What you will be able to do
put events in chronological order; identify a cause and an effect; describe continuity and change
Chronology, Cause, and Change
How do sequence and evidence help us explain change over time?
Activate what you know
Tell or draw three steps in a familiar routine, such as getting ready to read. Put them in the order they happen
- chronologythe order in which events happened
- timelinea line that places events in time order
- causesomething that helps make an event or change happen
- effectsomething that happens because of a cause
- changesomething becoming different over time
- continuitysomething that continues or stays similar over time
1
Put Events in Time Order
Chronology tells the sequence of events. A timeline places events from earlier to later and may use dates, pictures, or labels. Sequence helps us avoid saying that an effect happened before its cause. A cause helps make something happen; an effect follows. Neighbors wanted fresh food and a shared project, so they planned a garden. Planting seeds did not cause every later event by itself–sunlight, water, work, and time also mattered. An event can have more than one cause and effect
2
Look for Change and Continuity
When we compare two times, we ask what changed and what continued. The empty lot became a garden, but the place remained an outdoor community space. Naming both change and continuity gives a more complete description than saying, “Everything changed.” Evidence supports the comparison. Two dated photographs might show new garden beds, while meeting notes show that neighbors gathered both before and after the garden was built. We should not claim a cause unless a source supports the connection
Sequence Before Explanation
First determine what happened and in what order. Then use evidence to explain possible causes and effects
Use Time Words Carefully
Try first, next, later, and finally for sequence; because and as a result for a supported cause-and-effect link; still or continued for continuity
After Does Not Always Mean Because
If one event happens after another, the first did not necessarily cause the second. Look for evidence that connects them
Make a Mini Timeline
Draw three boxes for a community improvement: notice a need, make a plan, and complete the work. Add one cause-and-effect sentence
Chronology orders events; causes and effects explain supported connections; continuity and change compare what stayed similar and what became different
Practice and answer guide
Work through all 8 questions. Open an answer only after you have written or explained your response.
- 1. Put these events in order: harvest vegetables; choose a sunny space; plant seeds
Check answer
Choose a sunny space; plant seeds; harvest vegetables
- 2. Which word means something that helps make an event happen? A. cause B. effect C. continuity
Check answer
Cause
- 3. The garden beds were dry, so volunteers filled a water barrel. Name the cause and effect
Check answer
Cause: the garden beds were dry. Effect: volunteers filled a water barrel
- 4. Name one change from the empty lot to the garden
Check answer
For example, garden beds and a water barrel replaced part of the empty lot
- 5. Name one continuity in how people used the place
Check answer
Neighbors continued to gather in the outdoor space
- 6. Why is “B happened after A” not always enough to prove that A caused B?
Check answer
Events can happen close together without being connected. Evidence must show how one helped produce the other
- 7. Draw a three-event timeline of a familiar school or community change
Check answer
Answers vary. A correct timeline has three clearly ordered, related events with words, labels, or pictures
- 8. Write one evidence-based sentence using because, as a result, or continued
Check answer
Answers vary. Example: Volunteers added a water barrel because the beds needed a steady water supply. The connection must be supported by the scenario or another stated source