EARLY AMERICA/Colonial Day Project
Early America Project
During this unit we are learning about life in the thirteen British colonies that would eventually become the United States and the reasons why these colonists decided to go to war. Not everyone who lived there at this time was a soldier or involved in the Continental Congress. In fact most people at this time lived fairly “typical” lives where they worked to fill a need in their community.
You are going to take on the role of an apprentice (someone who is training for a job) and teach the rest of the class about what you are learning. Everyone will be given a region (New England, Middle, or Southern colonies) where they live for this project along with a specific job you will be learning about.
You will need to have the following elements as part of your project:
There will be others that share your trade and you are welcome to share your research with each other. When you present, however, you will do so independently.
You will present your final project at our Colonial Jobs fair, which will be held in the Janney cafeteria. Parents are encouraged to attend! Colonial Day will be Friday, March 22, at 9:00am.
Trade Description
Your trade description should answer the following questions:
Printable version of project overview
Colonial Day Clothing Guidelines
Online resources
During this unit we are learning about life in the thirteen British colonies that would eventually become the United States and the reasons why these colonists decided to go to war. Not everyone who lived there at this time was a soldier or involved in the Continental Congress. In fact most people at this time lived fairly “typical” lives where they worked to fill a need in their community.
You are going to take on the role of an apprentice (someone who is training for a job) and teach the rest of the class about what you are learning. Everyone will be given a region (New England, Middle, or Southern colonies) where they live for this project along with a specific job you will be learning about.
You will need to have the following elements as part of your project:
- Where you ‘live’ - Make a map of the town center showing where you live, where you work, and 2-3 places you go to regularly (church, butcher, friend’s house, general store, etc). Write your town name and colony/state in one of the corners. Make the map large enough to display.
- Write a trade description. See the requirements below.
- Create and display your wares (the product that you make). For example, a seamstress can bring in clothing, a wigmaker a wig, etc. Please create/find your own wares! Paper mache is your friend, along with some creativity and a bit of imagination.
- Dress in traditional colonial clothing for the day (see Colonial Clothing file).
- Sign for shop – if your trade has a symbol, include the symbol on your sign.
There will be others that share your trade and you are welcome to share your research with each other. When you present, however, you will do so independently.
You will present your final project at our Colonial Jobs fair, which will be held in the Janney cafeteria. Parents are encouraged to attend! Colonial Day will be Friday, March 22, at 9:00am.
- Possible Trades
- Apothecary
- Baker
- Blacksmith
- Brick Maker
- Chandler
- General Store Owner
- Printer/Binder
- Tailor/Seamstress
- Tavern Owner
- Tinsmith
- Wigmaker
Trade Description
Your trade description should answer the following questions:
- What is a person in your trade called?
- What does your trade produce? What do you do?
- Who buys or uses your goods?
- What tools are needed to produce the product and how are they used?
- What raw materials are used to make the product?
- How do you change the raw materials into the final product?
- What are the responsibilities of an apprentice in this trade?
- What are the responsibilities of a master in this trade?
Printable version of project overview
Colonial Day Clothing Guidelines
Online resources