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 Kansas 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 Kansas History
1541: Spanish explorer Francisco Vázquez de Coronado explores parts of present-day Kansas.
1803: Kansas becomes a part of the United States through the Louisiana Purchase.
1861: Kansas is the 34th state to be admitted into statehood on January 29, 1861.
1930s: Kansas is severely affected by the Dust Bowl, leading to widespread agricultural and economic hardship.
1954: Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka Supreme Court decision declares racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional.
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 Kansas’ 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 Kansas 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 Kansas History
1541: Spanish explorer Francisco Vázquez de Coronado explores parts of present-day Kansas.
1803: Kansas becomes a part of the United States through the Louisiana Purchase.
1861: Kansas is the 34th state to be admitted into statehood on January 29, 1861.
1930s: Kansas is severely affected by the Dust Bowl, leading to widespread agricultural and economic hardship.
1954: Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka Supreme Court decision declares racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional.
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 Kansas’ 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 Kansas Timeline
Organize a classroom gallery walk for student timelines
Display student timelines around the classroom or hallway to create an engaging gallery walk. This lets students showcase their work, learn from each other, and build presentation skills.
Prepare students for effective peer feedback
Model giving constructive feedback and provide sentence starters for students. Encourage them to notice creative details, accurate facts, and clear explanations in each timeline.
Guide students in rotating through the gallery
Organize students into small groups and assign a starting point. Set a timer and have them rotate to view each timeline, making sure everyone sees all projects.
Facilitate meaningful reflection after the gallery walk
Lead a class discussion or have students write a quick reflection about what they learned. Ask students to share favorite events or creative ideas they saw in their classmates’ work.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kansas Timeline
What are some important events to include in a Kansas history timeline for students?
Key events for a Kansas history timeline include the 1541 exploration by Francisco Vázquez de Coronado, the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, Kansas statehood in 1861, the 1930s Dust Bowl, and the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision. These milestones highlight significant moments in Kansas’s past for student projects.
How can I help my students create a Kansas history timeline in the classroom?
Guide students to research major Kansas events, select at least four with dates and descriptions, and use a timeline template to organize them. Encourage adding images and details for each event, and consider alternatives like poster timelines for creative presentations.
What is a simple activity for teaching Kansas history to grades 3-6?
Assign a Kansas history timeline project. Students research key events, arrange them in order on a timeline, write short descriptions, and illustrate each event. This hands-on approach reinforces chronological thinking and state history.
What templates or tools can I use for a student timeline project on Kansas?
Use blank timeline templates provided by your curriculum, online timeline makers, or poster boards. You can add multiple templates to accommodate student needs and adjust instructions for digital or physical creations.
Why is the Brown v. Board of Education event significant in Kansas history?
The Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka Supreme Court decision in 1954 ended racial segregation in public schools, making Kansas a pivotal site in the civil rights movement and U.S. educational history.
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