Researching to Create a Timeline

Student Guide

Purpose
In this assignment, you will conduct research to identify the most important events leading up to the Civil
War and create a timeline. Then, you will explain the significance of each person and event in creating
distinct regional cultures.

Summary
In this lesson, you learned about the growing sectionalism and lack of compromise that led to the Civil
War. Now, you will demonstrate your understanding by creating a timeline that shows these events.

Assignment Prompt

1. Gather materials and necessary information.

a) Ask your teacher whether you will be using presentation, drawing, word-processing, or
artistic software to develop the timeline. You may also be able to use a large piece of paper or
poster board, but be sure to ask your teacher whether these materials are acceptable.

b) Keep your lesson and assignment open in case you need to review what you have learned.

c) Take good notes as you conduct your research. Make sure to keep track of dates.

2. Read and follow each set of instructions carefully before you begin.

a) Gather information to create your timeline.

b) Read through and follow the instructions for creating your timeline and short writing
assignment.

Assignment Instructions
Using your research, construct a timeline detailing the important events leading up to the Civil
War. Then, briefly explain how each event, person, and fact was significant in creating distinct
regional cultures. Be sure to include images to support your findings.

Step 1. Think about these steps for creating a successful timeline.

a) Plan: Sketch your timeline on a piece of paper after you have gathered all information.
b) Draft: Create a rough draft of your timeline and short writing.
c) Revise: Review your work, correct mistakes, and make improvements.

Step 2. Consider the required elements of the timeline.

a) Choose at least fifteen entries to include on your timeline.

b) Briefly describe each event on your timeline. Include the date it occurred and identify relevant
people and facts related to the event.
c) In each description, explain the significance of the people and events and how they increased
tensions leading to the conflict.
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 Student Guide (continued)

d) Select images to add to your timeline as support for the events and people.
e) Choose the correct time frame for your timeline. As you make your timeline, all dates should
be in chronological order using CE measurement.Construct your timeline on a computer, on a
tablet, or by hand using a ruler or straightedge, paper, and colored pencils or markers. Ask
your teacher which form your timeline should take.
f) Make your timeline easy to read.
g) In 1-2 paragraphs, explain the significance of each person and event in creating distinct
regional cultures.
h) Review your work, correct mistakes, and make improvements before you submit your final
draft.

Step 3. Use this checklist to evaluate your timeline. When you can answer yes to all of these
questions, you are ready to submit your checklist.

Yes No Evaluation Question

Does your timeline include dates and key events related to the topic?

Is your timeline organized chronologically using CE as a measurement?

Have you included fifteen entries?

Does your timeline briefly describe each event and include relevant people and facts?

Do you explain the significance of each event and how it contributed to the rising
tensions that led to the conflict?

Does your timeline use correct punctuation and grammar?

Does your timeline present information in ways that will engage your audience?

Is your timeline neat, easy to read, and visually appealing?

Does your timeline include images to support your findings?

Does your timeline include all of the required elements described above?

Did you include a short explanation of how each event, person, and fact helped
create distinct regional cultures?

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 Student Guide (continued)

Step 4. Revise and submit your timeline.

a) If you were unable to answer yes to all of the questions on the checklist, revise and save your
timeline before submitting it.
b) When you have completed your timeline, return to the Virtual Classroom and use “Add Files”
option to locate and submit your assignment. Ask your teacher for assistance if necessary.
c) Ask your teacher for further instructions about whether you will present your timeline to an
audience of your peers.

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