Social Studies
Experiment With Colonization
by Michael Salazar
Grade Level:  8-12
  

Overview: Following the study of the establishment of the English colonies (1500-1735) many students
in American History have difficulty in comprehending the obstacles and problems that had to be
overcome to accomplish the founding of an early colony.

Purpose: The purpose of this activity is to provide an opportunity for American History students to
gain practical experience in the basic types of challenges that may exist in the establishment of an
early colony.

Objectives: As a result of this activity the students will:

1. Learn the importance of geographic location which can determine the survival and progress of a
colony.

2. Examine the effects that cultural background and specific historical events have upon the
development of a colony.

3. Review examples of documents that have established laws and regulations for historic colonies
and to determine the specific regulations and laws to be established for their colony design.

4. Study the various types for colonial stockades and list the important considerations of
colonial design.

5. Learn the basic concepts of flag design and the basic types of symbolism expressed by many
flags or banners.

Materials/Resources:

1. American History referance material on the early English colonies in North America. These
materials should provide illustrations of early colonial construction and maps displaying the
geographic locations of English colonies.

2. Several copies of early colonial laws such as the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, the
Mayflower Compact and the Maryland Act of Toleration.

3. Various artwork supplies and adequate work tables or desks.

4. Bulletin boards for display of colonial designs.

Activities and Procedures:

1. Choose a geographic location of their new colony on a fictitious regional map including various
common physical features. The students must consider the geographic features necessary for survival
and future development of their colony design.

2. Create a brief history describing the major historical events and people concerning the
founding and development of their colony. The students should realize the effect of cultural
background upon the development of a colony.

3. Establish a character to create the laws thought necessary should determine the type of
government they wish to create and what laws will be needed to guarantee those chosen rights.

4. Design the construction of the first community shelters or village. The students should
consider the subject of size of population, stockades for defense, students should examine other
early colonies such as Jamestown, Virginia and other historical colonial designs.

5. Design a colonial flag or banner to represent the colony created. The students should consider
the basics of flag design and determine the symbolism of specific figures and choice of color. The
students should examine the various stages of development of our American flag.

6. Compare and contrast the various sections of the assignment can be mounted for display and
discussion.

Artwork: If the instructor has time left, they are encouraged to add the building of specific
building in the colonies to the project.