A SIMULATION OF COLONIES IN THE NEW WORLD
INTRODUCTION
You are a member of a noble British family living in 17th
century England. The year is 1614, and King James is granting charters
for colonies in the New World. Jamestown, the first successful English
colony in America, is thriving underthe leadership of men such as John
Rolfe and Captain John Smith. While the risks and hardships are
considerable, the lure of limitless lands and untold wealth are very
tempting. Throughout Great Britain, there is religious turmoil, social
unrest, and widespread crime and unemployment. Opportunity beacons
across the Atlantic Ocean for anyone daring enough to grab hold.
THE TASK
Your group will set up a colony in the New World which the Spanish
are calling America. Furthermore, you will make decisions which will affect
the outcomeof your colony. Lastly, you will return to the Court of King
James and present to His Majesty a journal about your colony. This
journal will include the following:
A written charter
A map of your colony
A financial chart illustrating the expenses of your colony
A summary of the major events your colony experienced.
THE GROUP
You will form a Joint-Stock company with which to finance your
colony.
RESOURCES: BOOKS AUTHORS:
Who is Carrie? Collier, James Lincoln
The Kidnapped Prince Equiano, Olaudah
The Potowan Tribes Feest, Christian F.
Johnny Tremain Forbes, Ester
The Virginia Colony Fradin, Denis B.
The Double Life of Pocahontas Fritz, Jean
From Colonies to Country Hakim, Joy
18th Century Clothing Kalman, Bobbie
Williamsburg Kent, Zachery
If you Lived in Colonial Times McGovern, Ann
The Serpent Never Sleeps O'Dell, Scott
Young Pocahontas in an Indian World Roundtree, Helen C
Limits of Independence: American Women 1760-1800 Salmon, Marylynn
The Lost Colony of Roanoke Schouweiler, Tom
Settlers on the Eastern Shore Scott, John Anthony
The Arts and Sciences Smith, Carter (Editor)
Battles in a New Land Smith, Carter (Editor)
Daily Life Smith, Carter (Editor)
Explorers and Settlers Smith, Carter (Editor)
Governing and Teaching Smith, Carter (Editor)
Colonial Craftsmen: Tunis, Edwin
The Beginnings of American Industry
Brown Paper School, US Kids History: Egger-Bovet, Howard
Book of the American Colonies
RESOURCES: INTERNET
Colonial Williamsburg http://www.history.org
Surfing the Net with Kids http://www.surfnetkids.com
Archiving Early America http://www.earlyamerica.com
Jamestown Timeline http://www.historian.org/local/jamstwnva.htm
LEARNING ADVICE
Identify resources (fictional vs. nonfictional). Verify
historical accuracy by comparing sources. Use PRIMARY SOURCES
whenever possible.
VOCABULARY
Charter
Joint-stock Company
Colony
Colonists
Charter
Indentured Servants
Headright
British Pound
PROCESS
Click on the below link to go to the step by step instructions for
making a colony in this project. Complete each section carefully before
proceeding to the next. Teachers, you may wish to print out the following
instructions as group handouts.
