UNIT DESCRIPTION

In this unit students will learn why Europeans settled in the “New World”, as well as how geography impacted the development of colonial economies and society. Students will also learn about the importance and impacts of religion in colonial society. The unit will also address the changing interactions with Native Americans as well as the beginnings of slavery in North America.

Essential Questions Exploration · How did the English start colonies in the Americas with distinct qualities? · What factors influence life, culture, & government in the colonies?

Performance Task: Serving as the King of England’s Secretary of State for the Colonies, it is your responsibility to promote the colonies to attract new settlers there. The King has asked that you create an advertisement to promote one of the 13 colonies to the people of England to encourage more of them to travel there and settle. You should use evidence about the colonies Geography, government, industry/economy, religion, and people/culture, to support why people should move there. The King will judge your commercial based on how well you are able to use persuasive techniques as well as your use of the data you research about the colony to support your advertisement.