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A PILGRIMAGE INTO HISTORY

Introduction | The Task | Resources | The Process | Learning Advice | Conclusion

Introduction

There are many interesting and revealing events that happened in the formation of our country. These events shaped our history, and many of these same events led future generations into making decisions based upon the hardships, mistakes, and successes experienced by our forefathers. 

Although many of the early settlements in America were begun for the same reasons, there are still many differences to be found among the earliest of our colonies. Whereas many of the events in our history still shape the decisions we make today, many of the early settlements were at odds with the beliefs and actions of other settlements. Just as we live our lives today, early settlers had their own set of principal beliefs that ruled their daily lives and contributed to the future as we now know it .

The Task

    Please read this entire page before beginning your research. There is information following the task description that will help you to complete the assignment.

    You and your group have been asked to research early colonial life for a new magazine aimed toward children entitled, "A Pilgrimage Into History". The focus of the article you are to write will be that of comparing and contrasting the early settlements of Jamestown and Plymouth, the first two English colonies in America. You will want to include the following in your article:

• The initial goals of the colonists - why did they make the journey to the New World? What led them to the place where they eventually settled? 
• What problems did both of the settlements face in the early years?
• What were some of the successes experienced by both of the settlements?
• What events led to the success and/or failure of the settlements?
• How were the settlers viewed by the native people in their areas?
• What type of people first came to these settlements - how were they similar and how were they different in the ways they lived their lives (for example, what were some of the economic and cultural characteristics of the settlements)?

Resources

Below you will find resources on the Web that you may use to find pertinent information for your article. A regular search through a teacher-approved search engine may also be done, but check these resources first to find the information you will need. Additionally, any links appearing on the pages below may be followed in order to gather useful facts which may help you to write your article. 

• Jamestown Passenger List A list of the original passengers to Jamestown, as well as their occupations.
• Mayflower Passenger List A list of the original passengers to Plymouth
• History of Jamestown Timeline, History, Economics, People, additional links and little known facts.
• A Walking Tour of Plimoth Plantation Relive the daily lives of the Pilgrims
• Jamestown, Virginia A history of Jamestown
• A History of Jamestown More history on Jamestown
• From Colonies to Revolution Loads of links to explore about the early settlements, their daily lives, amusements, and much more.
• The Mayflower Web Pages Documents, writings, historical information
• Plymouth, MA - Its history and people Good information and great links to follow for more on the Pilgrims and their settlement (follow some of the links on this page that deal with more specific information on the people of this settlement - you're sure to find loads of information to help with your article)
• The History Channel Use the search feature on this page to find important information on both settlements
• Jamestown Colony Timeline a timeline of Jamestown presented by school children.
• Jamestown, Virginia - an overview A history of Jamestown
• USA: Outline of American History Click on the links on this page to learn about specific information about the colonial period
• Encyclopedia.com Encyclopedic information on Jamestown
• Plimouth Plantation - A Virtual Tour Learn about daily life at this site

The Process

1.  Look at the information listed above in The Task and be sure to include information on each of the points listed. Any additional information you find may be added to your article if you feel that it truly adds an important point in your comparison of the two settlements. It is recommended that you divide the tasks among the members of your group to allow you to work at a faster pace.

2.  Begin with the resources stated above to find information that will highlight the similarities and differences in the two colonies. 

3.  You may use printed material from the classroom library and/or the school or public library to aid in your research, but your primary source of information should come from the Internet.

4.  Notes should be taken on note cards and sequenced once the task has been completed. Make sure you title the note cards in such a way that all members of the group understand what type of information should be placed on the cards. This information will be the basis for your article for the magazine. You will want to make sure that the words you use are your own.

5.  Once all the information has been gathered, you will want to put it into some kind of logical order. For example, the most logical place to begin your article would be with the reasons these settlements were begun, followed by the arrival of the settlers.

6.  Assign group members different sections of the article to type into the correct form.

Learning Advice

Your primary sources of information will be from the INTERNET. You should start with the sites listed in the "Resources" section and then use various resources such as books, encyclopedias, magazines, maps and other reference materials available in  other locations. Remember, the more sources you use, the more likely you are to gather accurate and complete information. Take good notes with your group and try to be as accurate as possible.

REMEMBER: Use the Back Button Arrow on the Menu Bar to return to your Webquest Page after looking at each site listed in the "Resource" section.

Conclusion

Through this exercise you will:

• Do your own research using the Internet and various printed materials to gain an understanding of how the settlements of Jamestown and Plymouth were similar and different.
• Practice using the skills of observation, analysis and interpretation.
• Realize the value of working together in a cooperative group to solve a problem.

  Copyright 1999 Jan Purnell
Permission granted to reproduce only for use in the classroom
PLEASE READ THIS STATEMENT BEFORE COPYING THIS MATERIAL IN ANY FORM.

Are you interested in more American History projects for use in your classroom? Check out my book, USING THE INTERNET: AMERICAN HISTORY PROJECTS FOR THE GIFTED CLASSROOM, GRADES 4 - 8, available through Gifted Education Press. Focusing on performance task activities and projects, this activity book is suitable for any American History classroom - regular or gifted. The book is available for sale at the Gifted Education Press webpage.

This page was adapted from Bernie Dodge 's WebQuest_Template1.html by Tom March