Colonial Williamsburg WebQuest

Edited by Ms. Wilburn for Winget Park 5th Grade

Introduction

The culmination of the Upper Elementary experience this year is the Fifth Grade trip to Williamsburg. Now that you have studied the three colonial regions, you are going to do some research into what life might have been in this Colonial city.

The Task

You will work on your own and in small groups to research a variety of information about Colonial life in Williamsburg. You will share your findings with your classmates when you get to Williamsburg. When you return from Williamsburg you will compare your experiences on that trip with the research you did prior to your departure.

The Process Stage 1

Each of you will research a building in Williamsburg. Since there are more students than buildings, some of you may work together. Decide which building each of you will research and prepare a presentation to be given to your classmates. These presentations will be given before you enter the building.

The BuildingsBassett Hall Bruton Parish Church

Capitol Carter’s Grove

Courthouse Thomas Everard House

Governor’s Palace Magazine

Public Gaol Public Hospital

Raleigh Tavern Wetherburn's Tavern

Wren Building

Locate your building on the attached map.

The Process Stage 2

Individuals will now research one of the various trades in which you might have been engaged during Colonial times. Each of you is to select a different trade and present your findings to your classmates.

The TradesApothecary Basketmaker

Blacksmith Brickmaker

Cabinetmaker Carpenter

Cooper Founder

Gunsmith Miller

Milliner Printer & Binder

Wigmaker Shoemaker

Silversmith Wheelwright

The Process Stage 3The People

Next, learn something about the people of Williamsburg. Your group will choose one of the groups listed below to research.•African-Americans •Colonial Children •The Geddys: A Family of Tradesmen •The Randolphs: A Family of Influence

Generate a list of 10 facts you learned about your group of people.

The Process Stage 4Major Events

Finally, create a timeline containing 5 or more major events in the history of Williamsburg. Colonial WilliamsburgThe official web site of Colonial Williamsburg. Founding FathersResources and information on the first American patriots. In Williamsburg, the Painful Reality of SlaveryThis Washington Post article reviews programs that show the reality of slaves' experiences in Colonial Williamsburg.The Diversity of Colonial Communities: 1700-1750 (DiscoveryEd login needed)Explores the growth of the American colonies by investigating the institutions of law, representative government, religion, commerce, slavery and public education during the period prior to the Revolutionary War. Living history segments reveal the hardships of colonial life, including the struggle between early settlers and Native Americans as the westward expansion increased hostile encounters.

Explore the web sites indicated above to learn about the colonial town of Williamsburg. You will find all of the information you need on these sites or in books. Remember to document all of your sources in a detailed bibliography using this link: Mrs. Coughlin’s bibliography

Evaluation

Your presentations will be evaluated using the rubric on the 5th Grade Wiki Page. Since it took a group effort to perform some of the research, it will be a group evaluation. You must carry your fair share.

Conclusion

Life in Colonial America is best studied through the buildings that were built, the trades that were performed and the major events that occurred. Understanding those aspects of life is important in understanding a very important time in history that made us the country that we have become.

Enjoy your tour of Colonial Williamsburg!!!