Activity Overview
A helpful way for students to organize their facts about Canadian History is in a timeline. This timeline highlights a few of the important dates from 1784-1896. In this activity, students will create a timeline of 5-10 events in Canadian history after 1783. Teachers may ask students to research 10 events and select 5-6 to put in their timeline, or allow them more freedom. They can also choose to provide students with a list of events to include at their discretion.
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 and adjust the instructions accordingly.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a timeline in chronological order with accurate dates, descriptions and illustrations for 5-10 important events relating to Canadian history.< /p>
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Choose 5-10 important events related to Canadian history.
- In the timeline template, click on “Timeline Dates”, and write the dates of each milestone in the date cells in chronological order. Then click “update timeline”.
- For each cell, list a title and write a 1-3 sentence description for each event.
- Create an illustration that represents each event using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Requirements: 5-10 events listed with correct dates, 1-3 sentence description and appropriate illustration
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 helpful way for students to organize their facts about Canadian History is in a timeline. This timeline highlights a few of the important dates from 1784-1896. In this activity, students will create a timeline of 5-10 events in Canadian history after 1783. Teachers may ask students to research 10 events and select 5-6 to put in their timeline, or allow them more freedom. They can also choose to provide students with a list of events to include at their discretion.
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 and adjust the instructions accordingly.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a timeline in chronological order with accurate dates, descriptions and illustrations for 5-10 important events relating to Canadian history.< /p>
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Choose 5-10 important events related to Canadian history.
- In the timeline template, click on “Timeline Dates”, and write the dates of each milestone in the date cells in chronological order. Then click “update timeline”.
- For each cell, list a title and write a 1-3 sentence description for each event.
- Create an illustration that represents each event using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Requirements: 5-10 events listed with correct dates, 1-3 sentence description and appropriate illustration
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 Canadian History Timeline: 1784-1896
How to Differentiate Timeline Assignments for Diverse Learners
Adapt timeline activities for students with varying needs by offering flexible options like simplified templates, sentence starters, or visual supports. This helps every student participate confidently and demonstrate understanding in a way that suits their learning style.
Offer multiple timeline formats
Provide choices such as digital timelines, physical posters, or interactive online tools. Allowing students to select a format supports different strengths and comfort levels.
Use visual scaffolds and prompts
Incorporate graphic organizers, event cards, or sentence frames to help students organize ideas. Visual aids make complex information more accessible for all.
Provide tiered event lists
Create lists of events at different reading or complexity levels. Let students choose from options that match their readiness, ensuring each can engage meaningfully with the assignment.
Encourage peer or small group collaboration
Pair students or form small groups so they can support each other in researching and organizing their timelines. Collaboration builds confidence and deepens understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions about Canadian History Timeline: 1784-1896
What are some important events in Canadian history between 1784 and 1896?
Key events in Canadian history from 1784-1896 include the founding of New Brunswick (1784), the War of 1812, Confederation in 1867, the Red River Rebellion (1869-70), and the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway (1885). These milestones shaped Canada's development and identity.
How can students create an effective Canadian history timeline for grades 6-8?
Students can create an effective timeline by selecting 5-10 significant events, arranging them in chronological order, writing 1-3 sentence descriptions for each, and adding illustrations that visually represent the events. Using a timeline template can help organize information clearly.
What is the best way to help students choose which Canadian history events to include in their timeline?
The best way is to provide a list of notable events or guide students to research and pick those that had a major impact on Canada's history. Teachers can let students select based on personal interest or assign specific events for balanced coverage.
Why is using a timeline useful for teaching Canadian history?
Timelines help students understand historical sequence, see cause-and-effect relationships, and visualize how events connect over time. This method makes it easier to grasp the big picture of Canadian history and remember key milestones.
What are some creative alternatives to a traditional Canadian history timeline assignment?
Alternatives include making a timeline poster for class presentations, using digital tools for interactive timelines, or creating a gallery walk where students display their timelines and explain events to peers.
More Storyboard That Activities
Canadian History 1784-1896
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