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 Vermont and create a timeline of key 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 Vermont History
1609: French explorer Samuel de Champlain explores Vermont and claims the land for France.
1724: The British build Fort Drummer, which becomes the first permanent European settlement in Vermont.
1763: The British win the French and Indian War and take over control of Vermont.
1777: Vermont declares itself an independent republic.
1791: Vermont is the 14th state admitted into statehood on March 4th, 1791.
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 Vermont’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 and exit when you're finished.
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 Vermont and create a timeline of key 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 Vermont History
1609: French explorer Samuel de Champlain explores Vermont and claims the land for France.
1724: The British build Fort Drummer, which becomes the first permanent European settlement in Vermont.
1763: The British win the French and Indian War and take over control of Vermont.
1777: Vermont declares itself an independent republic.
1791: Vermont is the 14th state admitted into statehood on March 4th, 1791.
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 Vermont’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 and exit when you're finished.
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 Vermont
Organize a Vermont History Gallery Walk for Student Presentations
Set up a gallery walk by displaying student timeline posters around the classroom. Arrange desks or wall spaces for each student's work so peers can easily circulate and view each timeline. This approach encourages engagement and peer learning as students share and discuss key events in Vermont's history.
Assign student roles for presenting timelines
Give each student a specific role during the gallery walk, such as 'historian', 'tour guide', or 'event expert.' Encourage them to explain one or two key events on their timeline to peers, building confidence and presentation skills.
Model effective timeline presentation techniques
Demonstrate how to present a timeline by highlighting clear speech, eye contact, and engaging storytelling. Show students how to use visuals and details to bring Vermont's history to life for their audience.
Provide sentence starters and guiding questions
Offer sentence starters (like 'This event was important because…') and guiding questions ('What might have happened if this event didn’t occur?') to help students share deeper insights and connect with their listeners.
Encourage constructive peer feedback after presentations
Invite students to give positive, specific feedback to their classmates after each presentation. Use prompts such as 'I learned…' or 'I was surprised by…' to foster a supportive classroom environment and boost learning from peers.
Frequently Asked Questions about History of Vermont
What are the most important events to include in a Vermont history timeline for students?
Key events to include in a Vermont history timeline are Samuel de Champlain's exploration in 1609, the building of Fort Drummer in 1724, British takeover after the French and Indian War in 1763, Vermont's declaration as an independent republic in 1777, and its statehood in 1791. These events highlight major milestones in Vermont's development.
How do I teach Vermont history using a timeline activity in elementary classrooms?
To teach Vermont history with a timeline, have students research major events, organize them in chronological order, and create visual representations for each. Encourage students to describe why each event is significant and use images or drawings to make the timeline engaging.
What is an alternative to a traditional timeline for teaching Vermont history?
Timeline posters are a creative alternative. Students can design posters featuring key Vermont history events, which can be used for presentations or gallery walks. This approach allows flexibility and encourages visual storytelling.
Why is it important for students to select which Vermont history events to include in their timeline?
Having students choose events teaches critical thinking and helps them understand the significance of each moment in Vermont's history. It also encourages them to analyze what makes an event historically important.
What templates or tools can help students create Vermont history timelines easily?
Students can use blank timeline templates, digital timeline makers, or storyboard software to organize Vermont history events. These tools simplify layout and let students focus on content and creativity.
More Storyboard That Activities
Vermont State Guide
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