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 Hawaii 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 Hawaii History
~300-600 AD: Polynesian voyagers first arrive in Hawaii, establishing the indigenous Hawaiian culture and society.
1778: Captain James Cook lands on the island of Kauai, marking the first documented European contact with Hawaii.
1810: Kamehameha I, after years of conflict, unifies the Hawaiian Islands under his rule, establishing the Kingdom of Hawaii.
1887: The Bayonet Constitution is forced upon King Kalakaua by American and European businessmen, diminishing the monarch's power and paving the way for increased foreign influence.
1941: On December 7, the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese leads to the United States' entry into World War II and has a profound impact on Hawaii, resulting in martial law and significant changes in its socio-economic landscape.
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 Hawaii’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 Hawaii 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 Hawaii History
~300-600 AD: Polynesian voyagers first arrive in Hawaii, establishing the indigenous Hawaiian culture and society.
1778: Captain James Cook lands on the island of Kauai, marking the first documented European contact with Hawaii.
1810: Kamehameha I, after years of conflict, unifies the Hawaiian Islands under his rule, establishing the Kingdom of Hawaii.
1887: The Bayonet Constitution is forced upon King Kalakaua by American and European businessmen, diminishing the monarch's power and paving the way for increased foreign influence.
1941: On December 7, the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese leads to the United States' entry into World War II and has a profound impact on Hawaii, resulting in martial law and significant changes in its socio-economic landscape.
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 Hawaii’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 Hawaii Timeline
Incorporate Primary Sources to Deepen Timeline Projects
Enhance student understanding by having them seek out primary sources—such as historical photos, letters, or newspaper clippings—to include in their timelines. Using authentic materials helps students connect more deeply with historical events and practice analyzing real-world evidence.
Guide students to locate age-appropriate primary sources online
Recommend reliable websites like the Library of Congress or the Hawaii State Archives. Teach students how to search for images or documents relevant to their chosen events, ensuring content is suitable and safe for their grade level.
Model how to analyze a primary source with the class
Choose a sample document or image and ask guiding questions: Who created it? When was it made? What does it show about the event? Show students how to look for details and make inferences based on what they see or read.
Have students add their primary source to the timeline with a caption
Instruct students to insert the primary source image or excerpt in the relevant timeline cell. Ask them to write a short caption explaining what the source is and how it relates to the event. This builds historical thinking and communication skills.
Facilitate a class discussion on how primary sources shape our understanding of history
After timelines are complete, invite students to share what they learned from their sources. Discuss how different types of evidence can change or deepen our perspective on key events in Hawaii’s history.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hawaii Timeline
What are the most important events to include in a Hawaii history timeline for students?
Key events in a Hawaii history timeline for students should include the arrival of Polynesian voyagers (~300-600 AD), Captain James Cook's first contact (1778), the unification under Kamehameha I (1810), the Bayonet Constitution (1887), and the attack on Pearl Harbor (1941). These moments highlight Hawaii's cultural, political, and social changes.
How can I create an engaging Hawaii timeline activity for my classroom?
To create an engaging Hawaii timeline activity, provide students with a blank timeline or template, guide them to research and choose significant events, and encourage the use of images or drawings for each event. Consider alternatives like timeline posters or group gallery walks to increase interaction and creativity.
What is the best way to help students decide which Hawaii events are timeline-worthy?
The best way is to have students evaluate each event's impact on Hawaii's history, cultural significance, or change it brought about. Encourage critical thinking by asking why an event matters and how it shaped Hawaii's identity.
Are there printable templates for making a Hawaii history timeline?
Yes, there are printable timeline templates available online that can be customized for Hawaii history lessons. Many educational websites offer free or editable timeline worksheets suitable for grades 4-6.
How can timeline activities help students understand Hawaii’s history better?
Timeline activities help students visualize the sequence of events, recognize cause-and-effect relationships, and connect historical moments. This method makes Hawaii’s history more memorable and meaningful by illustrating how events build on each other.
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