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 Texas 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.
Some Significant Events in Texas History
- 1500s: Native American tribes like the Caddos, Apache, and Comanche inhabited Texas
- 1519: Spanish explorer Alonzo Alvarez de Pineda maps the coastline
- 1528: Cabeza de Vaca wrecks his ship
- Late 1600s: Europeans began settling in Texas
- 1685: Frenchman, Robert De La Salle, established Fort St. Louis
- 1718: The Spanish established Catholic missions to spread Christianity throughout the area, and what is now known as the Alamo was built.
- 1825: American Stephen F. Austin establishes a colony with the Mexican government’s approval
- 1835: The Battle of Gonzales and the beginning of the Texas Revolution
- 1836: The Battle of the Alamo
- March 2, 1836: Texas declares their independence, and defeats the Mexicans at the battle of San Jacinto
- December 29, 1845: Texas gains statehood as the 28th state
- 1846: The Mexican-American War breaks out
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 Texas 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.
Requirements: At least 4 events, correct dates, descriptions, and appropriate illustrations for each event.
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