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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina History
1540: Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto travels through the region. In 1584, Sir Walter Raleigh sends an expedition to explore the area.
1587: The "Lost Colony" of Roanoke is established on Roanoke Island but later mysteriously disappears.
1776: North Carolina becomes the first colony to vote for independence from Britain on April 12.
1789: North Carolina becomes the 12th state to join the Union on November 21.
1903: The Wright brothers make their first successful powered flight at Kitty Hawk.
1960: The Greensboro sit-ins, a pivotal event in the Civil Rights Movement, take place.
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 North Carolina’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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina History
1540: Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto travels through the region. In 1584, Sir Walter Raleigh sends an expedition to explore the area.
1587: The "Lost Colony" of Roanoke is established on Roanoke Island but later mysteriously disappears.
1776: North Carolina becomes the first colony to vote for independence from Britain on April 12.
1789: North Carolina becomes the 12th state to join the Union on November 21.
1903: The Wright brothers make their first successful powered flight at Kitty Hawk.
1960: The Greensboro sit-ins, a pivotal event in the Civil Rights Movement, take place.
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 North Carolina’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 North Carolina Timeline
Organize a North Carolina history gallery walk with student timelines
Showcase students' work by setting up a gallery walk where timelines are displayed around the classroom. Invite students to walk around, observe, and leave comments or questions on sticky notes. This interactive approach deepens understanding and builds presentation skills.
Prepare student timelines for display
Help students mount their timelines on poster boards or larger sheets of paper. Encourage them to add creative titles, borders, or brief introductions to catch viewers' attention. Visual appeal encourages engagement during the gallery walk.
Set clear expectations for respectful feedback
Discuss with your class how to give positive and constructive feedback. Model examples and provide sentence starters for questions or compliments. Clear guidelines ensure a supportive environment for all students.
Assign roles for peer review during the walk
Divide students into small groups and assign each group specific timelines to review. Provide them with a checklist or prompt questions to guide their observations. Structured roles help every student participate meaningfully.
Facilitate a reflective class discussion after the gallery walk
Bring the class together to share insights and favorite discoveries from the gallery walk. Ask students to reflect on what they learned and how their understanding of North Carolina history grew. Reflection reinforces key concepts and builds community.
Frequently Asked Questions about North Carolina Timeline
What are some important events to include in a North Carolina history timeline for students?
Key events to include in a North Carolina history timeline are Hernando de Soto's exploration (1540), the Lost Colony of Roanoke (1587), the colony's vote for independence (1776), statehood (1789), the Wright brothers' first flight (1903), and the Greensboro sit-ins (1960). These events highlight major moments in the state's history.
How can I help students choose which events to add to a North Carolina timeline project?
Encourage students to select events that significantly impacted North Carolina's development, such as political changes, inventions, or cultural milestones. Ask guiding questions like, "How did this event shape the state or nation?" and discuss the relevance of each event before adding it to the timeline.
What is the best way to create a timeline poster for North Carolina history in the classroom?
The best way is to use a visual template with cells for each event. Students can list dates, write brief descriptions, and illustrate each moment. Display posters for a gallery walk or presentation to engage the class and reinforce learning.
How can students make their North Carolina history timelines more engaging?
Students can make timelines more engaging by adding colorful illustrations, using creative titles, and including interesting facts for each event. Encouraging students to explain why each event is important adds depth and personal connection.
What are some tips for teaching North Carolina history to grades 3-6?
Use interactive activities like timelines and poster projects, integrate stories or primary sources, and focus on age-appropriate language. Encourage collaboration and provide visual aids to help students understand the sequence and impact of historical events.
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