The Original 13 Colonies Project
The first permanent settlement in North America was by the English in 1607. Many
people came to the New World, and by 1732 there were 13 English Colonies. Each
colony had its own unique characteristics, but historians put them into groups based on
where they were, why they were founded, and what kinds of industry they had.
They were divided into three groups:
New England Colonies:
•
Rhode Island
•
Connecticut
•
Massachusetts
•
New Hampshire
Middle Colonies:
•
Delaware
•
Pennsylvania
•
New York
•
New Jersey
Southern Colonies:
•
Maryland
•
Virginia
•
North Carolina
•
South Carolina
•
Georgia
The 13 Colonies grew differently over the years. The objective of this project is to
research and examine using informational books, maps, class text book, and internet
sites to include the following:
•
Gather facts from the Get to Know the Colonies sheet.
•
From your notes you will be able to present orally a description for each of
the aspects of your region. You want to inform your classmates about your
region and make them want to visit.
•
You might want to include pictures. You want settlers to come to your region.
•
Create a map and outline your region and label the colonies in that region.
•
Create a display to showcase your materials in an organized fashion. Include
a title for your display.
Our project will begin with a visit to the library to learn what is available to you in
school. Please feel free to do research at home and bring it to school to add to your
project.
•
You will be expected to work together cooperatively as a region.
•
Work individually to research an area of each colony in the region.
Name_______________________
Here are the key points you are to investigate. All information is to be written on a
4x6 index card.
•
Landforms
•
Bodies of water
•
Climate
•
Natural resources
•
Native American tribes living in the area
Name of tribe
Special aspects of tribe
People who settled the colony
From where did they come?
What customs did they bring with them?
Special aspects of that culture
Government
What was the form of government?
Who was involved?
Important people
Economy
How did people make a living?
Describe the wealthy people
Describe those who ere not wealthy
Religious beliefs
What religions were practiced?
Going beyond
Find what really interests you and do an in-depth investigation
Locate interesting facts about your colony
•
•
•
•
•