Life in the British Colonies in America, United States History, Era 2 (1585-1763

This course is the second in the series to cover the 9 eras of American History. We cover the voluntary and forced immigration in North America as well as the growth of the American colonies. Lessons are planned using the UCLA history standards. Classes in this series do not need to be completed in chronological order. 

This class will be a mix of lecture and interactive note-taking, virtual discussion, and projects/games/activities that extend learning. Students will often guide their own learning by asking meaningful questions and seeking the answers through primary sources. 

Lessons and interaction as part of this Flex class include:
--sharing feedback and assignments via Flipgrid
--using Nearpod to interact with other students and the teacher
--reacting to learning in the classroom and responding to others' learning as well
--competing with classmates using Kahoot

Week 1
What was the Start of England's Settlement in the "New World?"
Using primary sources from and multiple perspectives, students will learn about the follow aspects of Virginia's settlement.
---the Virginia Company of London and the first England charter on the American continents
---the local government with the House of Burgesses
---identify how the local Powhatan were living and the adverse effects Jamestown had on their people

Week 2
What Brought People to the Colonies?
Using primary sources, students will focus on the following factors that brought people to the Maryland Colony. 
---seeking a refuge from religious persecution
---forced migration and involuntary servitude (slavery)
---convicted criminals from England

Week 3
What Were the Differences Between the British Colonies in America?
Using primary sources and videos, students will learn about the regions of colonies. 
---New England, Middle, and Southern Colonies
---population, economics, government, and slavery
---individual colonies and their differences

Week 4
Who Were the Puritans and What Were the Salem Witch Trials?
Using primary sources and videos, students will learn about the migration of the Puritans and life in Massachusetts. 
---religious persecution of the Puritans
---the Mayflower landing in present-day Massachusetts
---causes of the infamous Salem Witch Trials

Week 5
Why Did European Settlers Enslave Africans?
Using primary sources and identifying multiple perspectives, students will examine the African Slave Trade.
---the beginnings and causes of the slave trade and the effect it had on the Native Americans 
---the effects of Bacon’s Rebellion on race-based slavery
---laws outlined in the Virginia Slave Code
---the Stono rebellion 

Week 6
What Role Did Indentured Servants Play in the Colonies?
Using primary sources and identifying multiple perspectives, students will learn about the following aspects of Indentured Servitude.
---definition of an indentured servant and reasons behind it from both sides
---the contracts of indentured servants and unbalanced benefits of them
---Bacon's rebellion and the role of rebellion in Colonial America

Week 7
What Was the Manhattan Purchase, Really?
Using primary sources and identifying multiple perspectives, students will understand the following about the Manhattan "Purchase."
---the Native American's interpretation of land ownership and commerce
---European's interpretation of land ownership and commerce
---the events that occurred and the implications from these events

Week 8
What Was Ocean Travel Like and How Did it Differ for Various Peoples?
Using primary sources of real-life perspectives, students will gain an understanding of ocean travel during the time.
---the discomforts of travel of a commercial ship captain
---traveling as a woman during the time
---the forced travel as a slave compared to travel of the ship's superintendent 

Students of all backgrounds and learning abilities are welcome in my classroom. If there is an accommodation you'd like me to make for your child, please reach out. This classroom is a safe space.