Colonization WebQuest

Headline News
 AMERICAN COLONISTS DESPERATELY NEEDED
Antarctic Mission  2020

Introduction - Task - Roles - Questions - Web links - Evaluation - Teacher's Page - Conclusion

Introduction

The fated predictions of renowned scientists have finally been accepted! Global warming has caused a rise in the sea level and the United States is in desperate need of relocating millions of its citizens. The president of the United States has decided to launch a colonization effort to settle unclaimed land of Antarctica. Fortunately the global warming effects have made the environment of this continent a viable place to establish a new US colony. 

Task

You and your team will establish a  plan on how to colonize a selected area of Antarctica.

Your team will need to:

bullet

Select the key people who will start your settlement

bullet

Select a location and design a map of your community

bullet

Decide on the provisioning you will need to survive a year

bullet

Establish laws that will be needed to ensure order

bullet

Present project to the class

Roles and Questions

Within your assigned role you need to research early American colonization and answer the role specific questions. We encourage you to use our link to Word Central's Student Dictionary or to use a classroom dictionary when reading through web pages.  Using your research you will help your team make the critical decisions that will help your colony be successful. Your decisions need to have supporting historical data that you found in your research. Click on the graphic to reach the research guide.

Demographer
 Responsible for selecting the people that will make up the new community. Decisions must be based on and supported by historical data.
Who were critical people in the early American colonies?  What were the personal qualifications you feel were necessary for a colony's success? Click HERE for research guide.
 

 
Purser
 Responsible for selecting provisioning for the new colony. Decisions must be based on and supported by historical data.
What supplies were critical in the first year? How were the basic needs met?  How were natural resources used? Click HERE for research guide.
 

 
Geographer
 Responsible for planning route, selecting site and overseeing settlement planning. Decisions must be based on and supported by historical data.
What geographic elements helped make a colony successful? How did a layout of a settlement help the community? Click HERE for research guide.
 

 
Lawyer
 Responsible for  setting up laws, enforcement, and communicating with the President of the US. Decisions must be based on and supported by historical data.
What law structure was established in the American colonies? Who made and enforced the laws? Click HERE for research guide

Whole Group Responsibilities
bullet

Cooperate with teammates and help one another be successful.

bullet

Show historical support for all decisions.

bullet

Keep an accurate bibliography.

bullet

Present a professional presentation.

Colonization Web Links

Colonial America
Great links to many historical sites

Early America

Great historical information
A History of Jamestown 
More history on Jamestown
Jamestown Colony Timeline
A timeline of Jamestown presented by school children
Jamestown History
Great historical information
Jamestown, Virginia - an overview 
Jamestown History

Journey back in time

Journey back to the colonial days
Plymouth, MA - Its history and people
Good information on the Pilgrims and their settlement
Plymouth Plantation - A Virtual Tour
Learn about daily life at this site
The History Channel
Use the search feature to find information on early settlements

Thirteen Colonies

Information on the thirteen colonies
USA: Outline of American History
Specific information about the colonial period

Haven't Found what you are looking for?
Check Out Extra Links

Try Some of These Search Engines for More Information

Yahooligans! - Searchopolis - Ask Jeeves for Kids!
KidsClick! - Light Span - Lonely Planet - Discovery

Evaluation

Use the following rubric to self-evaluate your group project. Keeping this rubric in-mind during your research, planning and writing will help ensure your team gets the best grade possible. Throughout this WebQuest remember to follow the "Student's Rights and Responsibilities". Your team's success depends on working cooperatively and being focused.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have now established your own colony and have used your extensive knowledge about American colonization to make wise  choices. History is not only the study of the past but a valuable resource in making decisions. Hopefully this Colonization WebQuest has taught you valuable lessons and has given you insight into what is at the heart of colonization. As you go on to study other cultures and follow current events keep in mind the following: 

????????? QUESTIONS TO PONDER ????????

What are the key factors that make a successful community? 
Why is it necessary to establish laws in a  new community? 
Why do people risk freedom for comfort? 
How does geography and climate affect lifestyle? 
Who owns land that is not titled and what becomes of native inhabitants?

Back to Top

Introduction - Task - Roles - Questions - Web links  
Evaluation  - Teacher's Page - Conclusion