The driving question of the video is 'What difficulties did the colonists face and what ultimately led to the success of Jamestown?" It teaches the lost colony ofRoanoke,joint-stock companyand the Virginia Company's funding of the Jamestown expedition to find riches, the early difficulties including the crazy "starving time", howJohn Smithand thenJohn Rolfehelped to save the colony with leadership and with the cash crop of tobacco. Lastly, it teaches howindentured servantsand thefirst enslaved African peoplewho came in 1619 were used to fill the labor shortage. That same year of1619, the first mini-Parliament, the House of Burgesses opened in Jamestown- leading to the roots of American democracy as well- so students see how much of American history came from Jamestown!
***The lessons cover state-standards while making sure the content is still interesting.
Jamestown Activity: Mini-DBQ With Supports!
After the video, notes, and quiz, then, there is an extension activity for students to investigate 6 primary sources (short readings or images) to learn more about the challenges settling Jamestown. There are questions that can be answered individually or groups before they complete a structured writing assignment.