American History Puzzle Timeline

Looking for a fun way to go over course content with students on the first day of school without just reading over a syllabus?  Try a puzzle timeline! 

Instead of just reading off a list of units with students on the first day of school, get them actively engaged and let them figure out what we will be learning on their own.  This slideshow is filled with 24 slides that include an image, name, and date of major events in American History that you likely cover in your course. 

This product is editable, so you can add or subtract any events that you would like.

Simply print the slides, cut each image separate from the date and name, and then mix them up and put them in an envelope. Put students in small groups, give them the envelopes, and let them put together the puzzle of what they will be learning about in your class.

Using prior knowledge and clues from around the classroom like timelines, posters, and textbooks, let them try to create a timeline of events using all of the pieces in the envelope.  Their job is to match each image with its matching name and date.  After they have tried it on their own, go over the answers with students as a preview of your curriculum.

By the end of the activity, students get up out of their chairs, collaborate with one another, think critically, solved problems, and use resources around the classroom.  In addition to all of that, they walk out of the classroom on day one with a good idea of what content will be covered in class during the year.  

This is also a great activity for the end of the year, where students can review what they learned throughout the year.