KS1 History | The Recent Past

History Quiz - Recent History 1 (Questions)

This quiz explores recent history in living memory. Think about mobile phones, computers and other changes that have happened in your lifetime or your parents’ and grandparents’ lives.

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Fascinating Fact:

Mobile phones became part of everyday life. People can call, text and take photos wherever they are.

In KS1 History, children learn about recent history by looking at changes within living memory. They explore new inventions, how homes and toys have changed, and how life is different today.

Key Terms

Recent history: Events and changes that happened not very long ago, often within the lifetime of people we know.
Technology: Tools, machines and devices, such as computers and tablets, that help people do jobs or communicate.
Living memory: A time that adults, such as parents or grandparents, can still remember and talk about.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What is recent history in KS1?

In KS1, recent history means learning about events and changes that happened quite recently, such as new inventions, modern transport and how everyday life has changed for families.

How do children learn about recent history?

Children learn about recent history by looking at photos, objects, videos and stories. They might compare old and new toys, phones or cars to see what has changed over time.

Why is recent history important for KS1 pupils?

Recent history is important because it helps KS1 pupils understand the world they live in, notice how quickly things can change and see how new ideas can affect people’s lives.

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In 1970, a very popular 'boy band' split up for good. Who were they?

[ ]	The Rolling Stones
[ ]	Take That
[ ]	Boyzone
[ ]	The Beatles

In 1972, the very first what was introduced to the world?

[ ]	Video game
[ ]	Royal Baby
[ ]	Astronaut
[ ]	Purple carrot

Which war ended in 1975?

[ ]	The First World War
[ ]	The Second World War
[ ]	The War of the Roses
[ ]	The Vietnam War

In 1979, Britain saw its first what?

[ ]	Fishmonger
[ ]	Fire fighter
[ ]	Librarian
[ ]	Female Prime Minister

In 1982, Thriller, the biggest selling album in history, was released by who?

[ ]	Michael Jackson
[ ]	Elvis Presley
[ ]	Madonna
[ ]	Mozart

In 1983, Sally Ride set a first for women. What did she do?

[ ]	Won an Oscar
[ ]	Wrote a series of novels
[ ]	Went into space
[ ]	Became a police officer

In 1985, what did Coca-Cola do that they probably shouldn't have?

[ ]	Added banana flavour to the drink
[ ]	Changed the recipe of the drink
[ ]	Made a pasta sauce flavoured with the drink
[ ]	Sold the drink in paper bottles

In 1988, what did CDs do to vinyl for the very first time?

[ ]	Sounded better than them
[ ]	Were made bigger than them
[ ]	Had better covers
[ ]	Outsold them

What happened to the Berlin wall in 1989?

[ ]	It was knocked down
[ ]	It was painted a different colour
[ ]	It was rebuilt
[ ]	It had windows added to it

10.

In 1990, who was freed from jail after 27 years?

[ ]	Queen Victoria
[ ]	Adolf Hitler
[ ]	Tony Blair
[ ]	Nelson Mandela

History Quiz - Recent History 1 (Answers)

In 1970, a very popular 'boy band' split up for good. Who were they?

[ ]	The Rolling Stones
[ ]	Take That
[ ]	Boyzone
[x]	The Beatles

The members went on to have solo careers with differing levels of success

In 1972, the very first what was introduced to the world?

[x]	Video game
[ ]	Royal Baby
[ ]	Astronaut
[ ]	Purple carrot

The game was called 'Pong' and was released by Atari

Which war ended in 1975?

[ ]	The First World War
[ ]	The Second World War
[ ]	The War of the Roses
[x]	The Vietnam War

The war has also been called the Second Indochina War and the Vietnam Conflict

In 1979, Britain saw its first what?

[ ]	Fishmonger
[ ]	Fire fighter
[ ]	Librarian
[x]	Female Prime Minister

Margaret Thatcher was the longest-serving British Prime Minister of the 20th century

In 1982, Thriller, the biggest selling album in history, was released by who?

[x]	Michael Jackson
[ ]	Elvis Presley
[ ]	Madonna
[ ]	Mozart

It is said to have sold up to 65 million copies worldwide

In 1983, Sally Ride set a first for women. What did she do?

[ ]	Won an Oscar
[ ]	Wrote a series of novels
[x]	Went into space
[ ]	Became a police officer

She served as mission specialist on a flight of the space shuttle Challenger and became the first American woman in space. The first ever woman in space was the Russian, Valentina Tereshkova, 20 years earlier

In 1985, what did Coca-Cola do that they probably shouldn't have?

[ ]	Added banana flavour to the drink
[x]	Changed the recipe of the drink
[ ]	Made a pasta sauce flavoured with the drink
[ ]	Sold the drink in paper bottles

The public did not receive the new recipe well and it was soon changed back!

In 1988, what did CDs do to vinyl for the very first time?

[ ]	Sounded better than them
[ ]	Were made bigger than them
[ ]	Had better covers
[x]	Outsold them

CDs were very popular in the 1980s and 1990s