We stepped back in time to explore how Stone Age people created cave art using materials from the natural world. First, we went on a hunt around our nature garden, collecting leaves, berries, twigs and other natural materials to investigate whether they could be used to make different marks and patterns.

We then made our own natural pigments using ingredients including cocoa, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon and cumin. We experimented with mixing and applying the pigments to create different colours, textures and marks.

The children developed their ability to experiment with different art materials and techniques, making observations about which natural materials created the most effective marks. They also developed their understanding of Stone Age life, considering why early humans may have created cave art and how they used the natural resources available to them.

By the end of the activity, the children could identify and use natural materials to create marks and pigments, explain some possible purposes of Stone Age cave art, and make links between their own artwork and the techniques used by people in the past.