Teacher Guide
The American Colonies
Group Project
Divide the class into three groups of students (preferably heterogeneous groups unless
otherwise noted) and assign each group one of the three groups of colonies.
New England Colonies
Chapter 5
Middle Colonies
Chapter 6
Southern Colonies
Chapter 7
Each group will then divide itself into subgroups which will research particular
aspects of the group’s colonies. These focus groups will prepare presentations in the
following categories:
History: [Suggested product: Illustrated Timeline]
The challenges, opportunities, and contributions of immigrants to these colonies (5.4G);
Accomplishments of the leaders in their area [might include Anne Hutchinson, William
Penn, John Smith, and/or Roger Williams] (5.1B); When, where, and why people settled
in this area (5.1A) [Also local matrix #s 103,104,108]
Geography: [Suggested product: Map with Written Details]
Geographic factors such as climate, land use, vegetation, and water sources that
influenced where these colonists lived (5.8D); Descriptions and analyses of clusters of
settlement (5.8B); Types of settlements and patterns of land use (5.8A); Ways and
reasons the colonists adapted to and modified their environments (5.9A,B)
[Also 5.6B and local matrix # 219]
[Good for Special Needs students]
Economics: [Suggested product: Map with Graph]
Economic patterns [in their colonies](5.10B); Economic motivations for exploration and
settlement of the area (5.11A); Major industries of the area- such as fishing, grain
production, indigo, lumber, tobacco, & whaling (5.11B)
Government: [Suggested product: Detailed Venn Diagram]
The system of government in that area, along with how it is similar to and different from
European governments and the governments of other colonies (5.15A)
[Good G.T. group challenge]
Culture: [Suggested product: Museum-type display]
Significant examples of art, music, and literature from the area/ time period (5.22A); and
how these examples reflect the times (5.22B); Similarities and differences within and
among the colonists (5.23A)
{Depending upon the size of your class (and, therefore the size of each group), you may choose to combine
the focus topics.}
Give each of the three large groups a total of at least 15 minutes to present and answer questions. Each
group should include visuals (including a specific timeline) in their presentation. [The specifics are up to
you and should reflect the academic levels/needs of your particular class.]
© L. Canales 2003