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https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/the-cold-war--1945-1962/cuban-missile-crisis
Lesson Plan Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Student Rubric
Lesson Plan Overview
Lesson Plan Overview
Have students create a timeline of the events that culminated in the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 under President John F. Kennedy. Students will outline and define the events that led to both the U.S. and U.S.S.R. being on the brink of nuclear war. This will highlight major global policies and negotiations that took place to avoid conflict and nuclear destruction. In addition, this will help summarize the growing tensions that existed between the U.S. and U.S.S.R. when Kennedy took office, and elucidate how the Cold War was a continuous ideological conflict.
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
Have students create a timeline of events affecting the relationship between the U.S. and Cuba, led by Fidel Castro. This will highlight America’s sour relationship with the small, communist nation and how the U.S. responded over the years. Students should try to also connect to current day events, i.e. the Cuban embargo being lifted and improved relations with Cuba in 2015.
Template and Class Instructions
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 events leading up to and during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Add cells to your timeline as needed.
- List out each of the events in sequential order.
- In the description boxes, describe the events.
- Create an image in each cell that depicts the events, using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save the storyboard and submit it to the assignment.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
Student 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. |
Lesson Plan Overview
Have students create a timeline of the events that culminated in the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 under President John F. Kennedy. Students will outline and define the events that led to both the U.S. and U.S.S.R. being on the brink of nuclear war. This will highlight major global policies and negotiations that took place to avoid conflict and nuclear destruction. In addition, this will help summarize the growing tensions that existed between the U.S. and U.S.S.R. when Kennedy took office, and elucidate how the Cold War was a continuous ideological conflict.
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
Have students create a timeline of events affecting the relationship between the U.S. and Cuba, led by Fidel Castro. This will highlight America’s sour relationship with the small, communist nation and how the U.S. responded over the years. Students should try to also connect to current day events, i.e. the Cuban embargo being lifted and improved relations with Cuba in 2015.
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 events leading up to and during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Add cells to your timeline as needed.
- List out each of the events in sequential order.
- In the description boxes, describe the events.
- Create an image in each cell that depicts the events, using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save the storyboard and submit it to the assignment.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student 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. |
How Tos about The Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962
1
How to Facilitate a Classroom Debate on the Cuban Missile Crisis
Engage students in a dynamic classroom debate by assigning roles as U.S., U.S.S.R., or Cuba leaders. This activity helps students understand different perspectives and practice critical thinking.
2
Assign debate roles to students
Divide the class into groups representing the U.S., U.S.S.R., and Cuba. Assign each group the task of researching their country's motives and concerns during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
3
Guide research and preparation
Encourage students to find key facts, speeches, and opinions from their assigned country's perspective. Provide resources and guiding questions to support focused preparation.
4
Set debate rules and structure
Establish clear guidelines for respectful discussion, time limits, and turn-taking. Explain the debate format to ensure every group has an opportunity to present and respond.
5
Moderate the debate and encourage reflection
Lead the debate by asking probing questions and ensuring all voices are heard. After the debate, prompt students to reflect on what they learned about the complexities of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962
What is the Cuban Missile Crisis and why is it important for students to learn about?
The Cuban Missile Crisis was a 13-day confrontation in October 1962 between the United States and the Soviet Union over Soviet missiles in Cuba. It's important for students as it highlights Cold War tensions, nuclear brinkmanship, and diplomatic negotiations that helped prevent nuclear war.
How can students create an effective timeline of the Cuban Missile Crisis?
Students can create an effective timeline by listing key events in order, describing each event in their own words, and using images to visualize the moments. Including major policies, negotiations, and the roles of leaders like Kennedy and Castro will deepen understanding.
What are some key events to include in a Cuban Missile Crisis timeline for high school students?
Key events include the Bay of Pigs invasion, discovery of Soviet missiles in Cuba, President Kennedy’s televised address, naval blockade of Cuba, tense negotiations, and the eventual agreement to remove missiles. These highlight the escalation and resolution of the crisis.
How did the Cuban Missile Crisis impact U.S.-Cuba relations?
The crisis worsened U.S.-Cuba relations, leading to decades of hostility, trade embargoes, and diplomatic isolation. It also cemented Cuba's alignment with the Soviet Union, though relations improved many years later, especially after 2015.
What are some creative ways to present a Cuban Missile Crisis timeline in the classroom?
Besides a traditional timeline, students can make a timeline poster for presentations or gallery walks, use digital storytelling tools, or collaborate on group projects with images and descriptions to engage classmates and enhance learning.
More Storyboard That Activities
Cold War: 1945-1962
Image Attributions
- Cuba • NatalieMaynor • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Cuba Grunge Flag • Free Grunge Textures - www.freestock.ca • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
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https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/the-cold-war--1945-1962/cuban-missile-crisis
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© 2026 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
