Your “Voyage to America” project contains both an individual and group portion, each worth 50 points for a total value of 100 points.

Part I: A Letter from Jamestown(Individual Project)

Step1: Imagine that you traveled across the Atlantic Ocean and areliving in Jamestown, England’s first permanent settlement in North America. You haven’t written to your family or friends back in England since you first arrived. In fact, you’ve been afraid to write them for fear that they’d write back begging you to come home. But now you’ve decided to be brave and go ahead and write that letter. First, use the information provided at each station to find out some details about what it was like to live in Jamestown. Then, answer the questions on the Historical Character Guide worksheet. You may add any additional information you feel is appropriate for your letter.Then write a letter that answers the questions in step 2.

Historical Character Guide

To help you develop your historical character, use the information that you have already learned about Jamestown, your background knowledge about the time period, and the information provided at each station.

Station #1: Colonists

Use the information provided about the groups of colonists who arrived at Jamestown to answer the questions below.

  1. Look at the list of names. Choose an English name for your character. You may take one of the names listed or create your own, but it must be English. If you are going to be a female colonist, look at the bottom of the Second Supply list for the names of the first two women to arrive in the colony. ______
  1. How old is your character (You are most likely an adult (18-55). ______
  2. Is he or she married? If so, describe their spouse? ______
  3. How did you meet your spouse? Did they come with you to Jamestown or did you or your wife come on the Bride Ship? ______

Station # 2: Occupations in the New World

  1. Look at the list of occupations. A definition has been provided for each occupation. What do you do for a living? Describe what your job responsibilities are. ______
  2. If you are married, what does your spouse do for a living? ______

Station # 3: Food and Fun

  1. What do you do for fun during your free time? ______
  2. What type of food do you eat in Jamestown? What are your favorite foods? Have you been eating enough food (This will vary depending upon when you have arrived)? ______

Station # 4: Map

  1. Is Jamestown located in a good place for a colony? Why or why not? ______
  2. What is the fort like? Describe its’ shape and purpose. ______
  3. Look at the map and describe the colony. What buildings were inside of the fort? What were homes made out of? ______

Station #5 Timeline

  1. When did you arrive in Jamestown? Choose a year from 1607-1625. ______
  2. Now look up the year you arrived in the timeline. What is happening in Jamestown during that time? Have slaves arrived yet? The Bride Ship? Was the House of Burgesses formed yet? ______
  3. What is your relationship like with the Native Americans during this time Period?______

Concluding Questions:

  1. Why did you leave England and move to Jamestown? ______
  2. What is the best thing about living there? ______
  3. What is the worst thing about living there? ______
  4. Would you recommend that a family member or friend join you in the New World? Why or why not? ______

Step 2: Your letter must be typed. Please follow the outline below. Spelling, grammar, and punctuation count. Please proofread your work. Remember that you are writing a letter to a friend or family member who knows you. Therefore, your letter should not start as follows: Hello my name is ______and I am ______years old. Remember, you must use information from your research in order for your letter to be accurate.

Outline: Your letter needs to be 4 paragraphs, and organized as follows:

Dear ______, Date ______

Paragraph One: Your Journey

Your letter should have a brief introduction. For example, your letter may start off as follows: I miss you dearly. I’m sorry it has taken so long to write you. You know I went to the New World to…)

Your paragraph must include answers to the following questions:

  • Why did you leave England and move to the New World? Your family/friend most likely already knows this but you can restate it to them here.
  • Describe your journey to Jamestown. How long did it take? What where the conditions like on the ship? When did you arrive in Jamestown?

Paragraph Two: About the Colony

In this paragraph you will describe the colony.

Where the colony is located?

  • How the colony is set up (the geography, buildings, etc.)?
  • Describe your home/living conditions?
  • Describe your relationship with the Native Americans in your area.
  • Describe some of the good or bad things that have happened while living in the colony?

Paragraph Three: Your life in the Colony

  • What do you do for a living (your job)? Describe your job responsibilities.
  • What do you do for fun (is there any free time)?
  • What type of food you have available through hunting, farming, and fishing, or trade with the Natives?
  • If you went to Jamestown with a family, describe how they are doing. If you married someone or had a child since you left England include information about your new spouse and/or child.
  • Describe how you are feeling both emotionally and physically (are you optimistic about the colonies success? Are you homesick? Have you been ill?)

Paragraph Four: Conclusion

You know that your family member/friend is thinking about coming to join you in Jamestown. Would you recommend that they do this, or do you think they should stay in England? Carefully consider what your experience has been like, and give your friend some advice that will help him make this important decision.Provide details to support your recommendation.

Sincerely,

Your Name (Colonist Name)

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