Continental Job Faire

American Colonies Project

Gail Desler - Elk Grove Unified School District

Introduction

"...The ones who come here are usually the most stupid of their nation...They are not used to freedom and do not know how to use it properly...Unless the stream of these people can be turned away from their country to other countries, they will soon outnumber us so that we will not be able to save our language or our government."

Ben Franklin

Task

Not everyone in colonial America shares Ben Franklin's surprising position on immigration. In fact many members of your colony are concerned that Mr. Franklin's harsh statements could discourage immigrants from settling in America. How will your colony continue to grow and prosper without an adequate work force? To encourage further economic development, the colonial governors are planning to host the First Annual Continental Job Faire in Philadelphia (Ben Franklin's adopted hometown). All 13 colonies are invited to send representatives. This is your opportunity to promote public relations and attract settlers to your colony. Your team of representatives should arrive at the town hall with an eye-catching display that shows both the challenges and rewards of living in your colony--and that appeals to the needs of America's most recently arrived job seekers.

Brainstorm

Once you have selected your colony, you and your team members need to make a chart to show:

• what you already know about life in your colony
• what you will need to know about life in your colony
• and where you can go to find out what you need to know?

Research

Organize your notes onto a research grid. Some essential questions to answer would be:

• Why was your colony established?
• Where are most of its people from?
• What type of government does your colony have?
• Who are some important leaders from your colony?
• What is everyday like for the people of your colony?
• What kind of educational opportunities are available to you?
• Is there a predominant religion? Are other religions tolerated?
• Is slavery allowed?
• What American Indian tribes already inhabited your colony? What kind of relationship does your colony have with these tribes?
• What is the geography of your colony like?

Consider Your Audience

In order to persuade immigrants to check out job opportunities in your colony, you need to consider why they left their homelands. They will be seeking one or more of the benefits listed below:

• political freedom
• religious tolerance
• economic opportunity
• family reunification
• escape from slavery

Create Your Display

Your display should be an honest representation of life in your colony. Use your best marketing strategies to create an attractive display that is exceptionally informative and historically accurate.

A full-credit display board will have:

• carefully chosen illustrations and captions that teach visitors about the geography of your colony as well as its history, political, religious, social, and economic institutions
• a minimum of "white space"
• neat, uniform lettering
• a research grid attached to the back that shows where you found your information

Prepare Your Oral Presentation

• Know your material. To convince others why they should settle in your colony, you will need to assume the personality of a colonist.
• Play your part. Coming in authentic dress would add points to your total score!
• Use the attached Oral Presentation Rubric to help practice your "sales pitch."

Resources

Our textbook, America Will Be, should be your starting point (chapters 6 through 9). Record pertinent information in note-taking form on your research grid. Check with your class, school, and/or city library for additional books, magazines, news articles , and CD ROMs for additional information on your colony.

Internet Sites

Assessment/Evaluation

You will receive a group project grade based on:

• the amount of research reflected in your display
• the historical accuracy of your display
• the visual appeal of your display
• a well-delivered presentation
• positive contributions to your group
• use of class time
  

You will receive an individual grade for your persuasive essay on why immigrants should consider settling in your colony. Use the attached template to help you organize your essay. Your essay will be graded according to our school-wide Language Arts Rubric.

Due Date:

Note: For questions, comments, suggestions regarding this web page, please contact Gail Desler at gailhd@jps.net

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