How to Make a Timeline Chain

Just as chains link together, so do historical events.

Create a visual craft showing how a series of events link together. A timeline chain displays how historical events connect. Anyone can make one of these from first grade through college. Increase your own understanding of a series of events, the order of presidents or rulers, or how events relate to each other. Or, help others to learn these. Timelines show that one event leads to another, which eventually can change the course of history.

Things You'll Need

• Construction paper
• Scissors
• Markers or crayons
• Tape or glue

Instructions

1. Cut the construction paper lengthwise into 3-inch-wide strips.

2. Write on each strip one event in in a series surrounding a common theme. For instance, write out on the strips: events leading to the Civil War, main turning points of a person's life or the years and names of presidents or rulers.

3. Tape the ends of the first strip into a circle with the words on the outside.

4. Insert the second event strip through the circle and tape the ends to link the first and second events together.

5. Repeat attaching the remaining events in the order which they occurred to create your timeline chain.

References

• National Parks Service: Dr. King's Life Teacher's Guide [PDF]