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​Timelines as Research Tools

5/10/2022

5 Comments

 
Picture
by Christine Liu-Perkins
 
I had underestimated the usefulness of a timeline until I was stuck in a confusing muddle of historical research. In desperation, I created a double timeline—one recording major events in the lives of the family I was writing about, and one recording major events in the early Chinese empire. At last, clarity! I gained many insights that had eluded me before, and what I learned enriched multiple sections of the book. That timeline was definitely worth the effort I invested in constructing it.  
 
Timelines not only condense a lot of information, they also help us see connections and patterns, such as:
  • cause & effect
  • steps in a procedure or process
  • chronological order
  • sequence of events
  • steps leading to a scientific discovery
  • historical context
  • progression/development/changes over time
  • big picture in relation to small details
  • comparisons
 
Interested in giving timelines a try? You can make your own using Microsoft Word or Powerpoint:
  • How to Make a Timeline in Word
  • How to Create a Timeline in Powerpoint
 
You might also include timelines in your manuscripts, activity guides, and presentations. Teachers often look for timelines and encourage students to make them. Here's some sources for creative examples:
  • 10 Engaging Ways to Create Timelines
  • Strategies that Work: Classroom Timelines
  • Digital Timelines
 
How do you use timelines? Have any tips to share?
​
 


5 Comments
Annette Whipple link
5/11/2022 07:19:54 am

I love all your posts, but this is definitely a new tool for me. I always make my timelines text only or on paper with a pencil!

Reply
Christine Liu-Perkins link
5/11/2022 08:54:37 pm

Wow, thank you, Annette. I hope trying out digital or 3D timelines help with your current projects!

Reply
Halsey, Kathy
5/11/2022 07:44:00 am

Great post and I now am going to make a timeline with the tools you gave us. I also appreciate the reasons given to use timelines. Sounds great for teacher material, Christine. Thank you.

Reply
Christine Liu-Perkins link
5/11/2022 08:59:14 pm

Thank you, Kathy. I hope you have fun experimenting with the tools and find timelines useful!

Reply
Dena Davis link
7/26/2022 10:02:55 am

I wish I had created the beautiful and artistic timelines when I was learning about different people and events in history! As a visual learner, this would have helped! Good to remember when creating books for young readers. Thank you!

Reply



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  • Home
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