Age of Exploration - Explorer Timeline

A timeline is a powerful tool that allows students to both chronologically understand the significant events of a major historical figure, and also connect how different European explorers contributed to larger outcomes of history. In this activity, students will create a timeline that illustrates the major events in the life of an explorer. Students can either be assigned an explorer to research, or choose from one of the numerous European explorers. Students should use their research to select the ten most significant events that took place in the life of their explorer, from which they'll create their timeline.

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!

Extended Activity

Teachers may also choose to have students research significant figures in Native American history during the Age of Exploration. Students represent the same series of events, but from two different perspectives. An example of this activity would be the conquest of the Aztecs by Hernando Cortez from the perspective of the Spanish conquistador Hernando Cortez, and Montezuma II, the Emperor of the Aztecs.

Student Instructions

Create a timeline that illustrates ten major events in the life of your researched explorer.

1. Click "Start Assignment".
2. Add additional cells to the timeline as needed.
3. In the title of each cell, note the major event in your explorer's life.
4. In each description box, describe the event.
5. Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.