Activity Overview
Every state has a rich history that defines how it is known today. In this activity, students will research the history of New York and create a timeline of 4-6 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.
Example Events in New York's History
- 1609: Henry Hudson, an English explorer for the Dutch, finds the Hudson River and New York Bay
- 1614: First Dutch settlement in Fort Nassau
- 1624: Fort Orange settlement
- 1625: Fort Amsterdam settlement
- 1664: The English arrive and take control of New Amsterdam, renaming the colony and the city New York
- 1754: The French and Indian War begins
- 1776: Revolutionary War battles like the Battle of Long Island in 1776 and the Battle of Saratoga in 1777
- 1788: On July 26, 1788, New York becomes the 11th state to join the Union
- 1797: Albany becomes New York’s capital city
- 1825: The Erie Canal opens
- 1892: Ellis Island opens and immigrants from all over the world begin coming to America
- 1929: The New York Stock Exchange crashes, beginning the Great Depression
- 2001: On September 11, 2001, the famous Twin Towers were destroyed by terrorists
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 New York State’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.
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. In this activity, students will research the history of New York and create a timeline of 4-6 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.
Example Events in New York's History
- 1609: Henry Hudson, an English explorer for the Dutch, finds the Hudson River and New York Bay
- 1614: First Dutch settlement in Fort Nassau
- 1624: Fort Orange settlement
- 1625: Fort Amsterdam settlement
- 1664: The English arrive and take control of New Amsterdam, renaming the colony and the city New York
- 1754: The French and Indian War begins
- 1776: Revolutionary War battles like the Battle of Long Island in 1776 and the Battle of Saratoga in 1777
- 1788: On July 26, 1788, New York becomes the 11th state to join the Union
- 1797: Albany becomes New York’s capital city
- 1825: The Erie Canal opens
- 1892: Ellis Island opens and immigrants from all over the world begin coming to America
- 1929: The New York Stock Exchange crashes, beginning the Great Depression
- 2001: On September 11, 2001, the famous Twin Towers were destroyed by terrorists
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 New York State’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.
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 New York State
Incorporate primary sources to deepen historical understanding
Using primary sources like historical photos, letters, and documents can help students connect more personally with New York State history. These authentic materials offer firsthand perspectives and make events feel more real and relevant.
Select age-appropriate primary sources for your timeline
Choose sources such as images of artifacts, simple newspaper clippings, or short diary excerpts that are accessible for your grade level. Ensure content is understandable and engaging for students in grades 2–8.
Model analyzing a primary source with the class
Project a source and ask guiding questions like, Who created this? and What does it show? Encourage students to observe details and discuss what the source reveals about life in New York at that time.
Guide students to match sources to their timeline events
Have students pick one or two primary sources that relate to each timeline event. Explain how these sources provide evidence or add context, strengthening their understanding of historical significance.
Support students in adding source captions and reflections
Help students write short captions explaining each source and a sentence reflecting on what they learned. This practice reinforces critical thinking and connects students personally to the content.
Frequently Asked Questions about History of New York State
What are the most important events in New York State history for a timeline?
Key events in New York State history to include in a timeline are Henry Hudson's 1609 discovery, the founding of Dutch settlements (1614-1625), the English takeover in 1664, the Revolutionary War battles, New York joining the Union in 1788, the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825, Ellis Island's opening in 1892, the 1929 Stock Market Crash, and the 9/11 attacks in 2001.
How can students create a simple timeline of New York State history?
Students can create a timeline by selecting 4-6 significant events, placing them in chronological order, adding dates, writing short descriptions, and illustrating each event. Tools like blank templates or poster boards work well for visual presentations.
What is an alternative to a traditional timeline for teaching New York history?
An alternative is making a timeline poster, which can be used in a presentation or gallery walk. This allows for more creativity and group discussion, engaging students beyond the standard timeline format.
What criteria should students use to decide which events to include in a New York State history timeline?
Students should select events that had a major impact on New York State, were turning points in its development, or represent diverse eras. Each event should be clearly significant and offer enough detail for discussion.
Why is the Erie Canal opening in 1825 important in New York history?
The Erie Canal's opening in 1825 transformed New York by connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, boosting trade, population growth, and making New York City a key economic center in the U.S.
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