Explore the History of the Paralympic Games

The Paralympic Games is a significant global event that showcases the sporting talents of athletes with disabilities.

In this project, your students will learn about how this event has grown and changed over time into the event that it is today.

The Task

Students will research the key events in the history of the Paralympic Games, then create a summary timeline of these events.

In small groups or pairs, they will then choose one key event to research in more detail and present their research on the timeline card provided.

The students’ cards can then be completed to create a class timeline showing the history of the Paralympic Games.

Easily Implement This Paralympics Project

The project booklet download contains everything your students will need to independently complete this inquiry-based project about the Paralympic Games. (Note: It is recommended that you direct your students to credible, age-appropriate websites to assist them in compiling their research.) The contents of the booklet are as follows:

1. Project Overview – This page provides students with a detailed explanation of the project. It contains:
   1. Project Purpose
   2. Task Outline
   3. Guiding Questions
   4. Process Walk-Through
2. Reading Passage – This page contains a reading passage that provides students with a brief history of the Paralympic Games.
3. Research Graphic Organizers – These pages enable students to record key facts about the history of the Paralympic Games in a clear and organized manner.
4. Timeline Template – Students use the timeline template to present their information about the event they researched.
5. Assessment Rubric – A sample assessment rubric has been provided should teachers wish to assess students’ work according to a given set of criteria.

This project has been designed to seamlessly integrate with the elementary school curriculum. Why not use the project to assess your students’ ability to interpret and display data in a timeline format? 

Download and Print This Paralympic Games Resource

This project downloads as a quick-print PDF or an editable Google Slides file. Use the dropdown menu on the Download button to access your preferred files. 

For sustainability purposes, please consider printing the project booklet double-sided.

This resource was created by Lauren Borst, a teacher in Indiana and a Teach Starter collaborator.

More Resources for Celebrating the Paralympic Games

When it comes to the Paralympic Games, there’s so much to learn! Whether you’re interested in the history of the Games, the Para-sports or the assistive devices used by athletes, we’ve got a resource for you to use with your students!

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Assistive Devices in the Paralympic Games – Inquiry-Based Project

Have your students investigate the assistive devices used by Paralympians with this inquiry-based learning project.

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Design a Paralympic Mascot – Inquiry-Based Project

Have your students design a new mascot for the national Paralympic Team with this inquiry-based learning project.

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Introduction to the Paralympic Games – Inquiry-Based Project

Introduce your students to the key components of the Paralympic Games with this inquiry-based learning project.