Which Colonial Region Was Most Important to American History?

Introduction



Introduction   (Step 1)

Dear Esteemed Historian,

As you know, there is much debate among other historians in the American Society of Historians who specialize in the American colonial time period. The decision as to which of the original thirteen colonial regions had the most impact on American history must be decided. The arguments over this are growing intense and a decision needs to be unveiled as part of your speech to the annual conference in six months.

These historians all respect you as the supreme authority of American colonial times. We are prepared to send you back in time, all expenses paid, with your hand-selected team to explore each colonial region to make a definitive announcement. We urge you to reply soon so that we can prepare the time travel machine for your group.

Task

Task  (Step 2)

In order to make the best informed decision, you will complete a map labeling the original thirteen colonies and color-code the three colonial regions. Your trip back to colonial times will also involve researching the regions and completing a chart showing important information about each. Finally, you will write your persuasive speech to present at the conference awards program indicating which region you believe was the most important and why.

Process

Process (Step 3)

  1. Research the three colonial regions using the links provided. Watching short videos can really give you a feel of these topics. Some video links are included in the Resources section along with the links to articles and websites. As you research, keep in mind which factors might help a region be more successful and therefore more important than the other two.

  2.  Use this colonial map to clearly and neatly label the blank 13 colonies map provided to you. Be sure to fill in the key with three different colors representing  the three colonial regions.  Finally, color in the three regions lightly with crayons or colored pencils. Note: The names of the colonies should still be visible after the coloring. As you fill in your map, note the size of each colony, its location to water, and any geographic features like mountain ranges they might have or be near.

  3. Using the research links provided, fill in the Colonial Regions Important Information Chart. Use short, detailed phrases in the chart.

  4. Now you are ready to write a minimum three paragraph persuasive speech about the colonial region you feel is most important to American history. Use what you have learned about the geography, leaders, economy and other factors to lead you to your choice. Remember, this speech  will be read to numerous other noted historians, so you must sound knowledgeable and persuasive!

Evaluation

Evaluation (Step 5)

  1. Correctly labeled and color-coded 13 colonies map. 20 points 1 point for each label of the 13 colonies, 3 points for each colonial region being a different color, 3 points for the label for each colonial region, 1 point for neatness.

  2. Colonial region chart comprehensively filled out with appropriate details in each column- 36 total points. 1-4 points for each box:  1, very little info given  2, brief info given but could be much more/and or more detail  3. good amount of detail added but needs little more to be comprehensive  4, amount of info the box is comprehensive and detailed

  3. Minimum three paragraph persuasive speech which is compelling enough to show one colonial region is the most important to American history and why.  20 points  See the Read, Write, Think persuasive speech rubric we will use at this link speech rubric

Conclusion

Conclusion 

Congratulations, historian! You have clearly shown your geographic knowledge of Colonial America by completing the map activity, researched and recorded key details of each of the three colonial regions, and most importantly written and read your speech at the annual convention showing which region was the most important to American history and why.  It is now time to reflect on this process. What was your favorite part? What did you find most difficult? If you could start all over, what would you change or add? Did you find it hard to choose one of the regions over the other two as being the most important?

If you enjoy learning about the three colonial regions and this time period in American history, you may like these games and videos.

Interactive Online Games for Colonial America

Khan Academy Video- 13 American Colonies

A Day in the Life of a Colonial Kid

Credits
Teacher Page