Reagan's Presidency Timeline Activity

Reagan Presidency Timeline

Activity Overview

To best understand the sequence of events and policies made during Reagan's presidency, it's helpful for students to have a timeline that encompasses both presidential terms. This will allow them to see how Reagan's first term paved the way for his re-election and how certain themes played out through those eight years.

Using the timeline layout, students will outline of major events and decisions surrounding Reagan’s presidency. Students can focus on one thematic issue (such as economics or social issues) or mix and match various events that define his presidency.

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.

Extended Activity

Have students swap timelines, doing either one thematic timeline or one on a certain issue, or have students create a holistic timeline of what defines Reagan’s presidency. We recommend having students complete a thematic timeline, then utilize other students’ timelines to create a more comprehensive, holistic timeline.

Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 9-12

Difficulty Level 2 (Reinforcing / Developing)

Type of Assignment Individual or Group

Type of Activity: Timelines

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Template and Class Instructions

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Use This Assignment With My Students", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)

Student Instructions

Create a timeline detailing the events and policies during Reagan's presidency from 1981-1989.

Click "Start Assignment".
Identify important events and policies and type them into the titles of each cell.
Describe the events and policies in the description box.
Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Save and submit your storyboard.

Blank Timeline Template

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Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)

Timeline

Create a timeline of important events and people, and explain their significance. Make sure the dates are correct, and the Photos for Class pictures are historically accurate or significant.

	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.