Historical Timeline of Slavery in the Americas

This Storyboard That activity is part of the lesson plans for Slavery in America




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Activity Overview

Timelines are a helpful tool for students to see the sequence of events and the cause and effect during a specific time period in history. Giving students a visual with each date and name of the event helps students to better understand and remember the details, importance, and impact of the event. In this activity, students will create a timeline of 5-10 events that were integral in the creation, continuance, and abolition of slavery. This timeline will use visuals and concise text to describe in order the major events and laws that were important to the history of the institution of slavery; why it lasted as long as it did and how it eventually came to an end.

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.

Important events relating to Slavery in America


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Template and Class Instructions

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)


Due Date:

Objective: Create a timeline of major events and laws that were passed that were important to the history of slavery in America.

Student Instructions:

  1. Click "Start Assignment".
  2. In the description boxes, write:
  3. Create an illustration for each cell using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
  4. Save and exit when you're done.

Requirements: Include at least five events, including dates and descriptions.



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Slavery in America



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