The Real Story of Pocahontas

Introduction

Hello 8th Grade!

Today, we're going to take a look at the real story of Pocahontas. There are so many fictional aspects of Pocahontas' story that you may have heard that just simply are not true.

So, let's put our thinking caps on, because we are going to think like historians today and uncover the true story of a beloved woman in American history.

Grade: 8

Curriculum: Social Studies

Keywords: Pocahontas, Native American, Powhatan

Author: Brenna B Daniel

Watch this video below and ask yourselves, "How is this story different from what I've learned from movies?"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uMMmvQNfnQ&ab_channel=BrainPOP

Task

Here are the directions I want you to follow for this WebQuest:

  • First, you will read an article about the effect the Disney adaptation of Pocahontas has on the real story.
  • Next, you will watch an in-depth video about the real life of Pocahontas.
  • Then, you will read a PDF version of the book, Disney's Pocahontas, and look for anything that does not match with the previous articles and videos you have read/watched.
  • Finally, you will grab your Social Studies journals and use your historian thinking caps to debunk hundreds of years worth of myths!
Process

Young Historians!

It's time to debunk some myths about the legend of Pocahontas. Grab your notes and be ready to jot down some ideas that dispel some fictional tales we've been told previously about the Powhatan princess.

Step One:

You will read an article published by The Atlantic called, "Does Disney's Pocahontas Do More Harm Than Good? Your Thoughts". While reading, think about these questions:

  • Did any information surprise you?
  • What is something new you learned?
  • Do you agree with the author's opinion on the Disney film?

LINK: https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2015/06/pocahontas-feminism/397190/

Step Two:

Then, you will watched a video published by The Smithsonian called Pocahontas: Beyond the Myth. This video is almost an hour long and I want you to watch all of it before moving on to the next step. While watching the video, think about these questions:

  • Why do we not tell this side of the story?
  • How did John Smith actually play a role in her life?
  • What is something that should be talked about more when learning about Pocahontas?

LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9_zT6enTzA&ab_channel=SmithsonianChannel

Step Three:

Next, read this PDF version of the book, Disney's Pocahontas. After learning the real story of her life, I want you to think about:

  • How this fictionalized story affects young readers
  • What differences there are between this version and the historically accurate version
  • How John Smith is portrayed

LINK: https://schooleverywhere-elquds.com/lib/uploadbook/874001482391018Pocahontas.pdf

Step Four:

Now, it's your turn to write. Using either FLIPGRID or your SOCIAL STUDIES JOURNAL, I want you to tell me THREE differences between the real version of Pocahontas and the Disney version. Then, discuss why it is important to accurately portray historical figures.

Evaluation
 

100 Points

75 Points

50 Points

Social Studies Journal

 Student has listed three accurate differences between the two portrayals of Pocahontas and have provided their own in-depth insight based on their research. Student has listed two to three semi-accurate differences between the two portrayals of Pocahontas and have provided a proof of a basic understanding based on their research. Student has listed only one or zero accurate differences between the two portrayals of Pocahontas and did not provide an insightful or basic understanding of the topic based on their research.

 

Conclusion

Congratulations! You're officially a young historian!

Now that you've completed your work, go home and share what you've learned with your family and friends. Take notice if they were surprised at any aspects that you've learned from this WebQuest. 

 

Remember to always research thoroughly and thoughtfully.

Credits

https://schooleverywhere-elquds.com/lib/uploadbook/874001482391018Pocahontas.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9_zT6enTzA&ab_channel=SmithsonianChannel

https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2015/06/pocahontas-feminism/397190/

 

Teacher Page

Hello fellow teachers,

This activity is designed to get the students thinking like a historian and dispel inaccuracies that have been portrayed in media throughout the years. The students use their research skills to take notice of myths that have grown into a fabricated truth through movies, books, etc. 

SOCIAL STUDIES STANDARD MET: 

SS.8.2 - North America, originally inhabited by American Indians, was explored and colonized by Europeans for economic and religious reasons.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

http://203.72.178.240/~aweb1102/6information/6_5_06/0005.pdf