Activity Overview
In this activity, students will research the Reconstruction Era and create a detailed timeline that reflects the major events that occurred between 1863 and 1877. For each event, students should include the title of the event, a visual representation, and a written description that includes the overall significance of the event. In order for students to thrive in this assignment, they should be encouraged to research ten events, and select the five that they found to be the most interesting.
For the extension activity, students can create an entire class timeline. Students will be required to print out their events and cut and paste them to a larger timeline in the front of the class. Before each student adds an event they should share with the class the event that they are choosing and include at least one fact or description of significance of the event. Teachers can also challenge their class by choosing any five random events and see if their class can place them in the correct order.
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 Reconstruction Era Events
- Emancipation Proclamation
- Assassination of Abraham Lincoln
- Freedmen’s Bureau Founded
- Surrender at Appomattox
- Juneteenth
- 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments Ratified
- Rebel stated readmission to Union (numerous dates)
- Andrew Johnson Impeached
- Formation of the KKK
- Reconstruction Act
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 at least 5 major events during America's Reconstruction era. Try to pick at least two events that are unfamiliar to you!
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify significant events and legislation and type them into the titles of each cell.
- Describe each event in the description box.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
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. |
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