Activity Overview
In this activity, students will create a timeline representing the events leading up to, during, and following the French and Indian War. For each event, students should include the significance of each event and create a representation of these events. Students should include at least one event that occurred before the war, during the war, and after the war in order to have a timeline that reflects the full span of the conflict. By creating this, students will be able to see the sequence of events of the war, as well as place it into a wider historical context.
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.
Example Events for the French and Indian War Timeline
- 1750 - French Settle on the Forks of the Ohio River Valley
- May 28, 1754 - Captain Jumonville Killed
- July 17, 1754 - Washington Surrenders Fort Necessity
- July 9, 1755 - French Captain Uses Native American Camouflage
- September 14, 1757 - Battle of Fort Duquesn
- 1758 - William Pitt Increases War Spending
- September 13, 1759 - Quebec Falls to the British
- February 10, 1763 - Treaty of Paris
Extended Activity
To extend this activity, students will create a spider map detailing the event they found most significant in causing of the French and Indian War. In the extension boxes, students will answer the following questions.
- Describe the event or action.
- What led to this event?
- Who was impacted by this event?
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 detailing the events during the French and Indian War.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify important battles and events and type them into the titles of each cell.
- Describe the battles and events in the description box.
- Create an illustration using 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 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
In this activity, students will create a timeline representing the events leading up to, during, and following the French and Indian War. For each event, students should include the significance of each event and create a representation of these events. Students should include at least one event that occurred before the war, during the war, and after the war in order to have a timeline that reflects the full span of the conflict. By creating this, students will be able to see the sequence of events of the war, as well as place it into a wider historical context.
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.
Example Events for the French and Indian War Timeline
- 1750 - French Settle on the Forks of the Ohio River Valley
- May 28, 1754 - Captain Jumonville Killed
- July 17, 1754 - Washington Surrenders Fort Necessity
- July 9, 1755 - French Captain Uses Native American Camouflage
- September 14, 1757 - Battle of Fort Duquesn
- 1758 - William Pitt Increases War Spending
- September 13, 1759 - Quebec Falls to the British
- February 10, 1763 - Treaty of Paris
Extended Activity
To extend this activity, students will create a spider map detailing the event they found most significant in causing of the French and Indian War. In the extension boxes, students will answer the following questions.
- Describe the event or action.
- What led to this event?
- Who was impacted by this event?
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 detailing the events during the French and Indian War.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify important battles and events and type them into the titles of each cell.
- Describe the battles and events in the description box.
- Create an illustration using 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 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 French and Indian War Timeline
Engage students with a French and Indian War classroom debate
Debates help students actively analyze historical perspectives. Using a debate format will boost engagement and deepen understanding of the French and Indian War’s causes and effects.
Choose debate roles for students
Assign students to represent groups such as British colonists, French settlers, or Native American tribes. This fosters empathy and encourages critical thinking about each side’s motives.
Research historical viewpoints
Have students gather facts and primary sources to support their assigned group’s perspective. This step builds research skills and helps students develop informed arguments.
Hold the classroom debate
Facilitate a respectful conversation where each group presents their arguments and responds to others. Encourage students to listen actively and cite evidence. This activity strengthens public speaking and collaboration.
Reflect and connect to timeline learning
Lead a class discussion or written reflection on how different perspectives influenced events on the timeline. This helps students synthesize information and see the broader impact of the war.
Frequently Asked Questions about French and Indian War Timeline
What are the key events to include in a French and Indian War timeline for students?
Key events for a French and Indian War timeline include the French settling in the Ohio River Valley (1750), Captain Jumonville's death (1754), Washington surrendering Fort Necessity (1754), the Battle of Fort Duquesne (1757), William Pitt increasing war spending (1758), the Fall of Quebec (1759), and the Treaty of Paris (1763). Including events before, during, and after the war helps students see the full historical context.
How can I make a simple and engaging French and Indian War timeline activity for middle school students?
To create an engaging French and Indian War timeline for middle school, have students pick key events, write a short description for each, and illustrate them. You can offer timeline templates or let students design posters for presentations or gallery walks, making the activity interactive and visually appealing.
What is the educational purpose of having students create a French and Indian War timeline?
The educational purpose is to help students understand the sequence and significance of events, place the war in a wider historical context, and develop skills in organizing information visually. This activity also promotes critical thinking by encouraging students to select and explain important events.
What are some alternatives to a standard timeline project for teaching the French and Indian War?
Alternatives include having students create a timeline poster for presentations, use a spider map to analyze a significant event, or work in pairs to make interactive gallery displays. These options can make the lesson more dynamic and collaborative.
How can students show the significance of each event in their French and Indian War timeline?
Students can explain the importance of each event by writing a brief description of its impact, who was affected, and how it influenced later events. Adding illustrations or symbols can further highlight each event's significance on the timeline.
More Storyboard That Activities
French and Indian War
- Treaty of Paris (page 15) • The U.S. National Archives • License No known copyright restrictions (http://flickr.com/commons/usage/)
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