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 Iowa 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 Iowa History
- 1673 - Louis Joliet and Jacques Marquette are the first Europeans to visit Iowa
- 1682 - Robert de La Salle claims Iowa for France as part of the Louisiana Territory
- 1788 - The first permanent settlement is established in Dubuque
- 1803 - Iowa becomes part of the United States through the Louisiana Purchase
- 1804 - Explorers Lewis and Clark travel are sent to scope out the land in Iowa. Many people begin settling there.
- 1812 - Iowa becomes part of the Missouri Territory
- 1832 - The Black Hawk War
- 1838 - The Iowa Territory is established
- 1846 - Iowa is the 29th state admitted into the Union on December 28th
- 1857 - Des Moines becomes the capital city
- 1928 - Herbert Hoover, who is from Iowa, is elected the 31st U.S. president
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 Iowa’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.
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 Iowa 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 Iowa History
- 1673 - Louis Joliet and Jacques Marquette are the first Europeans to visit Iowa
- 1682 - Robert de La Salle claims Iowa for France as part of the Louisiana Territory
- 1788 - The first permanent settlement is established in Dubuque
- 1803 - Iowa becomes part of the United States through the Louisiana Purchase
- 1804 - Explorers Lewis and Clark travel are sent to scope out the land in Iowa. Many people begin settling there.
- 1812 - Iowa becomes part of the Missouri Territory
- 1832 - The Black Hawk War
- 1838 - The Iowa Territory is established
- 1846 - Iowa is the 29th state admitted into the Union on December 28th
- 1857 - Des Moines becomes the capital city
- 1928 - Herbert Hoover, who is from Iowa, is elected the 31st U.S. president
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 Iowa’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.
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 History of Iowa
How to Facilitate a Classroom Gallery Walk with Student Timelines
Showcase student-created timelines by organizing a gallery walk where everyone can view and discuss each other's work.
Arrange the classroom for easy movement
Move desks or tables so there’s enough space for students to walk around and see each timeline. Place timelines on walls or tables for clear visibility.
Set clear expectations
Explain the purpose of the gallery walk and review respectful behaviors like quietly observing and giving positive feedback.
Provide guiding questions or feedback forms
Hand out simple forms or prompts (e.g., ‘One thing I learned…’) for students to jot notes as they view each timeline. This encourages thoughtful engagement.
Rotate students in small groups
Divide students into groups and have each group start at a different part of the gallery. Rotate groups every few minutes to avoid crowding.
Debrief as a class
Gather everyone after the walk to discuss favorite findings, surprises, or questions. This reinforces learning and builds community.
Frequently Asked Questions about History of Iowa
What are the most important events to include in an Iowa history timeline for students?
Key events to include in an Iowa history timeline are: the first European exploration by Joliet and Marquette (1673), Iowa's claim by France (1682), the first permanent settlement in Dubuque (1788), the Louisiana Purchase (1803), the Black Hawk War (1832), Iowa becoming a state (1846), Des Moines named capital (1857), and Herbert Hoover's election as president (1928).
How can I help students create a timeline of Iowa’s history for a classroom project?
Guide students to research significant events, place them in chronological order, add accurate dates, write short descriptions, and include relevant images. Templates or poster formats can make the project more engaging and visually appealing.
What is a fun way for students to present Iowa's history besides a traditional timeline?
Try a timeline poster for presentations or gallery walks. Students can also use digital tools to create interactive timelines, or act out key events to make learning Iowa's history more memorable.
What criteria should students use to decide which Iowa history events are timeline-worthy?
Encourage students to focus on events that significantly impacted Iowa, such as major explorations, statehood, changes in government, wars, or notable achievements. Events should be relevant, historically significant, and help tell the story of Iowa’s development.
Are there any templates or tools to help students make a timeline of Iowa's history?
Yes! Provide blank timeline templates or allow students to use digital timeline creators. Many classroom resources offer customizable timeline worksheets or online tools that make it easy to organize events and add images.
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