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 Virginia 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 Virginia History
1607: Jamestown, the first English settlement, is established.
1776: Thomas Jefferson, who is from Virginia, writes the Declaration of Independence.
1788: Virginia becomes the 10th state on June 25.
1861: The Civil War begins. Over half of its battles were fought in Virginia.
1943: Construction of U.S. Department of Defense headquarters, the Pentagon, was completed. It was constructed on an accelerated schedule in less than two years during World War II.
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 Virginia’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 Virginia 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 Virginia History
1607: Jamestown, the first English settlement, is established.
1776: Thomas Jefferson, who is from Virginia, writes the Declaration of Independence.
1788: Virginia becomes the 10th state on June 25.
1861: The Civil War begins. Over half of its battles were fought in Virginia.
1943: Construction of U.S. Department of Defense headquarters, the Pentagon, was completed. It was constructed on an accelerated schedule in less than two years during World War II.
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 Virginia’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 Virginia Timeline
Make Timeline Research Engaging with Primary Sources
Incorporate primary source materials—such as photos, letters, or maps—into your students’ research to boost engagement and deepen understanding. Using authentic resources lets students connect more personally with Virginia’s history.
Assign Roles for Collaborative Timeline Projects
Divide students into small groups and give each member a specific research or design task. This fosters teamwork and ensures everyone contributes to the timeline’s creation.
Guide Students to Evaluate Event Significance
Teach students to ask guiding questions like, “Did this event change lives or laws in Virginia?” This helps them choose events that are truly important for their timeline.
Model How to Write Concise Event Descriptions
Demonstrate how to summarize key facts and details in just a few sentences. Encourage students to focus on what makes each event unique.
Facilitate a Timeline Gallery Walk for Peer Feedback
Set up a classroom display of student timelines and provide sentence starters for constructive feedback. This activity helps students learn from each other and refine their work.
Frequently Asked Questions about Virginia Timeline
What are some important events to include in a Virginia history timeline for students?
Key events for a Virginia history timeline include the founding of Jamestown in 1607, Thomas Jefferson writing the Declaration of Independence in 1776, Virginia becoming the 10th state in 1788, the start of the Civil War in 1861, and the completion of the Pentagon in 1943.
How can I help students create an engaging Virginia history timeline?
Encourage students to research key events, use visuals and images for each event, and include dates and short descriptions. Allowing students to use templates or design posters can boost creativity and engagement.
What is the best way to teach Virginia history using timelines in grades 3-6?
Use interactive timeline activities where students select and illustrate important events, work individually or in pairs, and present their timelines through poster galleries or digital assignments for peer feedback.
Why is it important for students to choose which events to include on a timeline?
Selecting events helps students develop critical thinking skills as they decide which moments are most significant and learn to justify their choices based on historical impact.
What alternatives to a traditional timeline can make Virginia history lessons more interactive?
Consider timeline posters, digital timelines, gallery walks, or group presentations. These options make learning more hands-on and encourage collaboration among students.
More Storyboard That Activities
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