Every state has a rich history that defines how it is known today. Using a timeline layout, students will research the history of Colorado and create a timeline of events. Students must think about what makes an event truly worthy of being included in the timeline and be able to include detail in their timeline.
For an alternative to the timeline layout, have students create a timeline poster to incorporate into a presentation or gallery walk. You can add more than one template to this assignment to give students lots of options and adjust the instructions accordingly.
1682: French explorer Francisco de Coronado claims the land for France.
1803: The United States purchases the land from France as part of the Louisiana Purchase.
1858: Gold is discovered near Pikes Peak.
1876: Colorado is the 38th state admitted into the Union.
1958: The United States Air Force Academy opens just outside of Colorado Springs at the base of Front Range.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a 4-6 cell timeline of important events in Colorado’s history.
Student Instructions
Requirements: At least 4 events, correct dates, descriptions, and appropriate illustrations for each event.
Discuss what makes an event important by brainstorming as a class and listing key criteria like lasting impact, local or national significance, and connections to today. This helps students focus on events that truly shaped Colorado's history.
Think aloud as you evaluate sample events together. For each, explain why it would or wouldn't make the timeline, using your agreed-upon criteria. Highlight how not every event is equally significant.
Provide students with books, websites, and videos about Colorado history. Remind them to cross-check facts and look for events mentioned in multiple places. This builds research and critical thinking skills.
Ask each student or group to write one or two sentences explaining why they selected each event for their timeline. This deepens understanding and encourages thoughtful inclusion instead of random selection.
Pair up students or groups to share their chosen events and justifications. Encourage questions and respectful debate about which events are most significant. This collaborative step sharpens decision-making and communication.
Key events to include in a Colorado history timeline are the 1682 claim by Francisco de Coronado, the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, the 1858 gold discovery near Pikes Peak, Colorado becoming the 38th state in 1876, and the 1958 opening of the U.S. Air Force Academy.
To create an engaging Colorado history timeline for grades 3-6, provide students with templates, let them research and select meaningful events, add descriptions and images for each event, and consider alternative formats like timeline posters for presentations or gallery walks.
The best way is to guide students to focus on events that had a significant impact on Colorado’s development, encourage discussion about why certain events are important, and have them support their choices with details and visuals.
Yes, many timeline templates and online tools are available for classroom use. You can provide blank templates or let students add cells to customize their timelines, making it easy to organize events with dates, descriptions, and images.
Colorado history timelines help elementary students understand chronological order, connect cause and effect, and recognize the state’s growth. Visual timelines also build engagement and support deeper learning of local history.