Activity Overview
The incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII was not the result of one simple action. In this activity, students will create a timeline of 5-10 events beginning with the bombing of Pearl Harbor and ending with the subsequent apology and reparations issued by Ronald Regan 40 years later. Students will include a short description of each event and create an illustration with appropriate scenes, characters, and items to convey the injustice of Japanese American Incarceration in the United States during WWII.
Teachers can pre-select the events they would like students to include into the timeline, or students can choose their own. In order for students to thrive in this assignment, they should be encouraged to research ten events, and select the five that they found to be the most interesting.
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 update 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 Japanese American incarceration during WWII.< /p>
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Choose 5-10 important events related to Japanese American Incarceration during World War II
- 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 illustrations.
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
The incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII was not the result of one simple action. In this activity, students will create a timeline of 5-10 events beginning with the bombing of Pearl Harbor and ending with the subsequent apology and reparations issued by Ronald Regan 40 years later. Students will include a short description of each event and create an illustration with appropriate scenes, characters, and items to convey the injustice of Japanese American Incarceration in the United States during WWII.
Teachers can pre-select the events they would like students to include into the timeline, or students can choose their own. In order for students to thrive in this assignment, they should be encouraged to research ten events, and select the five that they found to be the most interesting.
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 update 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 Japanese American incarceration during WWII.< /p>
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Choose 5-10 important events related to Japanese American Incarceration during World War II
- 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 illustrations.
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 Events Leading to Japanese American Incarceration
Engage Students with Primary Source Analysis Activities
Incorporate primary sources like photos, letters, and government documents about Japanese American incarceration to deepen understanding. Engaging with authentic materials helps students connect emotionally and think critically.
Model How to Analyze a Primary Source as a Class
Present a historical photo or document, and guide students through observing details, asking questions, and inferring meaning. Modeling the process builds student confidence and analytical skills.
Facilitate Small Group Source Investigations
Divide students into groups, assigning each a different primary source to examine and discuss. Collaborative analysis encourages active participation and diverse perspectives.
Guide Students to Present and Reflect on Findings
Have each group share key findings and discuss how their source relates to the timeline events. Presenting helps students synthesize information and make meaningful connections.
Connect Primary Source Insights to Timeline Projects
Encourage students to incorporate evidence or insights from primary sources into their timeline descriptions and illustrations. This practice enriches timelines and develops historical thinking.
Frequently Asked Questions about Events Leading to Japanese American Incarceration
What are the key events that led to Japanese American incarceration during WWII?
Key events leading to Japanese American incarceration during WWII include the bombing of Pearl Harbor, issuance of Executive Order 9066, forced removal from the West Coast, construction of internment camps, and the eventual government apology and reparations decades later. Each event played a significant role in the injustice faced by Japanese Americans.
How can students create a timeline about Japanese American incarceration?
To create a timeline about Japanese American incarceration, students should research important events, choose 5–10 milestones, write accurate dates and short descriptions for each, and create illustrations that visually represent the events and their impact.
What are some creative ways to teach about Japanese American incarceration in middle school?
Creative ways include having students make illustrated timelines, designing timeline posters for presentations or gallery walks, and allowing students to select events that interest them most. Using multiple templates can help engage diverse learners.
Why is it important for students to learn about Japanese American incarceration during WWII?
Learning about Japanese American incarceration helps students understand civil rights violations, recognize the impact of wartime fear, and reflect on the importance of justice and government accountability in U.S. history.
What should be included in a timeline project about Japanese American incarceration?
A strong timeline project should include 5–10 key events with accurate dates, concise descriptions (1–3 sentences each), and illustrations that clearly depict each event and its significance.
More Storyboard That Activities
Japanese American Incarceration in WWII
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