The Founding of the 13 Original Colonies WebQuest
By: Teri Beckner & Kristen Robertson
Edited by Rachel Vettiner
Introduction

Your expertise is needed immediately! We need three historians to report on the 13 original colonies. The information you provide will be used to teach others about colonial times. Through researching the colonization of America, you will discover the similarities and differences of the Southern, Middle and New England Colonies. For each region you will uncover the hardships that the settlers faced while creating a new life that was accepting of everyone. You will discover the challenges they faced territorial, differences and similarities, and religious factors.

After analyzing your findings, your team will create a multimedia presentation and a timeline to illustrate the colonization period.

The Task

The task is to identify and make discoveries of the 13 original colonies. You will uncover this information through research. Your final report will include:

  • Identification of the 13 original colonies
  • The founders of each colony and the year it was founded
  • Descriptions of why the founding of the colonies
  • Geographical characteristics of each colony
  • The role of religious development
  • Multimedia presentation
  • A timeline of the regions
The Process
  1. Each team will be divided into three experts, one for each region.
  2. Each expert must print out their Information Sheet for their region.
  3. Review some key terminology of the colonial period.
  4. Using the information sheet to answer the questions below for your area of expertise.
1.List the colonies in your region and who was the founder of the colony?
2.Description of why these colonies were founded.
3.List three geographical characteristics of each colony.
4.What role did religion play in the development of your region?
5.Once the Information Sheet has been completed, all 3 experts will come together to share findings.Each team member needs to share their information with the other members. After discussing the information determine the similarities and difference discovered between the regions. Create a multimedia presentation using PowerPoint. Your discoveries must include a minimum of 10 slides with a presentation lasting 3-5 minutes. The presentation MUST be a collaborative effort.
  1. Develop a pictorial Timeline for Colonial America. Work together as a group to complete the timeline.
    • Using a spreadsheet construct a pictorial timeline for the colonization of the colonies. 
    • *Note: you may use poster board or butcher paper to construct your timeline.
    • Upon completion of your timeline, hang it on the chalk board to share your discoveries.
 
Evaluation

Your team will be given two grades for this project. One grade will be an individual grade and the second will be a grade for the group. The followingrubricswill used for assessment.

Conclusion

You will have a better understanding of how the 13 original colonies were founder after completing this Web Quest. You will have learned about the three regions, religion, and how to work collaboratively as a team.