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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania History
1609: Henry Hudson claims much of the area for the Dutch.
1681: King Charles II gifts much of the land to Quacker William Tell. He names the land Pennsylvania.
1787: Pennsylvania becomes the 2nd state.
1835: The Liberty Bell cracks.
1953: Dr. Jonas Salk discovers the vaccine for Polio in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
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 Pennsylvania’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.
- Click "Save and Exit" when you are done!
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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania History
1609: Henry Hudson claims much of the area for the Dutch.
1681: King Charles II gifts much of the land to Quacker William Tell. He names the land Pennsylvania.
1787: Pennsylvania becomes the 2nd state.
1835: The Liberty Bell cracks.
1953: Dr. Jonas Salk discovers the vaccine for Polio in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
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 Pennsylvania’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.
- Click "Save and Exit" when you are done!
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 Pennsylvania Timeline
Organize student research with easy-to-use graphic organizers
Help students gather and sort key historical facts before building their timeline. Graphic organizers like T-charts or event-mapping sheets can guide students to focus on the most significant events and details.
Guide students to evaluate which events are most important
Encourage students to ask, "Why is this event significant?" Provide guiding questions or a checklist so they can assess the impact of each event before adding it to their timeline.
Model how to write clear and concise event descriptions
Show examples of well-written, brief descriptions for timeline entries. Practice as a class, then have students draft and peer review their own descriptions for clarity and accuracy.
Incorporate visuals for deeper understanding
Encourage students to use images, drawings, or symbols that represent each event. Visuals help students remember key facts and make timelines more engaging for all learners.
Facilitate a timeline gallery walk to build discussion skills
Set up a classroom gallery walk where students present their timelines. Guide them to ask and answer questions about event choices and learn from their peers’ perspectives.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pennsylvania Timeline
What is a Pennsylvania history timeline activity for elementary students?
A Pennsylvania history timeline activity asks students to research important events in the state's past and arrange them in chronological order. Students describe each event, add dates, and include images, helping them understand Pennsylvania’s development over time.
How can I help students choose key events for a Pennsylvania timeline?
Encourage students to select significant moments that shaped Pennsylvania, such as its founding, statehood, or major inventions. Prompt them to consider why each event is important and include a mix of political, cultural, and scientific milestones.
What are some important events to include in a Pennsylvania history timeline?
Key events might include Henry Hudson’s claim in 1609, Pennsylvania’s founding in 1681, statehood in 1787, the Liberty Bell crack in 1835, and Jonas Salk’s polio vaccine discovery in 1953.
What is a creative alternative to a traditional timeline layout for student projects?
Instead of a standard timeline, students can make a timeline poster for presentations or gallery walks. This allows for more visual creativity and can be displayed during class events or shared digitally.
What are the steps to create a Pennsylvania timeline assignment in the classroom?
First, students research and pick 4–6 major events. Next, they use a template to list events with dates and descriptions. Then, they create images representing each event. Finally, students save and submit their completed timeline for review.
More Storyboard That Activities
Pennsylvania 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
