Every state has a rich history that defines how it is known today. Using a timeline layout, students will research the history of Pennsylvania 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.
1609: Henry Hudson claims much of the area for the Dutch.
1681: King Charles II gifts much of the land to Quacker William Tell. He names the land Pennsylvania.
1787: Pennsylvania becomes the 2nd state.
1835: The Liberty Bell cracks.
1953: Dr. Jonas Salk discovers the vaccine for Polio in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a timeline of 4-6 important events in Pennsylvania’s history.
Student Instructions
Help students gather and sort key historical facts before building their timeline. Graphic organizers like T-charts or event-mapping sheets can guide students to focus on the most significant events and details.
Encourage students to ask, "Why is this event significant?" Provide guiding questions or a checklist so they can assess the impact of each event before adding it to their timeline.
Show examples of well-written, brief descriptions for timeline entries. Practice as a class, then have students draft and peer review their own descriptions for clarity and accuracy.
Encourage students to use images, drawings, or symbols that represent each event. Visuals help students remember key facts and make timelines more engaging for all learners.
Set up a classroom gallery walk where students present their timelines. Guide them to ask and answer questions about event choices and learn from their peers’ perspectives.
A Pennsylvania history timeline activity asks students to research important events in the state's past and arrange them in chronological order. Students describe each event, add dates, and include images, helping them understand Pennsylvania’s development over time.
Encourage students to select significant moments that shaped Pennsylvania, such as its founding, statehood, or major inventions. Prompt them to consider why each event is important and include a mix of political, cultural, and scientific milestones.
Key events might include Henry Hudson’s claim in 1609, Pennsylvania’s founding in 1681, statehood in 1787, the Liberty Bell crack in 1835, and Jonas Salk’s polio vaccine discovery in 1953.
Instead of a standard timeline, students can make a timeline poster for presentations or gallery walks. This allows for more visual creativity and can be displayed during class events or shared digitally.
First, students research and pick 4–6 major events. Next, they use a template to list events with dates and descriptions. Then, they create images representing each event. Finally, students save and submit their completed timeline for review.