Activity Overview
Every province has a rich history that defines how it is known today. Using a timeline layout, students will research the history of Ontario. Students must think about what makes an event truly worthy of being included in the timeline and be able to include detail in their timeline.
Important Dates in Ontario's History
1500: In the early 1500s, early people such as the Algonquians, the Cree, the Iroquois, and the Huron inhabited Canada; they fished and hunted the lands.
1611: Explorers came to survey the land, and in 1611 it was claimed for England.
1763: The French, who found alliance in the Huron tribes, and the English, who were allies with the Iroquois, fought over the land in the Seven Years’ War. The war ended in 1763 with the signing of the “Treaty of Paris”, and England emerging victorious.
1783: When the American Revolution ended, several British loyalists fled from the United States to Canada, splitting the Quebec colony into Lower Canada (French speaking settlers), and Upper Canada (English speaking province that later became Ontario).
July 1, 1867: The Dominion of Canada was established, which meant it was self-governed, but still within the British Empire; this is when Ontario became a province along with Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick.
1880: In the late 1800s, mining became very prevalent, and hydroelectric power was on the rise.
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 of 4-6 important events in Ontario’s history.
Student Instructions
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Use the provided blank template or add cells to your own template as needed.
- Write the province name in the top heading.
- In the title box, list out each of the events in sequential order and add correct dates.
- Describe the events in the description boxes.
- Create an image in each cell that depicts the events, using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Requirements: At least 4 events, proper dates, descriptions, 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
Every province has a rich history that defines how it is known today. Using a timeline layout, students will research the history of Ontario. Students must think about what makes an event truly worthy of being included in the timeline and be able to include detail in their timeline.
Important Dates in Ontario's History
1500: In the early 1500s, early people such as the Algonquians, the Cree, the Iroquois, and the Huron inhabited Canada; they fished and hunted the lands.
1611: Explorers came to survey the land, and in 1611 it was claimed for England.
1763: The French, who found alliance in the Huron tribes, and the English, who were allies with the Iroquois, fought over the land in the Seven Years’ War. The war ended in 1763 with the signing of the “Treaty of Paris”, and England emerging victorious.
1783: When the American Revolution ended, several British loyalists fled from the United States to Canada, splitting the Quebec colony into Lower Canada (French speaking settlers), and Upper Canada (English speaking province that later became Ontario).
July 1, 1867: The Dominion of Canada was established, which meant it was self-governed, but still within the British Empire; this is when Ontario became a province along with Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick.
1880: In the late 1800s, mining became very prevalent, and hydroelectric power was on the rise.
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 of 4-6 important events in Ontario’s history.
Student Instructions
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Use the provided blank template or add cells to your own template as needed.
- Write the province name in the top heading.
- In the title box, list out each of the events in sequential order and add correct dates.
- Describe the events in the description boxes.
- Create an image in each cell that depicts the events, using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Requirements: At least 4 events, proper dates, descriptions, 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 Timeline of Ontario\'s History
Organize a classroom research session on Ontario's history
Guide students to work in small groups or pairs to investigate important events in Ontario's history. Assign each group a specific time period or event to research, helping them practice collaboration and research skills.
Teach students how to identify historically significant events
Discuss with students what makes an event important enough to include on a timeline. Emphasize factors like impact, change, and long-term effects on Ontario. This helps students think critically about history rather than just listing dates.
Model how to create clear, concise timeline entries
Show students examples of well-written timeline entries that include a date, a brief description, and a relevant image. Explain how concise writing and visuals make timelines more engaging and understandable.
Guide students to use digital tools for timeline creation
Introduce students to online timeline makers or digital templates. Demonstrate how to add events, arrange dates in sequence, and insert images. This encourages digital literacy and creativity.
Facilitate a timeline gallery walk and peer feedback
Organize a class gallery walk where students display their timelines. Encourage them to give each other positive feedback and suggestions for improvement. This builds communication skills and classroom community.
Frequently Asked Questions about Timeline of Ontario\'s History
What are the most important events to include in a timeline of Ontario's history for elementary students?
Key events for an Ontario history timeline include Indigenous peoples inhabiting the region (1500s), English claim of the land (1611), the end of the Seven Years’ War (1763), arrival of British loyalists and division into Upper Canada (1783), Ontario becoming a province (1867), and the rise of mining and hydroelectric power (1880s).
How can I create a simple Ontario history timeline lesson for grades 3-6?
Start with a blank template and ask students to research and list 4-6 major Ontario history events in order. Have them write dates, add brief descriptions, and draw or find images that match each event. Encourage discussion on why each event was chosen.
What criteria should students use to decide which events belong on an Ontario timeline?
Students should select events that had a significant impact on Ontario’s development, such as key historical milestones, cultural changes, or moments that shaped the province’s identity. Encourage them to justify their choices with short explanations.
Why is it important to include Indigenous history in Ontario timeline lessons?
Including Indigenous history ensures students understand the original inhabitants’ vital role and contributions to Ontario’s history, fostering respect and a more complete perspective of the province’s past.
What are some engaging activities to help students visualize Ontario’s historical events?
Students can draw scenes of each event, create digital timelines, use storytelling, or act out key moments. Visual aids and interactive activities make history more memorable and accessible.
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