American Colonization | Create WebQuest

Introduction

This WebQuest will help you to make discoveries about the time during American Colonization. You will be doing activities that focus on the five strands of social studies, American history, world history, civics/government, geography and economics. The WebQuest will take five days to complete and will include individual and group work.

Task

Over the next five days you will complete the following tasks

American History: Write a personal narrative as if you were a colonist coming to the new world.

World History: Create a timeline of the American Colonization era

Civics/Government: Compare Monarchies and Republics

Geography: Work with groups to compare the three colonial regions

Economics: Write a personal narrative about your life as a colonist given a specific job or skill set.

Process

Here is where you will find directions for the next 5 days

Day 1: American History

Watch this video about colonizing America. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o69TvQqyGdg Answer the following questions, or fill in the blanks as you watch. He talks fast so I suggest pausing the video as you write down answers. You do not need to write down the question just the number.

What were the first English settlers looking for?
In 1607 the first successful English colony in America was founding in
Why did most of those original colonists die?
What strategy did the Virginia Company use in 1618 to convince new colonists to come to the new world?
What is an indentured servant?
What year did the first shipment of slave arrive?
What did the colonist find that people loved to help their economy grow?
How was Maryland governed?
What colony did the Pilgrims and Puritans come to? Why did they come?
What did the Mayflower Compact say they would do?
Why was the Massachusetts Bay colony founded?
What is the mystery document?

Now that you have had a crash course about the start of America chose one of the following writing prompts. Once you have chosen a prompt you will need to complete a prewriting activity of your choice, a first draft and final copy.

Prompt 1: You are one of the original colonists in 1607 traveling to Jamestown. Write a journal entry about why you have chosen to come to the New World. What do you hope to find? Why is that important to you?

Prompt 2: You are living in 1618 and are approached by the Virginia Company in hopes to convince you to come to a colony in America. Write a journal entry about how you would make your decision. What factors would be important for you to consider? Ultimately what decision would you make?

Prompt 3: You are a pilgrim on the Mayflower coming to America. Write a journal entry about why you are coming. What differences do you hope there will be between the New World and your home? What do you plan to do to make sure those differences actually happen?

Day 2: Civics/Government

Today you are going to look at Monarchies and Republics. The websites listed below will provide you with the information needed to complete the assignments for today.

http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-a-monarchy.htm

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/republic

Assignment 1: Venn Diagram

Complete the Venn Diagram comparing Monarchies and Republics. I will give you the papers in which to complete this assignment on. You will need at least two pieces of information in each section as well as a modern day example of both types of government.

Assignment 2: Visual representation of a Monarchy and Republic

Using the internet, Microsoft Word and your drawing skills create a one page visual depicting a monarchy and republic. Both governments should be on the same page and I need to be able to tell which one is which. The only words on your paper can be your name and a title. Be creative and show the different characteristics of each form of government.

Day 3: World History

Today you will be looking at events that took place in America and around the world from 1606, the founding of the first colony to 1775, the American Revolution. You will be creating a timeline reflecting important events. You must include the settlement of each colony, 2 events from English history, 2 events from French history and 5 other events of importance for a total of at least 22 events. Events other than the settlement of colonies need to include a description. You may complete your timeline however you chose as long as it is complete and can easily be turned in to me. (If it is on a long piece of paper it needs to fold)

This website can be used to identify events for you timelines http://www.landofthebrave.info/colonial-america-time-period.htm

Day 4: Geography

Today you will be working in your same groups to learn about and compare the three colonial regions New England, Middle and Southern.

Each group will be responsible for researching a given aspect of the region (listed below). Your job will be to create a poster explaining your region. For example if you group was given culture you would research the cultures in your region and create a poster to show how that influenced the region. All completed posters will be put on the back wall grouped by region. We will then look at the similarities and difference among the regions and how this influenced the start of our country.

Group 1- New England Culture

Group 2- New England Economy

Group 3- New England Environmental Factors

Group 4- Middle Culture

Group 5- Middle Economy

Group 6- Middle Environmental Factors

Group 7- Southern Culture

Group 8- Southern Economy

Group 9- Southern Environmental Factors

Resources

http://www.history.com/topics/thirteen-colonies

http://mrnussbaum.com/new-england-colonies/ (click on your colonial region to find more information)

Day 5: Economics

Trade was an important part of the colonial economy. Today you will be taking a look at how important is to have both the buyers and sellers interested in a trade. Watch this video to see different ways that trades may take place. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHY5cdExNa8

You will then select one of the following common jobs from the colonies. A description of each job can be found at http://mrnussbaum.com/13colonies/13trades/ Pretend you are working in your chosen profession during the colonial era. What kinds of things would you need to trade for in order to live comfortably? Who would you trade with and what would you trade them? Do you think they would be willing to trade why or why not? Write your answers to these questions in a 5 paragraph essay. Be sure to complete a prewriting activity.

Apothecary
Wigmaker
Harness Maker/Tanner
Blacksmith
Milliner
Hatter
Cooper
Brick Maker
Printer
Cobbler
Tavern Keeper
Wheel Wright
Candle Maker
Gun Smith
General Store Keeper
Silver Smith

Evaluation

The following rubrics will be used to score your work during this unit. Please look over each rubric before beginning each assignment so you know what is expected of you. If you have any questions please ask before completing the assignment.

Day 1: American History

Video Questions

Requirement

Exceptional

10-8

Average

7-4

Unacceptable

4-0

Score/Comments

Questions

All 12 questions were answered correctly.

Writing was neat and legible.

All 12 questions were answered.

Most answers were correct.

Writing was at times difficult to read.

Not all 12 questions were answered.

/10

Personal Narrative

Requirement	Exceptional	Average	Unacceptable	Score/Comments
Prewrite	10-7 Prewriting is extensive and organization is evident.	6-3 Prewriting is apparent and organization is somewhat evident.	3-0 No evidence of prewriting.	/10
Communication	30-20 The student communicates ideas clearly and precisely. The student remains on topic at all times, addressing all parts of the prompt.	19-10 The student communicates with some clarity and understanding. The student remains on topic and address most of the prompt.	9-0 The student communicates unclearly. The student does not remain on task and does not address the prompt.	/30
Mechanics	10-7 The writing is practically error free.	6-3 The writing has a few minor errors.	2-0 The writing has several major errors.	/10
Total Score /50

Day 2: Civics/Government

Venn Diagram

Requirement	Exceptional 2	Average 1	Unacceptable 0	Score/Comments
Monarchy	Two characteristics of a monarchy are presented clearly.	One characteristic of a monarchy is presented clearly.	No characteristics of a monarchy are presented.	/2
Republic	Two characteristics of a republic are presented clearly.	One characteristic of a republic is presented clearly.	No characteristics of a republic are presented clearly.	/2
Similarities	Two similarities are presented clearly.	One similarity is presented clearly.	No similarities are presented clearly.	/2
Examples	An example of a modern day Monarchy and Republic are clearly written.	An example of either a Monarchy or Republic is clearly written.	No examples are given.	/2
Total Score /8

Visual representation of a Monarchy and Republic

Requirement	Exceptional	Average	Unacceptable	Score/Comments
Monarchy	15-10 It is undoubtedly clear which portion of the work represents a monarchy. Characteristics of a monarchy are included.	9-5 It is somewhat clear that the characteristics of a monarchy are represented.	4-0 It is unclear is a monarchy is represented.	/15
Republic	15-10 It is undoubtedly clear which portion of the work represents a republic. Characteristics of a republic are included.	9-5 It is somewhat clear that the characteristics of a republic are represented.	4-0 It is unclear is a republic is represented.	/15
Visual appearance	20-14 The only words on the page are the title and your name. There are no large blank spaces on the page. Effective pictures were chosen. Shows creativity.	13-7 There are a few words on the page in addition to the title and your name. There are few blank spaces. Shows creativity.	6-0 There are many words on the page. There are large blank spaces. Does not show creativity.	/20
Total Score /50

Day 3: World History

Timeline

Requirement	Exceptional	Average	Unacceptable	Score/Comments
Completion	10-7 At least 22 events are presented on the timeline. Descriptions are included for 9 events.	6-3 At least 22 events are presented on the timeline.	2-0 There are less than 22 events on the timeline. The settlement of each colony is not included on the timeline.	/10
Content	20-14 All events have accurate dates and descriptions.	13-7 Majority of events have accurate dates and descriptions.	6-0 Events do not have accurate dates or descriptions.	/20
Presentation	20-14 The timeline is in chronological order and easy to follow. The timeline shows creativity.	13-7 The timeline is in chronological order. The timeline shows creativity.	6-0 The timeline is not in chronological order. The timeline does not show creativity.	/20
Total Score /50

Day 4: Geography

Colonial Region Poster

Requirement	Exceptional	Average	Unacceptable	Score/Comments
Content	20-14 The poster has enough content to fully explain their assigned region. The content is on topic and focused solely on the aspect assigned.	13-7 The poster has content that explains the region but more explanation may be needed. The content is mainly focused on the aspect assigned.	6-0 The poster does not contain effective content. The content is no focused on the assigned topic.	/20
Visual Appearance	10-7 The poster is visually pleasing and easy to follow. All writing is clearly written free from errors.	6-3 The poster is visually pleasing and able to be understood. Most writing is clearly written with few errors.	2-0 The poster is difficult to follow. The writing has multiple errors.	/10
Participation	20-14 Contributed ideas to the group. Listened to other group member’s ideas. Helped create opportunities for other group members to participate. Completed all tasks assigned.	13-7 Contributed ideas to the group. Completed all tasks assigned to them.	6-0 Did not contribute ideas to the group. Did not complete assigned tasks.	/20
Total Score /50

Day 5: Economics

Trade Essay

Requirement	Exceptional	Average	Unacceptable	Score/Comments
Prewrite	10-7 Prewriting is extensive and organization is evident.	6-3 Prewriting is apparent and organization is somewhat evident.	3-0 No evidence of prewriting.	/10
Communication	30-20 The student communicates ideas clearly and precisely. The student remains on topic at all times, addressing all parts of the prompt.	19-10 The student communicates with some clarity and understanding. The student remains on topic and address most of the prompt.	9-0 The student communicates unclearly. The student does not remain on task and does not address the prompt.	/30
Mechanics	10-7 The writing is practically error free.	6-3 The writing has a few minor errors.	3-0 The writing has several major errors.	/10
Total Score /50

Conclusion

Congratulations on finishing this unit!

Most social studies concepts can be studied using the five strands of social studies, American history, world history, civics/government, geography and economics. The colonization of America is no different.

Credits

This webquest was created for the Grand Canyon course EED-570 Curriculum, Assessment and Methods: Social Studies. I used best social studies practices as discussed on our text book for the class Social Studies for Elementary and Middle Grades: A constructivist Approach as well as the Arizona State standards for Social Studies.

References

Social Studies Standards Articulated by Grade Level Fifth Grade. (2006, May 22). Retrieved November 25, 2014, from http://www.azed.gov/wp-content/uploads/PDF/SSGrade5.pdf

Sunal, C., & Haas, M. (2011). Social studies for the elementary and middle grades: A constructivist approach (4th ed.). Boston: Allyn and Bacon.

Teacher Page

This 5 day WebQuest meets the following Arizona State Social Studies Standards

Strand 1: American History Concept 3: Exploration and Colonization; PO 3 Explain the reasons for colonization of America

Strand 2: World History Concept 1: Research Skills for History; PO 2. Construct timelines of historical era being studied.

Strand 3: Civics/Government Concept 5: Government Systems of the World; PO 1 Describe the Characteristics of a monarchy and a republic

Strand 4: Geography Concept 2: Places and Regions; PO 1 Describe how the following regions exemplify the concept of region as an area with unifying human or natural factors; three American colonial regions, West, Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, and North and South during the Civil War.

Strand 5 Economics Concept 1: Foundation of Economics; PO 3 Identify how voluntary exchange helps both buyers and sellers as in colonial trade in North America