Representative government in the 13 original colonies was based primarily on the English system and  set the pattern for our government today. Pick one colony and discuss how their government worked in the early 1700s.

The 13 original English colonies are usually divided into three groups by where they are located. Pick one of the colony groups (New England,  Middle, or Southern) and discuss what the people living there did to support themselves and their families.

Think about the thirteen colonies. Consider the land, climate, leadership and purpose of each colony. In which  would you prefer to have lived and why?

Two of the most important English colonies in the New World were Jamestown and Plymouth. How did these colonies differ? What impact did location, religious beliefs, and purpose of each settlement have on how the colonies developed?

The wealth found in North and South America by the Spanish explorers attracted explorers from other countries. Look at the explorations of the French, Dutch and English and comment on the finds and accomplishments or failures of one of their explorers.

Which of the Spanish explorers was most important? Support your answer with details about what the explorer found and what was done with his discovery.

In 1492, Christopher Columbus was the first European to visit the Americas. He claimed the islands he visited for Spain. Today we celebrate his arrival with a holiday. Read the different opinions stated on pages 126 and 127 of Our Nation. Talk to your parents and do some additional research. What do you think? Should Columbus’ accomplishments be recognized with a holiday or not? Don’t forget to give your reasons and back up your reasoning with facts.

Before we begin study of European exploration of North America we are looking at the roots of the exploration movement in Europe. The push for exploration began with men like Marco Polo, Vasco da Gama, and Prince Henry the Navigator. Think about what each man accomplished and comment on the one you think was most influential and had the greatest impact on exploration during the 15th and 16th centuries. Don’t forget to publish your reasons as well as your choice.

Historical maps and timelines are great ways to organize information. In our textbook, Our Nation, every chapter is chocked full of maps and timelines to help us follow the historical record. Check out some/all of the maps and timelines between page 34 and page 81.  Which ones gave you the most information and proved most beneficial in helping you understand the First Americans and Native Americans. Don’t forget to comment on what made the maps/timelines you chose to discuss best.

Pick one of the Native American tribes we have been reading about. Write a comment detailing one thing you have learned about this tribe and why you think it is important.