Activity Overview
It's important for students to have a solid foundation when learning about wars and how they play into a larger historical context. This is especially true for the French and Indian War, which was just one part of the Seven Years War. In order for students to grasp the basics, they can create a spider map that represents the “5 Ws” of the French and Indian War. For each “W”, students will ask and answer a question in the space below and create a representation of their responses. Because it was a part of a larger conflict, there can be more than one question per W. The following are potential questions for this activity:
Example Questions
- Who was involved in the French and Indian War?
- Who were the leaders of the French and Indian War?
- What were the areas of conflict during the French and Indian War?
- What lead to the start of the French and Indian War?
- Why were the British able to defeat the French?
- When was the French and Indian War fought?
- Where was the war primarily fought?
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Create a 5W analysis of the French and Indian War: Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title box for each cell, type questions for Who, What, When, Where and Why.
- In the descriptions, answer the question.
- Create an image for each cell with appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The student clearly, thoroughly, accurately chooses and answers the who, what, where, when, and why questions. | The student chooses and answers the who, what, where, when, and why questions. Some of the information is clear, thorough, and accurate. | The who, what, where, when, and why questions and answers are incomplete, confusing, or inaccurate. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the written information using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the written information, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the written information. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
Activity Overview
It's important for students to have a solid foundation when learning about wars and how they play into a larger historical context. This is especially true for the French and Indian War, which was just one part of the Seven Years War. In order for students to grasp the basics, they can create a spider map that represents the “5 Ws” of the French and Indian War. For each “W”, students will ask and answer a question in the space below and create a representation of their responses. Because it was a part of a larger conflict, there can be more than one question per W. The following are potential questions for this activity:
Example Questions
- Who was involved in the French and Indian War?
- Who were the leaders of the French and Indian War?
- What were the areas of conflict during the French and Indian War?
- What lead to the start of the French and Indian War?
- Why were the British able to defeat the French?
- When was the French and Indian War fought?
- Where was the war primarily fought?
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Create a 5W analysis of the French and Indian War: Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title box for each cell, type questions for Who, What, When, Where and Why.
- In the descriptions, answer the question.
- Create an image for each cell with appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The student clearly, thoroughly, accurately chooses and answers the who, what, where, when, and why questions. | The student chooses and answers the who, what, where, when, and why questions. Some of the information is clear, thorough, and accurate. | The who, what, where, when, and why questions and answers are incomplete, confusing, or inaccurate. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the written information using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the written information, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the written information. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How Tos about The French and Indian War 5 Ws
Organize a Timeline of Key Events for the French and Indian War
Help students visualize the sequence of major battles, treaties, and turning points to deepen their historical understanding. Timelines connect cause and effect and make complex events easier to grasp.
Select important dates and events
Choose essential battles, alliances, and treaties that shaped the war’s outcome. Prioritizing key moments keeps the timeline focused and relevant for students.
Assign students to research specific events
Divide the class or group and give each student or team an event to investigate. Collaboration ensures every event is covered and students practice research skills.
Have students create timeline entries with visuals
Ask students to write a brief summary and draw or find an image for their event. Combining text and visuals supports different learning styles and makes the timeline engaging.
Assemble the timeline as a class display
Put the entries in chronological order on a bulletin board or digital platform. Seeing the full timeline helps students grasp the war’s progression and impact.
Frequently Asked Questions about The French and Indian War 5 Ws
What are the 5 Ws of the French and Indian War?
The 5 Ws of the French and Indian War are: Who was involved, What happened, When the war took place, Where it was fought, and Why it started. This approach helps students break down the key facts and understand the conflict in context.
Who fought in the French and Indian War?
The French and Indian War was fought between the British and their colonial allies against the French and various Native American tribes. Each side was supported by different Indigenous groups seeking to protect their interests.
When and where did the French and Indian War take place?
The French and Indian War was fought from 1754 to 1763, mainly in North America. Key battle areas included the Ohio River Valley, the Great Lakes region, and parts of Canada.
Why did the French and Indian War start?
The war began due to competition over territory and resources in North America, especially the Ohio River Valley. Both the British and French wanted control of these lucrative lands, leading to conflict with each other and Native peoples.
How can students create a 5 Ws analysis of the French and Indian War?
Students can make a 5 Ws spider map by writing a question for each W: Who, What, When, Where, and Why. They answer each question and add images or scenes to visually represent their findings for a deeper understanding.
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