Colonial America
Census of Population and Housing 1790 - The first enumeration began on Monday, August 2,1790, little more than a year after the inauguration of President Washington and shortly before the second session of the first Congress ended. The Congress assigned responsibility for the 1790 census to the marshals of the U.S. judicial districts under an act that, with minor modifications and extensions, governed census-taking through1840. The law required that every household be visited and that completed census schedules be posted in ‘‘two of the most public places within [each jurisdiction], there to remain for the inspection of all concerned...’’ and that‘ ‘the aggregate amount of each description of persons’’ for every district be transmitted to the President. The six inquiries in 1790 called for the name of the head of the family and the number of persons in each household of the following descriptions: Free White males of 16 years and upward (to assess the country’s industrial and military potential), free White males under 16 years, free White females, all other free persons (by sex and color), and slaves. (Y, M, O, T)
Williamsburg Special Events for Homeschoolers - During the year, Colonial Williamsburg designates several weeks as Homeschooler Experiences. In addition to the variety of activities and programming throughout the Historic Area, special programs are scheduled for homeschool participants including a variety of hands-on opportunities. Special rates are available during this period for homeschoolers. Groups or individuals are welcome. Sample itineraries are available, and electronic field trips are available on the website. (T)
(Creating a) Colony in the New World - (Y, M, O, T)
Jamestown Settlement & Yorktown Victory Center Home Educator Program - Jamestown Settlement & Yorktown Victory Center offer History is Fun! for Homeschoolers from February 21 - March 4, 2008. Your homeschool students will love discovering the sights and sounds of the 17th and 18th centuries while learning about their nation's history. And you will love the variety of curriculum-based education programs offered for a range of grade levels - all taught by trained museum educators. Programs are available for families and kids of all ages. (Y, M, O, T)
History of Colonial Money - (Y)
To Market To Market - A Study of the Colonial Economy from 1600-1750 (Y, M, O, T)
The Loyalist Meets the Patriot - Middle and high school students of the American Revolution are much more likely to learn about the attitudes of the Patriots than those of the Loyalists. This activity asks students to write dialogues between Loyalists and Patriots in which both characters express their points of view. In the process, students will learn about the Loyalists' concerns and desires and will consider their own opinions on the Loyalist arguments. Grades 8-12 (O)
The Battle of the Battlefields - The President of the United States has decided that the American people (and also visitors from other countries) should have the opportunity to learn more about the major battles of the War for Independence. He has authorized an award of $1,000,000 for the construction of a new museum at the site of the most important battle fought during the war. The main difficulty, the President has discovered, is determining which battle site should get the money. To make the right decision, the President needs your help! Grade 5. (M)
The Revolutionary War and Children's Literature - Grades 3-8 (Y,M)
America's Heritage: An Adventure in Liberty - This excellent history resource is a newly available, tested curriculum supplement for Kindergarten-12th grade teachers of social studies, U. S. history, U. S. government, political science, economics, geography, speech, and/or related subjects. Written by fellow teachers, the curriculum consists of age-appropriate and modifiable lesson plans grouped into three separate books according to level: elementary, middle, and high school... All lessons emphasize one or more themes of freedom, unity, progress, and responsibility. The curriculum aims not simply to present historical facts but to provide opportunities for students to explore and understand the factual and philosophical significance and meaning behind events, causes, and effects—the whys—relating to and influencing the early history of the United States. Available for Elementary, Middle, and High School levels. Elementary levels contain ESL/Spanish editions. (T)
Teacher Views: The Hatmaker's Sign - Literature Unit study by Katy Smith, Pratt Elementary School. Pratt, WV. Grade 3 (Y)
George Washington - (Y, M, O, T)
Colonial America, 1600-1776 - Uses children's literature to discuss and discover Colonial America (Y, M, O, T)
Revolutionary Unit Including Colonies - Young explorers experience adventure during a ten day journey beginning in Colonial America. In time, they relive the Boston Tea Party, ride with Paul Revere, and sign the Declaration of Independence with Thomas Jefferson. With their new freedom, the young pioneers accompany Lewis and Clark on their early exploration of the west. Through their travels, students will gain an understanding of historical events and leaders from Colonial times through the westward expansion of America. (Y)
The Beginning of a Nation: The Colonial Era - Unit study uses math, science, langauge arts, social studies, writing and geography to introduce colonial America.(grade 3) Uses Adobe Reader. (Y)
Plimoth Plantation - Take a virtual tour of Plimoth Plantation. Step almost four centuries back in time and become part of the living history experience at Plimoth Plantation in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Through its primary living history exhibits, the 1627 Pilgrim Village, Wampanoag homesite and Mayflower II Exhibits, you can discover what it was like that first Thanksgiving. (Y,M)
Unit IV: What Was the American Revolution? 1760-1836 - Crossroads: High School Curriculum (O)
Sail to the New World - Explore Colonial America through Tapestry. And Vice Versa!. (Y, M, O, T)
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Home Educator Experience - Events of the 1770s pushed Williamsburg and its residents into Revolution and Independence. Yet, while politics raged, domestic life and work as well as commerce continued. Learn about running a household and preparing foods, colonial diversions and pastimes as well as education and apprenticeships at the Benjamin Powell House. This original 18th- century site will open exclusively for spring participants in our Home Educator Experience. Explore our shops of our various tradespeople, such as the Blacksmith, Cabinetmaker, Silversmith, Milliner, and Tailor, to find out what kind of work you might have done once you finished your apprenticeship. (Y, M, O, T)