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 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.
Examples of Important Events in Colorado History
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.
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 4-6 cell timeline of important events in Colorado’s 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.
- Save often!
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 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.
Examples of Important Events in Colorado History
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.
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 4-6 cell timeline of important events in Colorado’s 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.
- Save often!
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 Colorado Timeline
How to Guide Students in Choosing Significant Events for Their Timeline
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.
Model the event selection process with examples
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.
Encourage research using multiple sources
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.
Have students justify their event choices
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.
Facilitate peer review and discussion
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Colorado Timeline
What are some important events to include in a Colorado history timeline for students?
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.
How can I create an engaging Colorado history timeline activity for grades 3-6?
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.
What is the best way to help students choose which Colorado events to include in their timeline?
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.
Are there templates or tools for making Colorado history timelines in the classroom?
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.
Why is teaching Colorado history timelines valuable for elementary students?
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.
More Storyboard That Activities
Colorado State Guide
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