Geography and Colonial America

Introduction

Students will explore how certain geographical and climactic influences determined the roles of different parts of colonial America

Task

American colonists faced both difficulties and resources due to geography, and had to adapt to the places in which they settled. They also had certain people which pioneered the growth/discovery of specific areas. 

You will explore what regions focused on what industries, and why that was so. You will also determine what things became barriers or benefits for growth in colonial America. 

Process

Explore these websites and learn what life was like and what industries thrived in each area: New England, Kentucky, and Chesapeake Bay Colonies.

Choose one of the three and create a digital poster that shows:

1. Industry/most common job for the common man

2. Famous people

3. Geographical limitations/discoveries

4. American Indian tribes native to the area

Cumberland Gap

New England Lumber/Shipbuilding ("Colonial New England" section only)

Daniel Boone

Colonial Agriculture

Colonial Kentucky

Evaluation
  1 2 3 Score
Industry

Local industry was not identified 

correctly

Local industry was identified but

not explained

Local industry identified, described,

and various jobs mentioned

 
Famous People

No famous people were identified OR 

there was incorrect identification

Famous people were identified

but not described

Multiple famous people identified 

and their roles emphasized

 
Geography

No geographical limitations or natural 

resources were identified

Geographical limitations and/or

natural resources were identified

but reasoning not shown

Geography and resources identified,

described, and pros and cons made 

clear

 
Native People

No tribes were identified OR the 

wrong tribes were identified

Native tribes identified but not 

described

Native tribes identified and roles 

explained in light of settlers

 

 

Conclusion

Upon completing this assessment, students should have a thorough understanding of a specific geographic and historic location. They will be able to identify local industries, influential people, geography, and Native American tribes. 

Credits