Grades 2–5
Which Came First?
Eight pairs of history events, from the pyramids to the Moon landing: circle the one that happened first.
Social studies worksheet · Timelines and sequencing
American History Timeline
Place 6 big moments in American history, from the Pilgrims in 1620 to the Moon landing in 1969, on a timeline ruler.
- Grade level
- Grades 3–5
- Time
- About 25 minutes
- Answer key
- Yes, page 2 of the PDF
- Kids practice
- Timelines, Sequencing, Understanding time, Primary and secondary sources
What kids do
“Put a dot on the timeline for each event, then write its letter above the dot.”
Printed on the sheet:
- The Pilgrims land at
- George Washington becomes
- Abraham Lincoln signs the
- Women win the right to vote (19th Amendment)
- Astronauts land on the Moon
- 1. Which event happened first?
- 2. How many years after the Declaration did Washington become President?
Teacher tip
Count by tens on the ruler before placing the dots.
How to use it
- Count by tens or hundreds on the timeline ruler first.
- Point out that dates get bigger as you move to the right.
- Keep a classroom globe, a world map and a U.S. map in reach while kids work.
Watch for
Kids who think everything long ago happened at the same time. Use spacing to show the gaps.
Talk about it
- What would your timeline look like?
- How does this connect to where we live?
Take it further
Ask a grandparent what life was like when they were young.
US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.
More timelines and sequencing worksheets
Grades 2–5
Then and Now
Interview an older family member and draw how school, phones, travel and toys have changed between then and now.
Grades 2–5
Inventions: Put Them in Order
Put 6 inventions in order, from the printing press (about 1440) and the telephone (1876) to the World Wide Web (1989).
Grades 2–3
First, Next, Then, Last
A 4-step sequencing page with drawing boxes: kids tell how to do something in order with the time words first, next, then and last.
Free for teachers
Get the free Classroom Drawing Kit
12 printable pages: six step-by-step lessons, a grid activity, draw-and-write sheets and teacher notes, sent with your welcome email. After that, new classroom printables by email.