Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will have a better understanding of the early colonization of America and the impact it had on both the colonizers and the Native Americans.
Materials and Prep
- Map of the world
- Pen and paper
- Access to the internet for research
- Interest in learning about history
Activities
- Map Exploration: Use the map to trace the routes taken by different European explorers to reach America. Research and note down key information about each explorer.
- Role-Playing: Pretend to be a colonizer and write a journal entry about your first impressions upon arriving in America. Then switch roles and write a journal entry from the perspective of a Native American encountering the colonizers.
- Timeline Creation: Create a timeline of important events in the colonization of America, including the founding of Jamestown, the Mayflower voyage, and the interactions between colonizers and Native Americans.
Talking Points
- Reasons for Colonization: "European countries colonized America for various reasons, including the search for wealth, the desire to spread Christianity, and the competition for power and resources."
- Impact on Native Americans: "The arrival of European colonizers had a significant impact on the Native American population, leading to conflicts over land, resources, and cultural differences."
- Colonial Societies: "Colonial societies in America were diverse, with settlers from different countries establishing their own communities and economies based on agriculture, trade, and slavery."
- Legacy of Colonization: "The legacy of colonization in America continues to shape the country's history, culture, and relationships between different groups of people."