Embedded Files
Project 4:
9 Steps in Creating a Project Based Learning Activity
1) Setting the Stage
When groups of people immigrate to a new place, these groups will often establish some form of a functioning town. Most notably, the 13 colonies were established by English immigrants. Once in America, these people would emulate towns and cities found in their native country. Today, these cities and towns, like New York City or Wayne, NJ, are centers for living, jobs, economic success, access to various goods, and more.
2) Taking on the Role
Students are being tasked with creating their own town/ establishment in one of the middle colonies. Students must work together to create a blueprint for the town using the money provided. It is important to note that colonists rarely arrived with an abundance of resources, so they had to trade with Natives, other colonists, or be self-sufficient. In addition, students must design a plan that will all the establishment to function for 6 months without losing any of its colonists and being cost effective.
3) Background Information
Students will be provided the following readings for more information on each of the colonies and how the people in that colony survived. Students will also read an article from Pennsylvania State University about what is necessary for a strong community.
*Note: the Founding of the 13 Colonies PDF is a paid resource. It is only posted for project purposes, and not for distribution*
1_Founding_of_the_13_Colonies_Reading_Passage_Verson_Colonial_America.pdf13 colonies cheat sheet.docx
4) Negotiating the Criteria for Evaluation
Areas for evaluation are:
Create a working blueprint for establishing a town that will house, feed, protect, and clothe its 100 members for 6 months, which is when reinforcements will come from England.
Another goal is using the statistics provided, create an economic plan that will sustain its colonists for the least amount of money from the $1000 grant given by the English Parliament.
A safety plan to prevent outside threats
The colonists are given $1000 by the English Parliament to establish the town
5) Necessary Materials:
6) Creating the Project
a) Students will create a blue print of their town. This will be completed on Lucid Chart Floor Plans . Lucid Chart allows for students to collaborate . A blue print can also be completed on a Google Drawing or a Google Jamboard.
b) Students will need to create a budget using the template in step 5.
c) Questions to ask:
What do you think is most important to have for survival? The least?
Consider the yield each animal produces when purchasing. What else can that animal be used for besides what is listed?
Is there a better layout of the town for safety purposes?
Encourage students to journal what is going well and where there are difficulties
7) Preparing to Present the Project
Points to consider:
Who designed the town's blue print, who focused on the economy/ safety?
Why did you group decide to spend the money the way it did?
How did you decide on the responsibilities of each person?
Be prepared to explain why your group purchased the specific amount of each item
Who will explain what part of the town?
Visual appeal/ ease of understanding the blue print
The cost breakdown of your town's purchases
8) Presenting the Project
Each group will present their blueprint and economic breakdown
There will be 3 judgements:
1) The most cost effective plan (based on the total spent)
2) The best designed blue print based on food supply, safety, and functionality (class
ranking via Google Form)
3) Best presentation (visual appeal, speaking, explanation) (class decision via Google Form)
9) Reflecting on the Process and Evaluating the Process
Students will have a class discussion on what they liked about each blueprint, what challenges may have arisen as a settler in the 1600s, what other problems settlers faced, how was working with other group members. Students will also complete either a written reflection or Flip Grid to share their individual thoughts on the simulation.
Remote Learning Modifications
1) Blue print can be completed on Lucid Chart, Google Drawings, or Google Jam Board
2) Economic numbers can be computed on a spreadsheet or using an online calculator
3) Presentation: speech via Google docs, Visuals Google Slides and pre-recorded with voiceovers
4) Use break out rooms to monitor each group's progress
5) Reflections can still be recorded on Flip Grid or written on a Google Doc
Rubric
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