Activity Overview
Timelines are a great way for students to understand historical context and the sequence of events. After learning about the Constitutional Convention, students will create a timeline that reflects major events in the Convention and ratification process. Students should research events that were influential in the formation of the American republic along with events that show the process of ratification. For each cell, students should include a title of the event, a representation of each event in their storyboards, and a description of the event in the space below.
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 can 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.)
Student Instructions
Create a timeline that illustrates the major events in the Constitutional Convention.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title of each cell, note the major events that lead up to the Constitutional Convention.
- 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
Timelines are a great way for students to understand historical context and the sequence of events. After learning about the Constitutional Convention, students will create a timeline that reflects major events in the Convention and ratification process. Students should research events that were influential in the formation of the American republic along with events that show the process of ratification. For each cell, students should include a title of the event, a representation of each event in their storyboards, and a description of the event in the space below.
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 can 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.)
Student Instructions
Create a timeline that illustrates the major events in the Constitutional Convention.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title of each cell, note the major events that lead up to the Constitutional Convention.
- 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 Timeline of the Constitutional Convention
Organize a Constitutional Convention timeline gallery walk
Arrange student timelines around the classroom or hallway to create a gallery walk. This strategy lets students observe, compare, and discuss each other's work, deepening their understanding of key events and fostering peer-to-peer learning.
Assign student roles for collaborative timeline creation
Divide students into small groups and assign each member a specific role—such as researcher, illustrator, or presenter. This approach encourages engagement and accountability while ensuring all students contribute unique strengths to the project.
Guide students to research using primary sources
Encourage students to use primary source documents (such as letters or convention notes) to find events for their timeline. This practice builds critical thinking and helps students connect directly with historical voices.
Model how to write concise timeline event descriptions
Demonstrate how to summarize events clearly in one or two sentences. Show examples so students can see the difference between overly detailed and effective descriptions, making their timelines easier to understand.
Facilitate a reflection and class discussion after presentations
Lead a whole-class discussion where students share what they found most surprising or important. This reflection encourages deeper analysis and helps students synthesize what they've learned from one another.
Frequently Asked Questions about Timeline of the Constitutional Convention
What are the major events that should be included in a Constitutional Convention timeline?
The major events to include in a Constitutional Convention timeline are key debates, the signing of the Constitution, the Great Compromise, the Three-Fifths Compromise, and milestones in the ratification process. Highlighting these events helps students grasp the sequence and significance of each step toward forming the American republic.
How can students create an engaging timeline of the Constitutional Convention?
Students can create an engaging timeline by researching significant events, using creative illustrations, adding clear titles and descriptions for each event, and organizing them in chronological order. Using templates or making a poster for presentations can also enhance engagement.
What is the best way to help students understand the sequence of the Constitutional Convention?
The best way is to use timelines that visually show the order of events, encourage students to research and illustrate each milestone, and discuss the importance of each step. This approach builds context and helps students remember historical details.
Why is it important to include both convention events and ratification steps in a student timeline?
Including both convention events and ratification steps shows the full process of how the Constitution was created and accepted. This helps students see not just the debates, but also the real-world challenges and decisions that shaped American government.
What are some creative alternatives to a standard timeline layout for teaching the Constitutional Convention?
Alternatives include making a timeline poster for a classroom gallery walk, using digital timeline tools, or combining timelines with storyboards and presentations. These options increase student choice and can make the lesson more interactive and memorable.
More Storyboard That Activities
Constitutional Convention
- Constitution of the United States of America • The U.S. National Archives • License No known copyright restrictions (http://flickr.com/commons/usage/)
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