MUSLIM EMPIRES TIMELINE
Group Directions:
1. Groups will produce a timeline representing the rise and fall of three great Muslim empires. The
timeline will contain three distinct strands or sequences for each of the following:
The Ottoman Empire (red)
The Safavid Empire (blue)
The Moghul Empire (green)
2. Students will color code each strand on the timeline. Enter dates of significant events for each of the
empires. Draw or attach illustrations for the most significant events of people. Use your textbook as a
source of information, but research outside of class to find additional information to add. Students will
decide as a group which information would be important to include in each strand and why. Students
will also determine how the strands will overlap, by determining through research the approximate
beginning and ending dates of each empire. Timelines will be produced on “butcher paper” provided
for you in class.
3. Student groups will present their timelines in class, ensuring that the class appreciates the parallel
histories of the three empires. Timelines will be displayed where they can be viewed by the class and
others.
Organizing the Group:
1. As a group, students will choose a recorder (scribe), task manager, gate keeper (time keeper), and
materials manager. Students will brainstorm the work plan, the schedule, and the materials and
processes to be used to create the timeline. Together you will decide the beginning and ending
dates for your timeline and assign detailed research on specific events and important places and
people to specific team members. (Unlike previous timelines you may be familiar with, this one
needs to be constructed as three separate but parallel sequences, one for each empire, and each
one a different color, as listed above).
2. Individual work: Each person is responsible for contributing equally information for the timeline
and possible sources or ideas for the visuals you will include.
3. Decision making: As a group, have individual members share their research with the group.
Together, decide what information to use and what visuals to include. Create and illustrate the
timelines, using a distinct color-coded sequence for each empire.
Group process questions (answer these on 1 sheet of paper for your group, and turn in. Each member needs
to put their name on the paper):
1. What is the most important thing you learned about the Muslim empires from this activity?
2. What problems did you have working with your group?
3. How did you solve any problems you had?