LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Why I am me timeline

Student develops a timeline that correlates personal life events with world events. Research and bibliographic skills are incorporated.

A lesson plan for grades 6–8 Guidance and Information Skills

By Rita Briggs

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Learning outcomes

The student will use research skills of location and bibliographical design in order to place information in a chronological timeline.

Teacher planning

Time required for lesson

90 minutes

Materials/resources

For each student:

  • pencil
  • colored pencils
  • markers or crayons
  • index cards
  • 3 sheets of paper (continuous-feed computer paper works well)
  • World Almanac
  • other reference encyclopedia (as needed)

Technology resources

Technology resources can be used if student has easy access to these resources, but they are NOT mandatory.

  • Computer
  • Internet access
  • encyclopedia or world almanac history timelines

Pre-activities

Distribute and review with the class the attached “Why Am I Me” Timeline Evaluation Sheet

Activities

Activity 1

Discuss the following: Think about the events in your life. Write down the ones which have affected you in either a positive or a negative way. When you have recalled as many as you can, organize them chronologically.

Activity 2

Distribute the continuous paper to the students. Provide the following directions:

  • On the first page, begin the timeline 1 inch from the left side of the paper. A horizontal line should be drawn the length of the paper and 4 1/4 inches from the top and bottom of the paper. The line should extend to the last event on your timeline on the third page.
  • Above the timeline, indicate important events in your life--a minimum of three per page.
  • Below the timeline, indicate at least sixteen important events that occurred in the world during this time period. Use the World Almanac (or the computer reference) to choose those that may be important to you or that are major events about which most people would recognize.
  • Pages 2 and 3 must include illustrations depicting significant events in your life. Also illustrate the major historic events.

Activity 3

On index cards, list bibliographic information about the resources you used for your timeline: title of the book, author/editor, publisher, copyright date, and number of pages in the book. Use the relevant websites for correct format and information on taking notes and writing a bibliography.

Assessment

Student will be evaluated by the teacher using the “Why I Am Me” Timeline Evaluation Sheet

Supplemental information

Here are samples of finished products:

North Carolina curriculum alignment

Guidance (2001)

Grade 6–8

  • Goal 7: Acquire the attitudes, knowledge, and interpersonal skills to help understand and respect self and others.

Information Skills (2000)

Grade 6

  • Goal 3: The learner will RELATE ideas and information to life experiences.
    • Objective 3.01: Describe personal cultural heritage and environment.
    • Objective 3.04: Relate cultural similarities and differences to personal heritage and environments.
  • Goal 5: The learner will COMMUNICATE reading, listening, and viewing experiences.
    • Objective 5.02: Produce media in various formats (print, graphical, audio, video, multimedia) appropriate to audience and purpose.

Grade 7

  • Goal 3: The learner will RELATE ideas and information to life experiences.
    • Objective 3.01: Describe personal cultural heritage and environment.
    • Objective 3.04: Relate cultural similarities and differences to personal heritage and environments.
  • Goal 5: The learner will COMMUNICATE reading, listening, and viewing experiences.
    • Objective 5.02: Produce media in various formats (print, graphical, audio, video, multimedia) appropriate to audience and purpose.

Grade 8

  • Goal 3: The learner will RELATE ideas and information to life experiences.
    • Objective 3.01: Describe personal cultural heritage and environment.
    • Objective 3.04: Relate cultural similarities and differences to personal heritage and environments.
  • Goal 5: The learner will COMMUNICATE reading, listening, and viewing experiences.
    • Objective 5.02: Produce media in various formats (print, graphical, audio, video, multimedia) appropriate to audience and purpose.

  • Common Core State Standards

    • English Language Arts (2010)

      • Writing

        • Grades 6-8
          • 6-8.W.8 Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following...

  • North Carolina Essential Standards

    • Information and Technology Skills (2010)

      • Grade 6

        • 6.SE.1 Apply responsible behaviors when using information and technology resources. 6.SE.1.1 Apply ethical behavior (copyright, not plagiarizing, proper netiquette) when using resources. 6.SE.1.2 Apply the safety precautions necessary when using online resources...