Colonial Craftsman Project
Colonial craftspeople provided a full range of goods and services
essential to life in the early years of the nation. They used a variety of
tools, techniques and basic equipment. Special skills were required for the
various jobs performed by the craftsmen.
Often a trade was economically dependent on other trades. Even
today one finds benefits and effects of items made by craftsmen in the
colonial times. Each craft carries with it a special history.
Project:
You will be assigned a colonial craftsperson to research. The results of
your research will include a typed report with the following:
1. the history and growth of the craft in the colonies
2. technique and tools needed for this craft
3. the importance, benefits, and effects of this craft to the settlers
and their culture
4. description of the craft today
5. terms related to your craftperson presented in glossary form
(minimum 12 words)
The report will include examples, pictures and drawings.
Each craftsperson will present the results of the research to the class as
part of a Living Museum. Each student will:
1. Prepare a presentation in which you act out the part of your
craftsperson demonstrating your craft and explaining the history,
tools, techniques, and benefits of your craft.
2. Dress in a costume appropriate for your craft.
3. Bring in tools, exhibits, displays, or other artifacts necessary to
educate others about your craft.
Colonial Craftsman Project Deadlines
RESEARCH
1. Check out craftsman book and find one website
2. Take notes on all five topics
DUE DATES
Monday 11/18
Thursday 11/26
DRAFTING
1. Plan and write about history
2. Plan and write about techniques/tools
3. Plan and write about importance, benefits, effects
4. Plan and write about comparison
5. Organize your glossary notes in alphabetical order
Tuesday 12/3
Wednesday 12/4
Thursday 12/5
Friday 12/6
Friday 12/6
REVISING/EDITING
1. Revise with a partner
2. Edit with a partner
Monday 12/9
Tuesday 12/10
PUBLISHING
1. Make a front cover for the book
2. Illustrations
3. Type or write all text
FINAL BOOK DUE DATE!!!
PRESENTATION DATE!!
Friday 11/30
Friday 12/12
Wednesday 12/12
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12TH
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13TH
*Each deadline needs to be approved by your teachers, and initials marked on this page, to
receive credit for meeting all of the deadlines.
Research tips:
 As you read, organize the information by research categories (A note card or
two or a section on Word Notes for each of the five topics)
 Use outlining strategies when taking notes to make each idea stand out and to
separate main ideas from details.
 Read the information carefully. Stop, close the book and then write what you
learned in your own words (Paraphrase).
 Underline or highlight key words as you take notes - add them to your
glossary list with definitions
 Skip lines when taking notes on cards to make information easier to read.
 Remember to read all titles, headings, subtitles, and captions- they are very
helpful in organizing your thinking and also have extra details