The Susan Constant, the Godspeed and Discovery 1607
Introduction
"In 1606, some 105 adventurers set off from England to try and establish the first permanent English colony in the New World. They settled in what is now the state of Virginia and called their colony first James Fort, and then James Towne, in honor of James I, the King of England. The early years of the colony were nearly a total disaster. Almost half of the settlers died due to poor choices in settlement location, management of resources, and quarrels with the indigenous Powhatan Indians."
- History Globe, The Jamestown Online Adventure
Your Task
Each group of five or six students will act as Jamestown colony leaders. Each student in a group will research the answers to one of the questions asked in The Jamestown Online Adventure. That student will be responsible for determining how the group will answer their specific question. Keep in mind that your group will be scored on the state of your colony based on the following factors: Food, Health, Wealth and Morale. Answer the questions on the on your Webquest Worksheets.
Good Luck!!
Leader 1 - Start reading at - On May 14, 1607
Leader 2 - Start reading at - Almost immediately after landing
Leader 3 - Start reading at - As a result
Leader 4 - Start reading at - Recent historical and
Leader 5 - Start reading at - By December
Leader 6 - Start reading at - The colonists in Virginia tried
Online Adventure
Can your group do any better than the real colonists? You will have a copy of the London Company's instructions to help you. You can also ask other colonists and Native Americans for advice. Be warned that some advice is better than others!
Conclusion
After you complete the online adventure, you get to compare your colony to the real Jamestown. Look at the "Now we know..." section to learn from the mistakes the colonists and you made. Then play again with a partner to see if you can be elected Governor of Virginia!
When you have finished playing a second time explore this National Geographic site on Jamestown, if you have a questions about the site ask your teacher for help.