Activity Overview
Who gets the right to vote? Free, frequent, and fair elections are a cornerstone to a functioning democracy where our elected officials represent the will of all people. Using a timeline layout, students will create a timeline that details the history of voting rights in the United States. This activity can be used as a summative review of the unit, or an assignment that helps students learn and teach one another about their findings. Teachers can also have students select one milestone and create a timeline that details the events surrounding that specific event.
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 that outlines 8-10 milestones in the history of voting rights in America.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Add cells to your timeline as needed.
- List out each of the events in sequential order.
- In the description boxes, describe the events.
- Create an image in each cell that depicts the events, using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save the storyboard and submit it to the assignment.
Requirements:
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
Who gets the right to vote? Free, frequent, and fair elections are a cornerstone to a functioning democracy where our elected officials represent the will of all people. Using a timeline layout, students will create a timeline that details the history of voting rights in the United States. This activity can be used as a summative review of the unit, or an assignment that helps students learn and teach one another about their findings. Teachers can also have students select one milestone and create a timeline that details the events surrounding that specific event.
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 that outlines 8-10 milestones in the history of voting rights in America.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Add cells to your timeline as needed.
- List out each of the events in sequential order.
- In the description boxes, describe the events.
- Create an image in each cell that depicts the events, using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save the storyboard and submit it to the assignment.
Requirements:
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 Voting Rights in America
How to Facilitate a Classroom Debate on Voting Rights History
Encourage students to analyze different perspectives by organizing a structured debate. Classroom debates help students build critical thinking and respectful discussion skills while deepening their understanding of historical events.
Choose engaging debate topics related to voting rights
Select topics such as “Should the voting age be lowered?” or “Was the 15th Amendment a turning point?” These questions spark interest and connect historical milestones to current events.
Assign students to teams and provide background resources
Divide your class into pro and con teams. Offer articles, videos, or textbook sections so students can research evidence and prepare strong arguments.
Establish clear debate rules and roles
Set time limits for each speaker and outline respectful listening expectations. Assign roles like speaker, note-taker, and questioner to keep everyone involved and the debate focused.
Guide students in reflecting on the debate
After the debate, ask students to summarize what they learned and write about how their opinions changed. Reflection deepens understanding and connects debate skills to real-world civic participation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Timeline of Voting Rights in America
What are the major milestones in the history of voting rights in America?
The major milestones in U.S. voting rights include the 15th Amendment (granting Black men the right to vote), the 19th Amendment (women's suffrage), the Indian Citizenship Act (Native Americans), the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (ending discriminatory practices), and the 26th Amendment (lowering the voting age to 18). Each milestone expanded who can participate in democracy.
How can I teach students about the timeline of voting rights in the United States?
To teach the voting rights timeline, have students create a visual timeline highlighting 8-10 key events, with dates, descriptions, and images. You can assign this as a summative activity or group project, or use poster presentations and gallery walks for engagement.
What is an easy voting rights timeline activity for middle or high school students?
A simple activity is to use a timeline template where students add cells for each milestone, describe the events, and create images representing them. This helps students visualize the progression of voting rights in America.
Why is it important for students to learn about voting rights milestones?
Learning about voting rights milestones helps students understand how democracy has evolved to include more people, recognize the struggles for equality, and appreciate the significance of fair elections in shaping society.
What are some creative alternatives to a traditional timeline for teaching voting rights?
Besides a classic timeline, students can create timeline posters, digital storyboards, or even interactive presentations. These options encourage creativity and can be incorporated into gallery walks or class presentations.
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