Every state has a rich history that defines how it is known today. Using a timeline layout, students will research the history of Massachusetts 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.
1497: Early Europeans arrive, bringing disease with them. Diseases such as smallpox killed about 90% of the Indigenous people in Massachusetts at the time.
1620: The Pilgrims arrive and settle in Plymouth. With the help of the local Indigenous people, the Pilgrims survive the harsh winter. The following year, the first Thanksgiving took place in Massachusetts.
1692: The Salem Witch Trials take place in Salem, Massachusetts.
1773: Colonists in Boston dump crates of tea into the Boston Harbor, known as the Boston Tea Party.
1775: The Revolutionary War begins with the Battles of Lexington and Concord.
1788: Massachusetts becomes the 6th state of the United States.
1961: John F. Kennedy becomes the 35th President of the United States.
(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 Massachusetts' history.
Student Instructions:
Requirements: At least 4 events, correct dates, descriptions, and appropriate illustrations for each event.