Activity Overview
As students study the events that put the Great Depression into motion and led to the New Deal programs, it's helpful to piece everything together in a visual timeline so they can see the sequence of events. Using a timeline layout, students will identify and describe the major events that led to and occurred during the New Deal. Students should research the numerous economic aspects that led to the Great Depression and include the numerous strategies and programs that the Federal Government undertook to alleviate the harsh struggles faced during the Depression.
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.
Possible Events For a New Deal Timeline
- Stock Market Crash
- Inauguration of FDR
- The Dust Bowl
- Fireside Chats
- Food Strikes
- Memorial Day Massacre
- Passage of FDIC
- End of Prohibition
- “First Hundred Days”
- Publication of Grapes of Wrath
- Tennessee Valley Authority Enacted
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 the events that led to the Great Depression and the implementation of the New Deal.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Add additional cells as needed.
- 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 exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| 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. |
Activity Overview
As students study the events that put the Great Depression into motion and led to the New Deal programs, it's helpful to piece everything together in a visual timeline so they can see the sequence of events. Using a timeline layout, students will identify and describe the major events that led to and occurred during the New Deal. Students should research the numerous economic aspects that led to the Great Depression and include the numerous strategies and programs that the Federal Government undertook to alleviate the harsh struggles faced during the Depression.
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.
Possible Events For a New Deal Timeline
- Stock Market Crash
- Inauguration of FDR
- The Dust Bowl
- Fireside Chats
- Food Strikes
- Memorial Day Massacre
- Passage of FDIC
- End of Prohibition
- “First Hundred Days”
- Publication of Grapes of Wrath
- Tennessee Valley Authority Enacted
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 the events that led to the Great Depression and the implementation of the New Deal.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Add additional cells as needed.
- 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 exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| 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 New Deal Historical Timeline
How can I facilitate a class debate on the impact of New Deal programs?
Engage students by organizing a structured debate on whether the New Deal was effective in addressing the Great Depression. This builds critical thinking and communication skills while deepening understanding of historical perspectives.
Assign students specific New Deal programs to research.
Divide students into pairs or small groups and assign each group a different New Deal program. Encourage them to identify its goals, implementation, and impact using reliable sources.
Guide students in preparing arguments for and against their assigned program.
Have each group gather evidence that supports both sides of the debate. This fosters balanced thinking and helps students anticipate counterarguments.
Set clear debate rules and roles.
Establish guidelines for respectful discussion and assign roles such as speaker, rebutter, and note-taker. This ensures all students participate and keeps the debate organized.
Moderate the debate and encourage reflection.
Facilitate the discussion by prompting students to cite evidence and respond thoughtfully. Conclude with a class reflection on what was learned and how opinions may have changed.
Frequently Asked Questions about The New Deal Historical Timeline
What are the key events to include in a New Deal timeline for students?
Key events for a New Deal timeline include the Stock Market Crash, the inauguration of FDR, the Dust Bowl, Fireside Chats, Food Strikes, the Memorial Day Massacre, the passage of the FDIC, the end of Prohibition, the First Hundred Days, publication of The Grapes of Wrath, and the creation of the Tennessee Valley Authority. Including these helps students understand the sequence and impact of the New Deal era.
How can I teach the New Deal using a timeline activity?
To teach the New Deal with a timeline, have students research and identify major events leading to and during the New Deal, then arrange them chronologically. Students can describe each event, add illustrations, and present their timeline as a poster or digital project for interactive learning.
What are some creative alternatives to a traditional New Deal timeline?
Creative alternatives include making a timeline poster for a gallery walk, using digital timeline tools, or incorporating illustrations and student presentations. These formats engage students and allow for group or individual work.
Why is it important for students to learn about the New Deal through visual timelines?
Visual timelines help students see the sequence of historical events and understand how the New Deal responded to the Great Depression. This method enhances comprehension and retention by connecting events visually and contextually.
What instructions should I give students for a New Deal timeline project?
Instruct students to identify key events, add them to a timeline, describe each event, and create relevant illustrations. They should use research to explain the causes of the Great Depression and the main New Deal programs, then present or submit their completed timeline.
More Storyboard That Activities
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