The Process

This WebQuest will help you better understand what life was like in colonial America. You will work in groups of four students to gather information about life during colonial times from the perspectives of slaves, artisans, farmers, and women.

Begin your study of colonial America by exploring information about the original thirteen colonies. The following links will give you an overview of the general characteristics of the colonies.

• Overview of Colonial Life
  (http://www.east-buc.k12.is.us/00_01/CA/13c4.htm)
• Life in the 13 American Colonies
  (http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/ushistory/13colonieslife.htm)
• Characteristics of the Colonies
  (http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/ushistory/13colonies2.htm)

Then, each of you will choose a role from the four choices: Slave, Artisan, Farmer or Woman.  You will investigate 18th century colonial America from the viewpoint of the character you chose.

You will access the links below to provide the information you will use to develop the identity of your character. Bring your character to life by writing a journal entry to describe him or her. Give the reader a vivid picture of your life by including detailed personal information. Feel free to include other interesting information you discover. Your teacher will determine the length and format of your journal entry.

Roles
Use the Role Development Worksheet (PDF) to guide you in developing your character. Explore the following sites for your role:

Slave

• Chronicling Black Lives in Colonial New England 
  (http://www.csmonitor.com/durable/1997/10/29/feat/feat.1.html)
• Slavery Trends
  (http://www.east-buc.k12.ia.us/00_01/CA/sla2.htm)
• Introduction to Colonial African-American Life (http://www.history.org/Almanack/people/african/aaintro.cfm)
• African American Clothing
  (http://www.history.org/history/clothing/intro/aa_cover.cfm)

Artisan 

• Trades
  (http://www.history.org/Almanack/life/trades/tradehdr.cfm)
• Tradesmen Clothing
  (http://www.history.org/history/clothing/intro/tradescover.cfm)

Farmer

• Farmers
  (http://socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/ushistory/13coloniesfarm.htm)
• History of American Agriculture
  (http://teach1.cses.vt.edu/ch2.html)
• Men's Clothing
  (http://www.history.org/history/clothing/men/index.cfm)

Woman

• Colonial Times:  Women
  (http://www.angelfire.com/ca/HistoryGals/Chloe.html)
• Women's Clothing
  (http://www.history.org/history/clothing/women/index.cfm)

When your character is fully alive on paper, meet with your group to create a play to share with your classmates. Each role should be equally represented. Use the Story Map Graphic Organizer (PDF) to brainstorm story ideas. When the group has come to an agreement write out your parts and practice your roles. Your group will perform the play for the class. Use the rubrics provided to guide your creativity.