Picture it: You are hired as a consultant to determine if Sir John's sons should set sail to the British colonies, in that far away place called the
New World. Your job is to use your Pinkerton detective skills to dig up enough information to make sound recommendations based on the individual personalities, and desires of each of his three sons. Do you think you can do it? How do you go about collecting enough data to surmise the best life changing decision for all involved?
Actually, it is easier than you may think. By working through the
The Colonial Economics Regions Unit, you will glean enough information to do just that, and more.
The
Colonial Unit is an early American* (history-based) supplemental program-with a tad of the ole "Lobster backs"** involvement sprinkled in; created for your 6th through 12th grade student(s). With the use of
Google Earth, the newly contracted "adviser" will mesh information from 18th Century history, with today's advanced research technology-so that they can present sound recommendations to their "client" at the conclusion of the study. This is accomplished by following the questions found in the student packet, along with the prompts and internet links strategically placed within the
Google Earth program. The
Colonial Economic Regions Unit covers such subjects as: slavery, the economic diversity of the regions, British laws and regulations that started to fracture the relationship between the colonists, and the religious ideals of the newly established colonies.
My Pondering Points:
I think this is a unique program to have your older students work through, when you are discussing the 13 Colonies with your younger children. Honestly, a lot of the programs get a bit "boring" or "dry" by the time the students enter the upper elementary grades and high school. Finding something to draw them in, while keeping them involved with the material at hand-can be somewhat daunting at times. Especially if you do not want to draw the lessons out for weeks on end. This program is designed to take about 15 hours (give or take) to complete. That alone gives the homeschool educator more freedom to work it into their schedule, as they see fit. Plus, it allows the student to do something a bit more "mature" for their study on the colonies-and not have it be so overwhelming that interest is lost before they are half-way through it.
I found this to be a really interesting way to approach some of the aspects of the early colonies, and the dynamics surrounding the beginnings of our country. The implementation of
Google Earth, within this study, was something I have not seen used in historical units before. It is not your typical "just answer the questions and move along", then "forget it" worksheet activity. I also like how it encourages the student to use their findings to "consider and make decisions" based on research and deductive reasoning-a skill that is somewhat ignored, and not nearly exercised, as it should be. I also like that it is a tag-a-long supplemental program [to enhance your "backbone" curriculum]-enough to offer more insight, but not so overwhelming that the project takes a semester to complete. All in all-I find this
Colonial Economics Regions Unit a be a nice "extra" to have.
So, for those looking for some extra bling for their history studies; this gem will add some dazzle, without a lot of outlay of one's cashola.
Only those who have good internet access can utilize this program, due to the use of the
Google Earth, and the linking to on-line articles while on it. Those with dial-up service simply will not be able to use this effectively. Speaking of
Google Earth, you will have to download, and familiarize yourself with its features before beginning the study, to ensure this an enjoyable experience.
*Denotes the United States region of the Americas.
**Denotes a common term used by the Colonists, to describe the British soldiers' red coats.
Pass-Ed HS Homepage
Colonial Economic Regions HS page
Includes the Student Packet (worksheets), The Google Earth unit file and the Teacher's file with additional information, and suggestions for grading.
$20 Email Delivery download [license allows for use with your family only]
Pass-Ed also offers units on the
Cuban Missal Crisis, Gatsby of the Twenties, Considering the Realities of the Holocaust, and the
Okies Head West*** .
***The units are, or will be, undergoing some revisions. You can purchase them now-and then you will receive the updated file when it is completed.
This could work in a co-op or group situation; as long as there is a good internet connection, and enough computers for the students to use. Contact Pass-Ed for information regarding license fees.
A little side note here: for those who teach in a public or private school, please visit the
Pass-Ed School Homepage for more information regarding the licensing fees for classrooms.
***
Pass-Ed provided me with a free version of the
Colonial Economics Regions Unit, in order to test and use with my family, so that I could write this review.