Curriculum

Colonial America Unit Documents

Unit Guide; Unit Storyboard; Lesson Calendar; Brief Answers for Teachers

Colonial America Lesson One

Unit Launch; European Footholds in North America (Q1)

This lesson begins with the “Unit Launch” in which students review the unit guide and storyboard, and continues with student learning the stories of the first European settlements in North America. They then tell the story back using a 4-Sentence Story.

Colonial America Lesson Two

The English Expand to 13 Colonies (Q1)

In this lesson students learn the story of how the English expanded to thirteen North American colonies, and then tell the story back using “because – but – so” sentences.

Colonial America Lesson Three

"The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut" (Q2)

In this lesson students interpret excerpts from the “Fundamental Orders of Connecticut,” a 1639 document considered by some historians to be the first written constitution in the American colonies.

Colonial America Lesson Four

Bacon's Rebellion (Q1)

In this lesson students learn the story of Bacon’s Rebellion, then tell the story back using a 4-box storyboard.

Colonial America Lesson Five

Elizabeth Bacon's Letter to Her Sister (Q2)

In this lesson students interpret excerpts from a letter written by Elizabeth Bacon, husband of rebel leader Nathaniel Bacon, back to her sister in England. Elizabeth was writing during the rebellion, as her husband was leading his forces against the royal governor.

Colonial America Lesson Six

The Colonists Develop Regional Economies (Q1)

In this lesson students learn the story of how colonists in New England, the Middle Colonies, and the Southern Colonies developed regionally distinct economies. They tell the story back using “Because – But – So” sentences.

Colonial America Lesson Seven

The French and Indian War (Q1)

In this lesson students learn the story of the French and Indian war, then tell it back using a 4-Box Storyboard.

Colonial American Lesson Eight

Pontiac's War (Q1)

In this lesson students learn the story of Pontiac’s War, then tell it back in a 4-Sentence Story.

Colonial America Lesson Nine

How did Native Tribes Choose Their Allies? (Q3)

In this lesson students practice the skill of explanation to answer a specific and a general Question Three: Why did most Native tribes ally against the British in the French and Indian War and then with the British during the American Revolution? How do countries choose their allies in war?

Colonial America Lesson Ten

War and Sovereignty in Ohio (Q4)

In this lesson students practice the skill of judgment to answer a specific and a general Question Four: Did winning the French and Indian War give the British the right to govern the Ohio River Valley? Under what conditions does winning a war justify a claim of sovereignty?