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 Maryland 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 Maryland History
1632: Maryland was founded as a proprietary colony by Cecil Calvert, the second Lord Baltimore, with the intention of establishing a haven for English Catholics in the New World.
1788: Maryland became the seventh state to ratify the United States Constitution, supporting the formation of the federal government and the principles outlined in the Constitution.
1814: During the War of 1812, British forces invaded and burned Washington, D.C., including the White House and the Capitol. The British attack prompted fear and preparation in nearby Baltimore, leading to the defense of Fort McHenry and the inspiration for Francis Scott Key's "Star-Spangled Banner."
1861: The American Civil War erupted, and Maryland's position as a border state led to significant tensions between Union and Confederate sympathizers. The Baltimore Riot of 1861 marked a violent clash between pro-Union troops and Confederate sympathizers, highlighting Maryland's divided loyalties during the conflict.
1904: The Great Baltimore Fire swept through the city, destroying over 1,500 buildings and leaving tens of thousands homeless. The disaster prompted extensive rebuilding efforts and influenced modern fire safety practices.
1954: The landmark Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education challenged racial segregation in public schools, with a key case originating from Prince George's County, Maryland. The decision helped pave the way for desegregation efforts nationwide.
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 Maryland’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!
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 Maryland 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 Maryland History
1632: Maryland was founded as a proprietary colony by Cecil Calvert, the second Lord Baltimore, with the intention of establishing a haven for English Catholics in the New World.
1788: Maryland became the seventh state to ratify the United States Constitution, supporting the formation of the federal government and the principles outlined in the Constitution.
1814: During the War of 1812, British forces invaded and burned Washington, D.C., including the White House and the Capitol. The British attack prompted fear and preparation in nearby Baltimore, leading to the defense of Fort McHenry and the inspiration for Francis Scott Key's "Star-Spangled Banner."
1861: The American Civil War erupted, and Maryland's position as a border state led to significant tensions between Union and Confederate sympathizers. The Baltimore Riot of 1861 marked a violent clash between pro-Union troops and Confederate sympathizers, highlighting Maryland's divided loyalties during the conflict.
1904: The Great Baltimore Fire swept through the city, destroying over 1,500 buildings and leaving tens of thousands homeless. The disaster prompted extensive rebuilding efforts and influenced modern fire safety practices.
1954: The landmark Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education challenged racial segregation in public schools, with a key case originating from Prince George's County, Maryland. The decision helped pave the way for desegregation efforts nationwide.
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 Maryland’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!
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 Maryland Timeline
Organize collaborative Maryland history timeline projects with your class
Boost engagement by assigning small groups to research different eras or themes in Maryland's history. Collaboration encourages discussion and deeper understanding as students share their findings and assemble sections of the class timeline.
Assign clear research roles to each student
Give every student a specific job, such as event researcher, image creator, or date verifier. Defined roles help students stay focused and encourage teamwork while building the timeline.
Model how to evaluate which events belong on the timeline
Demonstrate how to ask, “Did this event impact Maryland’s development or identity?” Guide students to prioritize events that changed laws, culture, or society for a more meaningful timeline.
Facilitate a peer review session before finalizing timelines
Have groups exchange timelines and give constructive feedback on event selection, sequence, and details. Peer review strengthens research skills and encourages careful revision.
Showcase completed timelines through a gallery walk or digital presentation
Let students display their timelines around the classroom or on digital platforms. Sharing projects builds pride and reinforces learning as students explain their choices and discoveries to others.
Frequently Asked Questions about Maryland Timeline
What are some important events to include in a Maryland history timeline for students?
Key events for a Maryland history timeline include the founding in 1632, ratification of the U.S. Constitution in 1788, the War of 1812 and Fort McHenry in 1814, the Baltimore Riot of 1861 during the Civil War, the Great Baltimore Fire of 1904, and the Brown v. Board of Education case in 1954. These milestones reflect Maryland's significant moments and impact on American history.
How can I teach Maryland history using a timeline activity?
To teach Maryland history with a timeline, have students research key events, arrange them in chronological order, and add brief descriptions and images for each. You can use printable templates or digital tools, and encourage creativity with timeline posters or gallery walks to increase engagement.
What is the best way to help students decide which Maryland events are timeline-worthy?
Guide students to select events that had a significant impact on Maryland or national history. Encourage them to ask: Did this event change laws, society, or culture? Was it a turning point? This helps ensure the timeline highlights truly meaningful moments.
Are there templates or resources for creating Maryland state history timelines?
Yes, many timeline templates are available online for free or as part of educational platforms. You can also create custom templates with multiple cells for students to fill in with event dates, descriptions, and images. Printable and digital options make it easy to adapt for different classrooms.
What grade level is appropriate for a Maryland history timeline lesson?
A Maryland history timeline activity is ideal for grades 4–6, as students at this level can research, sequence events, and create visuals. The activity can be adjusted for lower or higher grades by changing the number of events or depth of research required.
More Storyboard That Activities
Maryland State Guide
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
