Chapter 3

Technology Contributions from Prehistoric Times

Prehistoric people invented stone tools, learned to use fire, and made pottery and metal tools.

Clever inventions of early people

Even without books or machines, prehistoric people were clever. Their technology (the tools and skills they made) helped them live better. Many of their ideas are the start of things we still use today.

Important contributions

  • Stone tools — knives, axes and spearheads for cutting and hunting.
  • Fire — used to cook food, keep warm and scare wild animals.
  • Pottery — clay pots to store food and water.
  • Farming — growing crops and keeping animals for food.
  • Metal tools — in the Metal Age, stronger tools made of metal.

As time passed, people made better and sharper tools. Each new idea was passed down to their children, so their skills slowly improved from one age to the next.

Key idea

Prehistoric technology, such as stone tools, fire, pottery and metal, made life easier and safer.

Remember

  • Stone tools helped people cut and hunt.
  • Fire was used to cook and stay warm.
  • Metal tools came in the Metal Age.

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