What is a living time line? Of course, you know what a time line is--a series of events listed in the order in which they happened. Time lines are usually drawn on paper or written on the chalkboard. A living time line, however, is made up of people who represent the characters and events being studied. It is like a pageant or play. Each person stands and tells his or her story in sequence until all have finished, creating a living time line. To make it more interesting, those playing the parts may use a variety of ways to help tell their story-costumes, props, posters, etc. In this activity, you will take part in a living time line about the Louisiana Purchase. Read the following instructions carefully.

1. Meet with your group and divide the research questions about the person whose name you have drawn. The questions are printed on the slip with the person's name.
2. Once you have found the answers to the questions, work together to write a brief first-person script about your character's part in the Louisiana Purchase.
3. If you are going to use costumes or props, decide what they will be and where to get them.
4. Make a 9 x 12 poster with the name of the person your group represents printed in large letters. Since this is a time line, also print an important date (or dates) on which your character did something related to the Louisiana Purchase.
5. Choose one group member to take part in the presentation. However, each member should be ready to play the part in case someone is absent or several presentations are made. All of the main characters in the Louisiana Purchase were men, but girls can take those parts as well as boys. That is what acting is-pretending to be someone else.

NOTES
Use the space below and the back of the sheet for research notes.