Fernando M. Reimers et al.

Activity 5.2.3

Who Were the Colonists? Where Did They Come
from and Why? A Comparison of the Jamestown and
Massachusetts Settlements

(Consider including New York in this activity as an extension.)
In a guided research activity, students research the Jamestown settlement.

The students could complete a table, placing information about Jamestown
on one side and information about Massachusetts on the other side. Guide
the students in finding the following information about Jamestown:

the date of the first settlement
the purposes of the settlement
what life was like in the colony
how the colony was governed

.V‘HRSNNE“

the relationship between the colonists and the Native Americans
who were there

In a computer lab, the students should work in pairs to find information
about the Massachusetts settlement. Back in class, groups should get to—
gether to discuss their answers and to make sure that all of the important
information is included.

The teacher leads a discussion on the two colonies’ similarities and differ—
ences. The major topics that should be included are religious freedom and
economic opportunity (both for the colonists and the English).

As an extension of this activity, students should research the other Eastern
Seaboard colonies, either in class or as homework. The students pretend—
ing to be colonists should then hold a mock meeting to discuss the chal—
lenges and opportunities they have found in the New World. Note that this
could also be developed into an activity that simulates the First Continental
Congress, but if it is, it should be included later in the unit.

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