Activity Overview
A timeline is a powerful tool that allows students to both chronologically understand the significant events of a major historical figure, and also connect how different European explorers contributed to larger outcomes of history. In this activity, students will create a timeline that illustrates the major events in the life of an explorer. Students can either be assigned an explorer to research, or choose from one of the numerous European explorers. Students should use their research to select the ten most significant events that took place in the life of their explorer, from which they'll create their timeline.
For an alternative to the timeline layout, have students create a timeline poster to incorporate into a presentation or gallery walk. You can add more than one template to this assignment to give students lots of options!
Extended Activity
Teachers may also choose to have students research significant figures in Native American history during the Age of Exploration. Students represent the same series of events, but from two different perspectives. An example of this activity would be the conquest of the Aztecs by Hernando Cortez from the perspective of the Spanish conquistador Hernando Cortez, and Montezuma II, the Emperor of the Aztecs.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a timeline that illustrates ten major events in the life of your researched explorer.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Add additional cells to the timeline as needed.
- In the title of each cell, note the major event in your explorer's life.
- In each description box, describe the event.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events and Dates | The events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. The dates provided are correct. | Most of the events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. Most of the dates provided are correct. | Some of the events chosen for the timeline are significant. There may be missing events, or events that are irrelevant. Too many dates may be incorrect. |
| Explanations/Descriptions | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are accurate and provide insight into the significance of the events. | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are mostly accurate and attempt to provide insight into the significance of the events. | There are several glaring inaccuracies in the explanations or descriptions of the events. There may be little or no insight int the significance of the events, or the information provided may be too limited or missing. |
| English Conventions | There are 0-2 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 3-4 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 5 or more mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. |
Activity Overview
A timeline is a powerful tool that allows students to both chronologically understand the significant events of a major historical figure, and also connect how different European explorers contributed to larger outcomes of history. In this activity, students will create a timeline that illustrates the major events in the life of an explorer. Students can either be assigned an explorer to research, or choose from one of the numerous European explorers. Students should use their research to select the ten most significant events that took place in the life of their explorer, from which they'll create their timeline.
For an alternative to the timeline layout, have students create a timeline poster to incorporate into a presentation or gallery walk. You can add more than one template to this assignment to give students lots of options!
Extended Activity
Teachers may also choose to have students research significant figures in Native American history during the Age of Exploration. Students represent the same series of events, but from two different perspectives. An example of this activity would be the conquest of the Aztecs by Hernando Cortez from the perspective of the Spanish conquistador Hernando Cortez, and Montezuma II, the Emperor of the Aztecs.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a timeline that illustrates ten major events in the life of your researched explorer.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Add additional cells to the timeline as needed.
- In the title of each cell, note the major event in your explorer's life.
- In each description box, describe the event.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events and Dates | The events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. The dates provided are correct. | Most of the events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. Most of the dates provided are correct. | Some of the events chosen for the timeline are significant. There may be missing events, or events that are irrelevant. Too many dates may be incorrect. |
| Explanations/Descriptions | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are accurate and provide insight into the significance of the events. | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are mostly accurate and attempt to provide insight into the significance of the events. | There are several glaring inaccuracies in the explanations or descriptions of the events. There may be little or no insight int the significance of the events, or the information provided may be too limited or missing. |
| English Conventions | There are 0-2 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 3-4 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 5 or more mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. |
How Tos about Age of Exploration - Explorer Timeline
Encourage Critical Thinking with Explorer Timeline Debates
Spark deeper engagement by organizing class debates where students defend and discuss which events were most significant in their explorer's journey. This promotes critical thinking and helps students understand multiple perspectives.
Assign explorers or let students choose their own
Boost student ownership by allowing them to select an explorer that interests them, or assign one to ensure a variety of figures are researched. Choice increases motivation and broadens classroom discussion.
Guide students to research using trustworthy sources
Direct students to use school-approved books, encyclopedias, and reputable websites. Model effective research techniques to help students find accurate, relevant information for their timelines.
Model how to select the most important events
Show examples of major life events and discuss why they are significant. Encourage students to consider which events had the biggest impact on history or their explorer's journey.
Support students in creating visually engaging timelines
Demonstrate creative ways to use images, maps, and symbols in timeline cells. Visuals help students remember key details and make presentations more engaging.
Frequently Asked Questions about Age of Exploration - Explorer Timeline
What is a timeline activity for the Age of Exploration?
A timeline activity for the Age of Exploration is a classroom project where students research an explorer, identify ten key events in their life, and organize these events in chronological order to visually understand both the explorer's journey and their impact on history.
How can students create an explorer timeline in the classroom?
Students can create an explorer timeline by researching a European explorer, selecting the ten most significant life events, and arranging them in order on a digital or poster timeline, using titles, descriptions, and illustrations for each event.
What are some good explorers to research for a timeline project?
Good explorers for a timeline project include Christopher Columbus, Hernando Cortez, Ferdinand Magellan, Vasco da Gama, and John Cabot. Students can also explore figures from Native American history for diverse perspectives.
How can teachers incorporate different perspectives in explorer timeline lessons?
Teachers can have students research the same events from both the explorer's and a Native American leader's perspectives, such as comparing Hernando Cortez with Montezuma II, to develop a deeper understanding of historical impact.
What are the benefits of using timeline posters or gallery walks for history lessons?
Using timeline posters or gallery walks allows students to creatively present their research, encourages peer learning, and helps visualize historical sequences, making history more engaging and accessible for all learners.
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