Materials

• Completed chart from session 2 (Attachment A)
• Maps of colonial America
• Overhead or handout of the questions for step #2
• Outline map of the colonies

Instructional Activities

1. Briefly review previous session’s activities, as needed.
   
   
2. Begin discussion by having students focus on the Middle Atlantic region. Students should participate in the discussion, using the information identified in their completed chart. They should correct or amend their chart during discussion. Examples of questions to guide discussion include
   • Where is the Middle Atlantic region?
   • What group settled in the Middle Atlantic region?
   • Who were the key individuals associated with the settlement?
   • Where did they come from and why? (Include details of the circumstances in which these individuals were living prior to coming to America. Include the length and conditions of the journey and the probable route taken.)
   • When was this region settled?
   • What type of government was established upon arrival? How did this government compare to the one in the settlers’ previous country?
   • Who supported or financed the journey? Why?
   • What conditions did the settlers encounter upon arrival in the New World? How did they relate to the American Indians (First Americans)?
   • What type of agriculture or commerce was most successful in the area?
   
   NOTE: To assist students who have disabilities or limited English proficiency, these questions may be printed on a handout with space for students to take notes during discussion. Label the handout “Information on the Middle Atlantic region.
   
   
3. Provide each student with an outline map of the colonies. Instruct them to begin color-coding the map with information on New England and the Middle Atlantic region. They should reflect on the map the following information: type of agriculture or commerce (e.g., shipping, wheat, cattle), the groups that settled in the area (e.g., Dutch, Swedish, Puritans, British, German, Jews), and dominant religion. Information on Virginia, Jamestown, and the additional Southern colonies will be added later.
   
   
4. Recommend some discussion about ongoing wars involving Great Britain, France, the Netherlands, Spain, etc. in the context of the threat faced by each of these. Also, include a discussion on disease, starvation, climate, hostile natives, etc.