Succeeding in the New World – Colonial America

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    • Welcome to Colonial America
    • The Engineering Design Process
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    • Envisioning a New World
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    • Overview of Coordinate Grids
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  • Welcome to Colonial America
  • The Engineering Design Process
  • Explore the Colonies
  • Describe a Settlement
  • Envisioning a New World
  • Research Features of Your Region
  • Criteria for a Successful Settlement
  • Overview of Coordinate Grids
  • Build Your Settlement
  • If I knew then what I know now…

Research Features of Your Region

Each of the early settlements were influenced by their geography. Many Jamestown colonists died in the first years because the water near the settlement was too salty. The colonists in New Amsterdam benefitted from the natural harbor near their location and their access to the Hudson River as an easy trade route.

Now research the geography of the location of your new settlement and reflect on the advantages and disadvantages of the location as you explore the slideshow below.

Geography of the Region



Discuss with your classmates the key advantages and disadvantages of the geography near your proposed settlement. Take notes on the decision trees on pages 5 – 6 of your portfolio.

Teacher Note

Students explore the slideshow to learn about various aspects of the geography of their settlement site.

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Essential Questions

  • How do geographic characteristics determine choices?
  • How do individual communities use scientific ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and the environment?

STEM Career
Connection

photo of Ruth Mitchell Meet archaeologist Ruth Mitchell.

Archaeologists are scientists who study human history and culture by digging up artifacts from the past.

Read More: STEM Career

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