from every page of this stunning collection which will captivate readers of all ages and take pride of place on the family bookshelf.
The Ninth Legion marched into the mists of Northern Britain―and they were never seen again. Four thousand men disappeared and their eagle standard was lost. It's a mystery that's never been solved, until now . . . Marcus Aquila has to find out what happened to his father, who led the legion. So he sets out into the unknown, on a quest so dangerous that nobody expects him to return.
Ballet Shoes Pauline, Petrova and Posy Fossil are sisters - with a difference. All three were adopted as babies by Great Uncle Matthew, an eccentric and rich explorer who then disappeared, leaving them in the care of his niece Sylvia. The girls grow up in comfort until their money begins to run out and nobody can find Great Uncle Matthew. Theatre Shoes Every family has its secrets, but it was a huge surprise to the three young Forbeses, fresh from a country vicarage, to discover that their grandmother was a famous actress. Sent to live with her in bombed-out, wartime London, they soon discovered that they were expected to follow in the family footsteps - to the footlights -! White Boots "If you pass your inter-silver, I'll tell Aunt Claudia that I don't want to work with you any more." Harriet is told that she must take up ice-skating in order to improve her health. She isn't much good at it, until she meets Lalla Moore, a young skating star.
Written at the very start of the Second World War, this book tells the story of one summer holiday in the life of the four Chandler children, who have been shipped off to stay with their Uncle Murdoch in his grand seaside home - Tregon Hall.Initial excitement about their adventure quickly wears off as John, Sorrel, Wish and Edward arrive in Cornwall by train, only to discover that their Uncle is particularly unfriendly, the servants are behaving strangely, and they have effectively become prisoners in their uncle's home...
On the banks of the Folly Brook, inside an old oak tree, live the last three gnomes in Britain: Sneezewort, Baldmoney, and Dodder. Before their fourth brother, Cloudberry, disappeared upstream seeking adventure, they lived happily and peacefully among their woodland friends. But now spring has come and the brothers start thinking about spending the summer traveling upstream to find Cloudberry. Before long they’ve built a boat and set off for unknown lands, where they find themselves involved in all kinds of adventures with new friends (wood mice, water voles, badgers) as well as with enemies (two-legged giants). A classic of British literature, B.B.’s The Little Grey Men has much in common with Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows, though as B.B. acknowledges in his introduction, the talking gnomes are only part of the story. The true plot, which B.B., an unparalleled naturalist, brings thrillingly to life is the magic of the woods and streams, the beauty of unspoiled nature and of the great diversity of living things.
Friendship, resourcefulness, adventures!
Here’s the classic tale of two families of children who band together against a common foe: an uncle who claims he’s too busy for his nieces.The Walker children (John, Susan, Titty and Roger) are on school holiday in the Lake District and are sailing a borrowed catboat named “Swallow,” when they meet the Blackett children (Nancy and Peggy), who sail the boat, “Amazon.” The children camp together on Wild Cat Island where a plot is hatched against the Blackett’s Uncle Jim who is too busy writing his memoirs to be disturbed. Fireworks ― literally―ensue along with a dangerous contest, a run-in with houseboat burglars, and the theft of Uncle Jim’s manuscript. How all this is resolved makes for an exciting and very satisfying story. Uncle Jim ends up apologizing for missing his nieces’ adventures all summer―thankfully, readers won’t miss a thing.
Beauty is the ideal horse: obedient, well-bred, and hard-working. After his humble beginnings alongside his mother in an idyllic English farm, Beauty becomes a coach horse for Squire Gordon at Birtwick Park. His new friends, the gentle Ginger and the wise Merrylegs love to exchange stories and enjoy the comforts of their loving home. But Beauty’s about to find out that nothing lasts forever…
Children of the New Forest by Frederick Marryat. Cavalier and Roundhead battle it out in the turbulent setting of the English Civil war and provide the background for this classic tale of four orphans as they face adversity, survival in the forest, reconciliation and eventual forgiveness. This is the first enduring historical novel for children, which conjures up as much magic today as it did on first publication. The freedom from adult constraint allied with the necessary disciplines to survive in a hostile world make for a gripping read.
Children have always found a delightful friend in James Herriot. His award-winning stories for young readers bring the farmyard world of Herriot's Yorkshire to vibrant life. Featuring a host of adorable animals and colorful townsfolk, each of the stories is narrated by the country vet himself, with all of the warmth, caring, and good humor that have made James Herriot beloved the world over.
Next, look at some facts about Stonehenge.
WHAT IS STONEHENGE
Stonehenge is a circular arrangement of massive standing stones, some weighing up to 25 tons each. The monument is made up of two main types of stone. They are the larger sarsen stones and smaller bluestones.
The sarsen stones form the outer circle and inner horseshoe shape. The bluestones were placed in earlier phases of construction.
Stonehenge was not built all at once. Archaeologists believe it was constructed in stages over a period of about 1,500 years, beginning around 3000 BCE.
The earliest version included a circular ditch and wooden posts. The famous stone structures were added later, showing that Stonehenge evolved over generations.
HOW AND WHY DID ANCIENT PEOPLE BUILD STONEHENGE
The stones were shaped using simple stone tools, likely made from harder rock. The sarsen stones were probably dragged from nearby areas, but the bluestones came from the Preseli Hills in Wales, nearly 150 miles away.
Scientists believe the stones were transported using wooden sledges, rollers, and possibly boats along rivers. Once at the site, the stones were raised by digging deep pits, placing one end of the stone inside, and then using ropes, levers, and teamwork to lift them upright.
Horizontal stones were then placed on top using carefully shaped joints( mortise and tenon joints), that locked the stones together.
The exact purpose of Stonehenge is still unknown, but several theories exist. Many researchers believe it was used as a ceremonial or religious site. Human remains that were found nearby lead scientists to believe that it may have been connected to burial practices or ancestor worship.
Stonehenge is also closely aligned with the sun’s movements. During the summer solstice, the sun rises directly over the Heel Stone, shining into the center of the monument.
During the winter solstice, the sun sets in alignment with the stones. This has led many historians to believe Stonehenge functioned as an ancient calendar, helping people track seasons important for farming and celebrations.
WHO BUILT STONEHENGE
Stonehenge was built by Neolithic and early Bronze Age people living in Britain. These communities were farmers who raised animals, grew crops, and lived in small settlements.
Despite lacking metal tools or written language, they had advanced knowledge of mathematics, astronomy, and engineering.
The construction of Stonehenge likely required the cooperation of many groups of people. It was not the work of a single leader but a community effort that brought people together over generations. It is believed that Stonehenge originally had 30 upright stones (sarsens). And it was topped with 30 horizontal stones(lintels), so that is what we are going to base our build on
Next, look at Stonehenge resources.
STONEHENGE RESOURCES
- The Usborne World History Encyclopedia
- Where is Stonehenge?
- The History of Stonehenge For Kids
- How to Draw Stonehenge
- Rice Krispie Stonehenge
A LEGO STONEHENGE MODEL
You will need:
- Assortment of grey bricks
- Green Baseplates
I was able to find this off-brand building brick set of just grey bricks as an alternative option.
Because of the sheer number of bricks needed to create our model, I wanted to keep it very small and manageable, but you can build yours any size you like.
To recreate the outer design of Stonehenge like min,e you want to first make 30 sets of columns by creating a double stack of 4×4 bricks. You can do this with any combination of bricks, 1×1’s,2×2’s, or 4×4’s.
Next, to make the stones that lay across the top of each, you will need 30 1×4 bricks. In order for it to reach across, they need to be at least 4 studs long.
Okay, we are going to do something considered an “illegal” LEGO move by many enthusiasts. Instead of placing the 1×4 straight onto the stud, we are going to angle it off one corner to allow us to manipulate our shape into a round rather than a square.
Continue alternating inner and outer corners all the way around to connect your horizontal brick with the vertical column until you have used up all 30.
Since the bricks are at an angle, you will not be able to click them all in place on the baseplate but you can just set it on top (you will actually need two if you make it the full size).
Carefully arrange it into a large circular shape. And the green baseplate looks like the grass Stonehenge is mounted on.
You can opt to build it more as it stands today, with many of its stones fallen or missing or the way it was once believed to have looked. You can also include the inner stones and ruins if you like.
