aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	History
What age group	Year or Grade 7
What topic	Ice breaker
Quantity	1
Any other preferences

Ice Breaker Activity for a Grade 7 History Lesson

Activity Title: "Time Travel Introductions"

Objective:

Engage students and spark curiosity about historical events and figures as they introduce themselves in a creative and fun way.

Materials Needed:

• Index cards
• Markers or colored pencils
• A large wall map of the world (or a classroom blackboard)

Instructions:

1. Preparation (5 minutes):

   • Hand out an index card to each student and ask them to write down their name at the top.
   • Below their name, instruct them to choose a historical time period or event (e.g., Ancient Egypt, the Renaissance, the American Revolution) and write it on the card along with one fact they know about it or find interesting.

2. Pairing Up (5 minutes):

   • Have students find a partner and share their names and the historical period or event they chose. Encourage them to discuss why they are interested in that time period or to share the fact they wrote down.

3. Group Sharing (10 minutes):

   • After pairs have discussed, ask each pair to stand up and briefly introduce their partner to the class, stating their name, chosen historical period or event, and one fact or reason for their choice.

4. Mapping the Journey (10 minutes):

   • After introductions, use the large wall map to mark where the historical events or periods take place. As students introduce their partners, you can have them come up to the map and place a pin or sticker on their chosen event's location.

Conclusion:

Wrap up the activity by emphasizing how each of their chosen periods or events will connect to what they will be learning throughout the course. Challenge them to think about how these historical stories might influence the present and the future.

Reflection:

Ask students to write down one thing they learned about their partner or a new historical fact they found interesting, which they can share in the next class. This reflection will help solidify their engagement and introduce them to the importance of history as it relates to personal stories and collective experiences.

Notes:

• Encourage students to think outside of the box when choosing their historical periods. They might choose something from science history, cultural history, or even explore lesser-known events.
• Keep the atmosphere light and fun to ensure that all students feel comfortable participating.