17th Century Events Lesson Plans

Eighth graders draw the paths of the planets in the solar system. In this astronomy instructional activity, 8th graders calculate speed of objects using distance and time information. They research about the work of scientists in the 16th and 17th century.

Young scholars examine the American Holocaust. In this Native American history lesson, students conduct research on infectious diseases that wiped out population of indigenous peoples brought to the New World by Europeans in the 16th and 17th centuries. Young scholars prepare classroom presentations to share their findings.

Students make paint using the ingredients from recipes from the 17th century. In this paint making lesson plan, students follow a recipe with vegetable oil, eggs, pigment, paintbrushes, and more to make their paint.

Students, in groups, research Rembrandt's life and works. They find critiques of his work, as well. Each group reports their findings back to the rest of the class. Finally, they create abstract drawings and write interpretations about their creations.

Students study Galileo and his scientific discoveries. They complete a series of experiments/model constructions, using 17th century equipment and procedures, to "recreate," demonstrate and explore the various discoveries of Galileo.

Students attempt to decipher a 17th century New England land deed to determine ownership of land. They explore how English settler's confusion over land ownership lead to conflict with the Pocumtuck Indian tribe.

Fifth graders sequence events of European exploration and colonization by creating timelines. They define the differences between primary and secondary sources. They discuss claims to Texas land in the 17th Century.

Students discuss jettons and their archaeological importance at Jamestown. They then practice using historic counting sheets and artifacts to understand the calculating methods of the early 17th Century, and identify their similarities with modern numeric systems.

Students examine life in the early 17th century by viewing a film called "Lorna Donne". They identify the politcal scene at the time while noting the major characters. They practice using new vocabulary as well.

Students study the history and culture of 17th century Japan by examining samurai. They review the format of haiku poetry and examine renga poetry. They examine Kamishibai, the Japanese storytelling form and apply it five facts they discover.