Ancient China: put events in order: timeline worksheet for Grades 6–7, page 1 preview

Timeline worksheet · History, Civics & Social Studies

Ancient China: put events in order · Grades 6–7

Number 8 mixed-up events about ancient China from oldest to newest. Practices chronological thinking and reading for detail.

Grades 6–7 · ages 11 to 13
Hard
10 to 15 minutes
1 page
Free

The answer key is a separate page for grown-ups. Sign in to download it.

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The events

Directions: These events are mixed up. Number them from 1 (the oldest) to 8 (the newest).

Shang diviners carve questions on oracle bones, the earliest known Chinese writing.
The envoy Zhang Qian sets out westward, a journey that helps open the Silk Road.
Confucius is born, according to tradition.
The Shang dynasty begins to rule in the Yellow River valley.
Court official Cai Lun presents an improved method of making paper.
The state of Qin unifies China, and its ruler takes the title of first emperor.
The Han dynasty is founded and goes on to rule for about four centuries.
The Zhou overthrow the Shang, according to traditional dating.
Think about it · Pick two events next to each other. How did the first one help lead to the second?

What your child practices

Your child practices chronological thinking and reading for detail. The skill is “Change, continuity and causation”: describe how and why things changed over time and compare perspectives.

Grades and ages: Grades 6–7, ages 11 to 13
Time: About 10 to 15 minutes
Subject: History, Civics & Social Studies
Level: Hard for Grades 6–7
Answer key: Yes, for grown-ups who sign in
Printing: 1 page, US Letter or A4, low-ink option
Updated: October 15, 2026

How to use it

Try the first question together so the format is clear. Then let your child work through the rest, showing their thinking on the page. It is one of the harder sheets for Grades 6–7, best once the basics of the skill are secure.

An answer key comes with it as a separate page that grown-ups download after signing in.

Tip for grown-ups: Find the oldest and newest events first, then fill in the middle.

Done on paper? A grown-up can record it on the child's page in PlayOwl; downloading alone doesn't count as finished.