Grades 3–5
Space Exploration Timeline
Place 6 space firsts, from Sputnik in 1957 and the Moon landing in 1969 to the Curiosity rover on Mars in 2012, on a timeline ruler.
Social studies worksheet · Timelines and sequencing
Decades and Centuries
Learn how decades and centuries are counted (why 1776 is in the 18th century), then answer 8 questions about years, decades and centuries.
- Grade level
- Grades 4–5
- Time
- About 20 minutes
- Answer key
- Yes, page 2 of the PDF
- Kids practice
- Timelines, Sequencing, Understanding time, Primary and secondary sources
What kids do
“A decade is 10 years. A century is 100 years. Read the box, then answer the questions.”
Printed on the sheet:
- A decade is 10 years. The years 1980 to 1989 are “the 1980s”.
- A century is 100 years. The 1st century was years 1 to 100, so the years 1701 to 1800 are the 18th century. Add 1 to the first two digits of a year to find its century.
- The 1900s are the 20th century. We live in the 21st century.
- 7. The 1800s are also called the century.
Teacher tip
Use a number line to show why 1776 is in the 18th century.
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
- How long ago was this?
- What question would you ask an expert on this topic?
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
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Grades 2–3
Before and After: Maya’s Year
Read 6 events from Maya’s year (piano lessons, a lost tooth, a garden, the beach, 2nd grade, a birthday) and answer before-and-after questions.
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