Activity Overview
Every state has a rich history that defines how it is known today. Using a timeline layout, students will research the history of California 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.
Events in California's History
- 1848: Gold is discovered at Sutter's Mill. Over 300,000 people moved to California between the years 1848 and 1855.
- 1850: California is admitted into the Union on September 9 as the 31st state.
- 1869: The First Transcontinental Railroad was completed.
- 1906: April 18, San Francisco's is hit by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake that earthquake. It left over 225,000 people homeless, and many people lost their lives.
- 1955: Walt Disney's first park opens on July 17, 1955 in Anaheim, California.
Template and Class Instructions
(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 California history.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Use the provided blank template or add cells to your own template as needed.
- Write the state’s name in the top heading.
- In the title box, list out each of the events in sequential order and add correct dates.
- Describe the events in the description boxes.
- Create an image in each cell that depicts the events, using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Requirements: At least 4 events, correct dates, descriptions, and appropriate illustrations for each event.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events and Dates | The events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. The dates provided are correct. | Most of the events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. Most of the dates provided are correct. | Some of the events chosen for the timeline are significant. There may be missing events, or events that are irrelevant. Too many dates may be incorrect. |
| Explanations/Descriptions | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are accurate and provide insight into the significance of the events. | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are mostly accurate and attempt to provide insight into the significance of the events. | There are several glaring inaccuracies in the explanations or descriptions of the events. There may be little or no insight int the significance of the events, or the information provided may be too limited or missing. |
| English Conventions | There are 0-2 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 3-4 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 5 or more mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. |
Activity Overview
Every state has a rich history that defines how it is known today. Using a timeline layout, students will research the history of California 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.
Events in California's History
- 1848: Gold is discovered at Sutter's Mill. Over 300,000 people moved to California between the years 1848 and 1855.
- 1850: California is admitted into the Union on September 9 as the 31st state.
- 1869: The First Transcontinental Railroad was completed.
- 1906: April 18, San Francisco's is hit by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake that earthquake. It left over 225,000 people homeless, and many people lost their lives.
- 1955: Walt Disney's first park opens on July 17, 1955 in Anaheim, California.
Template and Class Instructions
(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 California history.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Use the provided blank template or add cells to your own template as needed.
- Write the state’s name in the top heading.
- In the title box, list out each of the events in sequential order and add correct dates.
- Describe the events in the description boxes.
- Create an image in each cell that depicts the events, using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Requirements: At least 4 events, correct dates, descriptions, and appropriate illustrations for each event.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events and Dates | The events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. The dates provided are correct. | Most of the events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. Most of the dates provided are correct. | Some of the events chosen for the timeline are significant. There may be missing events, or events that are irrelevant. Too many dates may be incorrect. |
| Explanations/Descriptions | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are accurate and provide insight into the significance of the events. | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are mostly accurate and attempt to provide insight into the significance of the events. | There are several glaring inaccuracies in the explanations or descriptions of the events. There may be little or no insight int the significance of the events, or the information provided may be too limited or missing. |
| English Conventions | There are 0-2 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 3-4 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 5 or more mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. |
How Tos about Timeline of California History
Engage students with primary sources in your California history timeline
Bring history to life by incorporating primary sources like old photos, newspaper clippings, or firsthand accounts into your timeline. This makes events more relatable and helps students develop critical thinking skills.
Select meaningful primary sources for each event
Choose age-appropriate documents, images, or artifacts that connect directly to each timeline event. Look for sources that spark curiosity and encourage discussion about the people and places of California’s past.
Guide students in analyzing primary sources together
Model how to observe and question each source. Ask students what they notice, wonder, and infer about each item. Use guiding questions to promote deeper thinking and help students connect the source to the timeline event.
Have students add primary source visuals and captions to their timelines
Encourage students to insert scanned images, quotes, or short descriptions from the primary sources next to each event. Writing brief captions helps them explain why the source is important and what it reveals about the event.
Wrap up with a class discussion about how primary sources deepen understanding
Reflect as a class on how using real historical evidence changes their view of California history. Discuss new insights or lingering questions that arose from working with authentic materials.
Frequently Asked Questions about Timeline of California History
What are some important events to include in a California history timeline for students?
Key events for a California history timeline include the 1848 discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill, California's statehood in 1850, the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869, the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, and the opening of Disneyland in 1955.
How can I help students create a timeline of California history in the classroom?
Guide students to research key historical events, choose 4–6 important moments, and arrange them in chronological order. Encourage them to write descriptions and add illustrations for each event using a blank template or timeline poster.
What is the best way to teach California history using timelines for grades 3-6?
The best way is to use interactive timeline assignments where students select, describe, and illustrate major events. This approach helps students visualize historical progression and makes learning engaging and memorable.
Why is the Gold Rush considered a major event in California's history?
The California Gold Rush of 1848 led to a huge population boom, economic growth, and rapid development, shaping the state's future and making it a vital part of U.S. history.
What should be included in a student timeline project about California?
A strong student timeline should have 4–6 significant events with correct dates, descriptions for each event, and illustrations that visually represent key moments in California’s history.
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