Objective: It is difficult for students to understand the concept of time. Visual displays are one way of making the timing of events. What is suggested is a classroom timeline that would be hung up in the classroom. It would give students a visual representation of the time involved in the development of electricity and how the different advances were preceded by years of work and discoveries. The advances we enjoy are seldom the result of one lone man working in complete isolation but is rather the work of synthesis and breakthrough which may involve just being at the right place at the right time or just plain luck.
I propose an activity proceed the adding of each addition to the timeline so students get the idea of the importance of the past. It is not necessary that younger student understand all the events just that they begin to see the continuum.
Materials: tagboard, markers. Clothesline rope to be hung around the room, clothespins
Procedure:
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1. Begin by setting up a clothesline around the room. Identify this year and activities that have happened in the recent past, such as the beginning of school, major holidays, etc.
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2. Add markers for the centuries and explain A.D. and B.C. The visual set up should help students see the way time has passed.
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3. At the beginning of the unit write out a card for Thales and as the unit progresses add appropriate dates and events from the unit.