Timelines

One skill I think is important to have is time-lines.  My kids were given a list of scientists who contributed to the development of atomic theory and quantum theory.  Here are two examples.  Please note the students color coded each scientist's birth, death, and major contribution.  I think students should use graph paper with the years in even intervals, say five or ten years.  Students can create timelines on Excel, too.  For me, I like to have kids make graphs, concept maps, and timelines on paper before using the technology.