The Boston Tea Party - Sesame Street Version

Here is Sesame Street News' version of the Boston Tea Party. It's not completely accurate, but it's still entertaining.

Extra Credit: The Boston Massacre

Below are two very different depictions of what took place at the scene of the Boston Massacre. they are written from two very different points of view. One of them is from a Patriot's point of view, the other is more likely from a British, or neutral, point of view. Using what we have learned in class (section 5.5 in your textbook and the video we watched), try and determine which is which. For extra credit, write up a brief statement (2 paragraphs) that explains which picture was drawn from which point of view. Your explanation must be supported with details from what we have read/discussed in class.

You must then add a paragraph in which you explain whether or not it is important to know the truth about what happened in history or not.

This statement must be either typed or neatly written on lined notebook paper, with correct spelling, grammar and punctuation. It must be turned in to me by Tuesday, September 20th to get the extra credit. Keep in mind; the more detailed your explanation is, the more points you will receive.

Illustration 1:

Illustration 2:

Taxation Without Representation

Recently students participated in a history simulation in which most of them played the role of colonists being taxed by the "King" and "Parliament". The "Colonists" were taxed on things such as hair color, clothing, and accesories. The "Colonists" had no say in the taxes and, though they were not happy about it, the "King" and "Parliament" kept demanding more money.

King George, Parliament, and the Tax Collectors:

Jamestown

We are doing a brief overview of Colonial America before we start our first unit on how and why America fought for it's independence. Jamestown was the first permanent successful English colony in the America continents. Essentially, it was the start of America. The English had failed at two previous attempts to set up colonies in the "New World", and they almost failed at this one as well if it wasn't for the ingenuity of Captain John Smith. After a rough start in 1607, Jamestown eventually grew to become the basis of what would be the colony of Virginia. You can find out more by visiting this website.

My wife and I visited the site of Jamestown, where the fort and buildings have been recreated, on our honeymoon in the summer of 2003. Here are some pictures:










Here are some scenes from the experiences of Jamestown settlers that I have recreated for you.

John Smith (far left) helps Jamestown's settlers survive by telling them that if they don't work, they won't eat:


Captain John Smith is about to be clubbed to death by the Powhatan Indians:


But he is saved by the chief's daughter Pocahontas:


The Jamestown settlers are saved from their "Starving Time" by ships carrying supplies and new colonists from England:


Peace between the Jamestown settlers and the Indians is strengthened when John Rolfe marries Pocahontas with the approval of her father Chief Powhatan:

Welcome Back!

The new school year will bring many changes to North Prairie. Classes will be about 30 minutes each and will be very different from your traditional Social Studies class. I look forward to a very FUN and exciting year!!

Here are some first day of school videos to get you in the right frame of mind:

Washington Crossing the Delaware (Sesame Street Style)

The Declaration of Independence