13 Original Colonies Newscast Project

As a group, select one of the original thirteen colonies to research. The purpose of the project is for your group to examine the colony's history during the 1600 and 1700s. Your group has the choice of presenting your findings in the form of a newscast or skit. The project will be worth 200 points. Below is a list of requirements for the project:

Presentation (75 points)

You are to present your findings of your group's colony in the form of a newscast or skit. Use the provided script as a guide for your presentation. Each person must present material based on their individual research of the group's colony. You will use your map and may use power point and other items as props during your newscast. You must have a quiz or activity prepared for your classmates based on the material covered during the newscast. The quiz or activity may be in the form of handouts or on power point. The quiz or activity and a copy of your script are due for review by Mr. Doyle on ______. Your presentation MUST BE AT LEAST 10 MINUTES LONG, AND EVERYONE MUST HAVE A SPEAKING ROLE.

Select one of the following possible presentation models:

A. Newscast - Responsibilities

Much like a real newscast, each person has an important responsibility. Use your imagination and pretend that this is a real news broadcast based on your colony's origin and history. Below are the individual responsibilities for Colonies Newscast:

1. News anchors (2) - two students will be responsible for researching, collecting, and presenting information on the origins of the colony.

2. Beat Reporter - one student will be responsible for researching, collecting and presenting information on a milestone or major event in the colony's history.

3. Meteorologist/Traffic Reporter - one student will be responsible for researching, collecting, and presenting information on agriculture, trade, and commerce

**Dress the part. This will be a real newscast!

- or -

B. Skit/Play - Responsibilities

Create a skit or play based on the creation , development, and history of your colony. The play should explain the colony's origin and history. Select historical figures from your assigned colony to use as main characters in the skit or play:

Your skit or play should include main characters such as:

1. The "founders" of the colony

2. Individuals or groups involved in a significant event within the colony

3. People who reflect the type of agriculture, trade, and commerce represented in your colony

**Dress the part. Represent your colony with pride!

Map (25 points)

Complete a map of the colony. The map must be handmade. The map must be on poster-sized paper, as this will be used as a prop during your group's newscast. No computer printouts. Your group's map must have the following:

-A legend or map key

-Main Rivers

-Main cities or towns

-Imports and exports circa 1700s

-Main imports and exports today

-Boundaries and boarders

PAPER (100 POINTS)

Your paper will be about the colony that your group selected. The group paper must be at least 4 pages in length, with each group member writing 1-2 pages based on their individual responsibility. The paper must be typed, double spaced, and must include a bibliography. Your paper must include the following information:

  • How was your colony first settled? Who discovered it? Was it an individualor a joint-stock company?
  • If it was an individual, go into detail about this person
  • If it was a joint-stock company, go into detail about this company
  • Identify key individuals responsible for the success of the colony. Explain their roles within the colony
  • What year it was first settled?
  • How the colony got its name?
  • Did the colony have a charter? What was something this charter stated?
  • What was the relationship with the Native Americans? Did the natives join the colony? Were the natives forced off their land? Explain
  • How did the colony view the issue of slavery? How was slavery used in the colony?
  • What happened and who was the person(s) involved?
  • How did this event impact the colony?
  • What was the end result?
  • Did this event have a lasting impact on the colony? If so, how? Can that impact be seen today?
  • Describe the climate of this colony during the seasons.
  • How did weather impact colonization?
  • How did the geographic location and or weather impact agriculture and commerce within the colony?
  • What type of agriculture or industry did this colony rely on?
  • What were the main imports/exports that of importance?
  • What type of hardships did early colonists face when attempting to colonize this area?

DO NOT PLAGIARISE - review your work and cite the thoughts of others. The group will receive a zero for the project if it is determined that the paper was plagiarized.