Jamestown Lesson Plans

Students investigate deaths at Jamestown. For this history lesson, students research the high mortality rate at the Jamestown settlement as they write a position paper supporting or disputing the theories of Dr. Hancock.

Students reflect on the hardships of the settlers and how they overcame them to build Jamestown.  In this United States History lesson, students work in small groups to analyze historical documents from the colonist's time frame then discuss them with their group.

Eighth graders discuss the Jamestown colony and the Powhatan Indians. In this colonial history lesson, 8th graders talk about conflicts between the Native Americans and the colonists. They read a biography about Pocahontas to help them understand her relationship with John Smith. 

Fourth graders have the opportunity to solve one of the two major problems facing the settlers of Jamestown-who to choose as their strong leader. They write a paragraph describing the qualities of a good Jamestown leader.

Students study census data showing names and occupations of early settlers of English settlement at Jamestown, Virginia, to discern how life changed in the Jamestown settlement in the first few years after it was founded.

Fourth graders examine the economy and the goods traded between the English and natives at Jamestown. They watch a video, explore various websites, discuss photos, complete a worksheet, and write a newspaper article giving advice to settlers about trading.

Eighth graders investigate the history of the United States by researching Jamestown. In this archaeological instructional activity, 8th graders attend a field trip to historical Jamestown in Virgina to discover key figures that formed our country. Students observe historical artifacts from the early colonial period using the Internet.

Students discover the Jamestown Colony. In this lesson on colonial America, students use primary resources to understand the hardships and challenges faced by the founders of Jamestown. Students work in small groups to create an imaginary “settlement” like Jamestown. 

Fourth graders review their prior knowledge from the previous lessons of this unit on Jamestown. After reading a novel, they examine and discuss the life of Pocahontas. Using the internet, they answer comprehension questions and write a descriptive letter about her life.

Ninth graders create Jamestown time capsules. In this colonial America activity, 9th graders research the Jamestown colony. Students create artifacts, maps, and documents that are historically accurate to the colony and "bury" them in the time capsules.