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By editing this resource or uploading this into any online marketplace, not only have you misrepresented yourself as the copyright holder but you have freely shared my paid product with thousands, if not millions, of teachers. This is theft, and posting any product to Amazon Inspire (or like networks) is strictly forbidden. I am... - an individual, not a big-box textbook company, who strives to create authentic, hands-on, and engaging Social Studies resources. - very responsive and committed to Customer Service. I respond within a few hours (sometimes within a few minutes) to most email requests. I can be reached at HistoryWithMrE@gmail.com. - committed to making on-going updates to all of my products and frequently take personal requests. - excited that you want to support an individual, not a big-box company. Your purchase helps support a family with two little children, and an educator who spends countless hours researching the best ways to reach kids and make content engaging. - a hard-working person. Please follow the terms of use to ensure that I am fairly compensated for my work. If you have any questions regarding the terms of use, please contact me at HistoryWithMrE@gmail.com. Instructions: 1.) First, this CSI investigation seeks to provide students with the many possibilities that could explain the story of the colonists at Roanoke. I feel it is a good idea to start the activity front-loading the students that this mystery still isn’t solved. This makes it more relevant to the kids, and even makes them believe maybe they could be the ones to crack the case. 2.) I recommend going over the opening page (the background and mission) with the students. Then, I have the class read the opening essay together to “set the stage” for what they will be learning about. This can be done by having volunteers alternate paragraphs, you read the whole section aloud, or have students read silently then debrief as a class. 3.) Then, I typically have students work through each section in partners or by themselves (based on the class) and complete the analytical questions at the end of each section. I ALWAYS “time” my students, so I will give 15 minutes for the first scenario, 10 minutes for the second, etc. You will need to make adjustments based on your class and their ability. 4.) Once the packet has been worked through, students should complete the picture book / graphic novel assignment. The rubric is the last page in this activity. However, before this, it would be good to debrief with the students to check for comprehension. 5.) Great discussion questions include: - Which scenario do you feel is most likely? Why? - What supports the theory that Indians killed the colonists? What supports the theory that they didn’t? (these questions can be changed up for each scenario) - Why do you think this “case” has been so hard to crack? What factors have contributed to the difficulty of this case? - What does current research say about this case? (use the included news story) © History with Mr. E Top Secret Top Secret CSI: THE LOST COLONY OF ROANOKE CSI CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION background: In 1587, 117 colonists departed England to set up a colony at Roanoke Island. When a settler returned to the island in 1590, everything had vanished. All people, animals, and homes were gone. Mission: It is your mission to find out what happened to the colonists at Roanoke Island. Read through the following information closely and carefully. Answer all questions thoroughly in order to document all essential details to the case. Present Your Evidence: After you have analyzed each possible. scenario, you will create a picture book that shows the clues and evidence you have gathered. More information will be given at a later time. © History with Mr. E All Materials in this Case File are Confidential © History with Mr. E CLASSIFIED INFORMATION Read carefully though this introduction to the case, detective! The Lost Colony of Roanoke Island (Killed by Native Americans, Disbanded, or Abducted by Aliens) What happened to the 117 people who tried to establish the first English settlement in America? On April 26, 1587, Governor John White and 117 colonists set sail from Portsmouth, England, to the New World. Their goal was to establish a new colony near Chesapeake Bay. One of the colonists was White's daughter, Elinor, who was married to a man named Ananias Dare and was expecting a baby. Two years earlier, an unsuccessful attempt had been made to establish a settlement on Roanoke Island. Sir Richard Grenville left 100 men on the island and returned to England to get supplies. The colonists grew tired of waiting for Grenville to return and when Sir Francis Drake stopped at Roanoke in June of 1586, they returned to England with him. Grenville arrived on Roanoke two weeks later with supplies and 15 more men. The 15 were to to stay until reinforcements could be brought from England. When White and Company arrived on July 22, 1587, they found the island deserted and the fort demolished. Only the bones of one man were found. Less than a month later, on August 18, White's daughter gave birth to a girl named Virginia - the first English child born in North America. White decided to return to England for supplies, a trip he intended to last 6-8 months. In fact, it was almost three years before White was able to return to Roanoke Island. When he arrived, he found the settlement deserted. The word "Croatoan" was carved into a tree near the palisade encircling the fort; the letters "CRO" were found on another tree. (It was understood that if the colonists had decided to leave the island, they would leave a clue as to their destination; if they were in danger, they would add a cross to the sign.) No cross was found carved into the tree, so it was assumed that the settlers had relocated to Croatoan Island, 50 miles to the south. White wanted to sail to Croatoan to continue the search but he was prevented from doing so by bad weather. He returned to England. What happened to the members of the Lost Colony? There are several theories that have been put forward to explain the disappearance: One such theory is that the settlers were killed by Native Americans. Local tribal members had welcomed the settlers and had helped them to plant corn and fish using a weir. Keep in mind that no cross was carved into the tree, indicating danger, and no bodies, bones or burned-out buildings were found. Another more far-fetched theory is that this is a case of alien abductions, but no concrete evidence has been found to support this. The most accepted theory is that the settlers did relocate to Croatoan Island and may have eventually become members of the tribe. They also could have eventually settled in the Chesapeake Bay area or near the Chowan River. But since no physical evidence has ever been found, all we are left with are theories as to the fate of the members of the Lost Colony. Source: Created and adapted from information at http://www.history.com/ news/ask-history/what-happened-to-the-lost-colony-of-roanoke © History with Mr. E Detective - examine these maps to familiarize yourself with the location! To give you a sense of where Roanoke Island is, examine this map to the left. Because early Europe (in the it makes sense that they would choose to settle on the would become the United States. Here is a close-up view of the eastern coast of North Carolina. Notice the collection of islands that make up the eastern coast. These islands are called the Outer Banks. Roanoke Island is located inside the Outer Banks. Detective, there is one thing you must remember: few primary source documents or artifacts exist from this time period. However, I was able to get my hands on this map for you! This map was created by the early settlers at Roanoke. I have circled Roanoke Island on the map for you! © History with Mr. E SCENARIO 1: ROANOKE COLONISTS MOVED TO CROATOAN ISLAND History is filled with mysteries, but perhaps none is more interesting than the whereabouts of the Roanoke settlers who history has nicknamed the “lost colonists.” Many theories abound as to what happened to the settlers. In many cases though, the simplest explanation is often the correct one. There are only a couple clues to work with, and that might be all we need to solve this mystery. When John White left the settlement in 1587 to gather more supplies White and the colonists had a general method for communication established. The colonists were told to carve the name of the place they were going on a tree if they ever left the area; they were also told to carve a cross if they were in danger. When White returned in 1590, he found the word “CROATOAN” carved on a tree and the word “CRO” carved on the only remnant left behind by the settlers, a fence post. No cross was ever found. John White and his crew searched the nearby island but there was no other trace of the colonists. Based on the clues, White himself believed the colonists traveled to the nearby island they called Croatoan (modern day Hatteras Island in the Outer Banks). According to his records, White was relieved the colonists were safe. He believed they found refuge with a man named Mateo. The settlers had met Mateo when they first landed in 1584. Ironically, Mateo actually spoke English after traveling to England on two separate occasions. John White also wrote in his diary that, after giving up the search and starting their return to England, he saw columns of smoke coming from Croatoan Island. A fierce storm prevented him from exploring further, but he wrote that he believed it was proof the colonists were safe and well. No major discoveries were made regarding the fate of the lost colonists for the next four hundred years. In 1993, however, Hurricane Emily struck the Outer Banks and caused record flooding. This massive storm ripped apart 10 feet of soil and sludge in some parts of Hatteras Island (the island that used to be known as Croatoan Island) and unearthed several more clues that support the theory that the colonists relocated here. Until this time, only Croatoan artifacts were discovered. However, after the storm surge from Hurricane Emily, many European artifacts were found as well. Among those found include metal pots and pans, lead bullets, nails, bricks, a gun that dates to 1583, and a gold ring with a family insignia on it. European skeletons have also been found on Hatteras Island, however experts have been unable to connect the skeletal remains with anyone on the Roanoke expedition. What do you think, detective? Does the evidence of the tree and post carvings, the history of Mateo, and the European artifacts discovered after Hurricane Emily point to this theory being the likeliest one? Or do you believe that there are other explanations for the fate of the lost colonists? © History with Mr. E (ring from Croatoan Island) (lead bullets) (brass buttons) (pots and pans) © History with Mr. E SCENARIO 2: THE COLONISTS WERE TAKEN HOSTAGE OR KILLED BY THE SPANISH Saint Augustine was a colony Spain had in the New World. This colony is located on the eastern coast of what is now known as the state of Florida, USA. Spanish soldiers who were living there in 1588 heard reports that England had established a new colony in the New World. The English were at war with Spain and if the location of their settlement got out, the Spanish would find and kill the colonists. The Spanish had already killed off a French attempt to settle down in Florida back in 1562, killing over 130 men. Spain knew that this English colony was located north somewhere near Chesapeake Bay. The Spanish sent their ships up the coast to destroy the English colonists. The English colonists were seen by the Spanish ships as they sailed their small boats south from Roanoke Island to live with the Croatoan tribe on the nearby Croatoan Island. The Spanish ships attacked the English colonists and took them hostage. They may have killed them. This is the reason why English settler's boats were missing when John White returned in 1590 to Roanoke. English ships and the Spanish Armada, August 1588. The fear of Spanish attack was certainly a real one. In 1607, the first English colony known as Jamestown was constructed along the James River. It was built far up the James River, far out of site, for this very reason. The English feared that the roaming Spanish ships would spot the colony and launch an attack. This would keep all of the New World as a Spanish possession. Roanoke Island Croatoan Island It is 540 miles from Roanoke Island to Saint Augustine Saint Augustine © History with Mr. E SCENARIO 3: THE COLONISTS STARVED TO DEATH OR WERE LOST AT SEA Others speculate that the colonists simply gave up waiting, tried to return to England on their own, and perished in the attempt. When Governor White left in 1587, he left the colonists with a pinnace (a small boat) for exploration of the coast or removal of the colony to the mainland. Another claim suggests that, with the region in drought (a period of very low rainfall), the colony must have suffered a massive food shortage. The researchers concluded that the settlers of the Lost Colony landed at Roanoke Island in the summer of the worst growingseason drought in 800 years. "This drought persisted for 3 years, from 1587 to 1589, and is the driest 3-year episode in the entire 800-year reconstruction," the team reported in the journal Science. A map shows that "the Lost Colony drought affected the entire southeastern United States but was particularly severe in the Tidewater region near Roanoke [Island]." The authors suggested that the Croatoan who were shot and killed by the colonists may have been scavenging the abandoned village for food as a result of the drought. Do not underestimate how difficult it would be to survive in a faraway land without adequate supplies or help. When the Jamestown colony started in 1607, settlers experienced a similar drought and endured a “starving time” in the winter of 1609-1610. As the Jamestown residents and the local Powhatan struggled for survival, many clashes took place which limited the colonists ability to get help. Colonists were forced to eat their horses, dogs, rats, and even the leather from their boots. Nearly 90% of the colonists died in this event. This is only show that if it happened at Jamestown roughly 20 years later, is it possible at Roanoke? © History with Mr. E Roanoke Island Croatoan Island 10 miles © History with Mr. E SCENARIO 4: THE COLONISTS WERE KILLED BY NATIVE AMERICANS Before the second attempt to establish a colony, the English were first led by Ralph Lane to establish a presence in North America. Things went well until Sir Ralph Lane, the colony commander, angered the native people with his harsh policies. They fought back, killing one of the settlers. The rest of the colonists were forced to leave the colony, but the native people would not forget. Several explorers who helped build the Ralph Lane colony returned to check on their progress. Because of the tense relationship with the local population, the colonists had left, so when the explorers arrived, they did not find anyone. However, what they did find was interesting. They found remnants of one dead body, killed by tomahawk and scalp wounds. The body was of a European man and was found in several pieces, in several different places, giving the thought that the native people tried to hide the remains. This brings up other questions. Why hide the remains? The English were clearly in a weakened state and in no way could they successfully defeat the much stronger native people. Perhaps they attempted to hide the remains because they were also low on supplies and did not wish to risk a larger war event? In any event, from this past history, we believe that the native people could be violent. We also know they were capable of hiding the bodies. After what the residents of the Ralph Lane colony did to the native people, it is easy to believe they would seek revenge. When the leader of the Lost Colony, John White, returned to England for more supplies, is it possible the native people would attack the second group of colonists? Remember: when he returned several years later, all houses and forts had disappeared. That would be more than enough time to tear everything down, burn, or otherwise destroy, all the evidence, and erase virtually all traces of the Roanoke colony. © History with Mr. E SCENARIO 5: THE COLONISTS WERE KILLED BY A DISEASE It is true that the English had brought over many diseases. However, there were no bodies found and the houses had disappeared. The only body that was ever found was shortly after the Ralph Lane colony left for England. No bodies were ever recovered from the Lost Colony expedition. While most diseases were brought from the Old World to the New World, there were several diseases that future colonists would die from, including dysentery, cholera, and “Burning Fever.” SCENARIO 6: THE COLONY WAS DESTROYED BY A HURRICANE Another possible theory is that the Roanoke Colony was destroyed by a massive hurricane. Remember, in 1993 Hurricane Emily hit the Outer Banks and unearthed so much land that a massive collection of artifacts were discovered. Is it possible a similar hurricane hit the island? Emily was a category 3 hurricane and the state averages one of those every 4-7 years. Only one category 4 hurricane ever hit North Carolina, and that was Hurricane Hazel in 1954 (it killed 469 people in Haiti and 95 in the United States). Only five hurricanes reached land in the United States as a category 5; none of these reached North Carolina but two hit Florida, and a simple nudge north could have clobbered the Outer Banks. Such a storm, without the advantage of modern storm protections, could have washed away the colonists and destroyed all of the homes and forts. However, there is a huge problem with this theory. See if you © History with Mr. E can find why this theory is very unlikely. © History with Mr. E NEW EVIDENCE DISCOVERED IN MAY, 2012 Experts from the First Colony Foundation (they study the Roanoke colonists) and the British Museum in London (they own John Whites‘s drawings and maps, like the one to the right) issued a statement on May 4, 2012. They believe that some important details on White’s map of the Carolina coast have been ignored. Those details, they believe, give us a huge clue in determining the fate of the lost colonists. Notice the ship in the left-center of the map. Then, look to the left of the ship where the river forks into two. Do you see the slightly discolored “patch” on land right where the river forks? I’ve zoomed in on the location in the middle map below. This huge breakthrough all began when researcher Brent Lane noticed the discoloration and began to ask the question “What is underneath the patch?” So, researchers decided to take a look. Using ultraviolet lighting, researchers were able to see underneath the patch without the fear of damaging the original map. What they found underneath is shocking - and raises some questions of its own! Researchers have discovered a drawing of a much larger fort. This fort was entirely unknown until it was discovered on this map. Now, what can this tell us about the whereabouts of the “lost colonists”? Researchers believe this fort is a sign as to where the colonists traveled to. According to White’s diaries, he knew the settlers had planned to move "50 miles into the mainland.” He also clearly states that the colonists planned to establish a more permanent settlement further inland. Until now, most historians believed the colonists had traveled south to live with the Croatoans, but the discovery of this fort offers the first new clue in centuries about the 95 settlers. Unfortunately, the location of this fort is currently owned by private companies and part is underneath a golf course, so excavation will not be happening anytime soon. Now, detective, here is where we need your help. Think about how these new discoveries impact the case. Source: Created and adapted from information at http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/04/us/map-markings-offer-clues-to-lost-colony.html © History with Mr. E SCENARIO 1: ROANOKE COLONISTS MOVED TO CROATOAN ISLAND 1.) Think about the European artifacts that were supposedly unearthed by Hurricane Emily. What other ways could these items have been found at the island? 2.) Examine the picture to the right very closely. What is happening in this picture? Document three ideas. 3.) Look closely at this picture and review the evidence from Station 1. Does this picture help prove or disprove the belief that the colonists went to Croatoan Island? 4.) Other than being written by the colonists, are there any other explanations as to how the words “CRO” and “CROATOAN” appeared? List anything that is even remotely possible! This image is titled “Indians Round A Fire” and was sketched by settler John White, circa 1585-1586 5.) How likely is it that this scenario happened? Explain your answer. (Remember, you are a detective so every detail matters!) SCENARIO 2: THE COLONISTS WERE TAKEN HOSTAGE OR KILLED BY THE SPANISH 1.) If Spain did kidnap or kill the colonists, they would have had to travel 540 miles. If they could travel 70 miles a day, how long would it have taken them to arrive at Roanoke Island? What about 100 miles a day? © History with Mr. E © History with Mr. E 2.) Why would Spain have done this? (Read carefully detective!) 3.) Think of the journey the Spanish would have taken. What challenges would they have faced? 4.) How likely is it that this scenario happened? Explain your answer. SCENARIO 3: COLONISTS STARVED TO DEATH OR LOST AT SEA 1.) Use the scale to determine distance. How far would the colonists had to travel IF they chose to travel to Croatoan Island? Show your work in the space provided. 2.) Is it possible they would have gotten lost in their journey? Why or Why not? 3.) What other problems might they have run into on this journey? SCENARIO 4: THE COLONISTS WERE KILLED BY NATIVE AMERICANS 1.) Examine the image on scenario 4. What activities does the drawing above seem to be depicting? 2.) What can you deduce about the tribe’s relationship with outside groups? © History with Mr. E 3). After reading and looking at this picture, do you think native people killed the colonists? Why or Why not? SCENARIO 5: THE COLONISTS WERE KILLED BY A DISEASE 1.) On a scale from 1 (least likely) to 10 (most likely), how likely do you think the “disease theory” is? Please explain your answer. SCENARIO 6: THE COLONY WAS DESTROYED BY A HURRICANE 1.) On a scale from 1 (least likely) to 10 (most likely), how likely do you think the “hurricane theory” is? Please explain your answer. * * NEW EVIDENCE ** 1.) Let’s say for a second that the fort that appears on this map never actually existed. Then, why would White draw it on the map? 2.) Think about who is paying for John White’s voyages to the Americas: Queen Elizabeth I of England. She is investing money to hopefully find riches in the New World. Would White have reason to say a fort is there, when in fact it is not? Explain yourself! 3.) Now, let’s assume the fort did exist and the colonists traveled there. Why would White cover the fort with a patch? 4.) What do you think about this new discovery? How does the discovery of this fort impact your thinking on what happened? © History with Mr. E © History with Mr. E IN YOUR WORDS... DIRECTIONS: In the space provided, explain what you think happened to the lost colonists. Use everything you have learned in this investigation to form your opinion. You must support your opinion with facts, details, and evidence from these case files. © History with Mr. E THE LOST COLONY - A PICTURE BOOK / GRAPHIC NOVEL ASSIGNMENT You have three options for your assignment: 1. Focus on ONE possible scenario that could have occurred and tell a detailed, in-depth story of what happened. OR 2. Did you come up with a “different” theory as to what happened to the Lost Colonists? If so, feel free to create your story based around your theory. Be sure to incorporate the evidence and details that we know of! OR 3. Write a story that covers ALL the possible scenarios and “what you think happened” in brief detail Rubric: ________ / _________: An accurate story that uses evidence and specific details from class ________ / _________: At least 6 pages (including cover page) with pictures, dialogue, and color ________ / _________: Creativity / Attention to Detail (time, effort, care, etc.) © History with Mr. E