6-7 yrs old
8-10 yrs old
Geography
Government and Politics
History
Purpose - give students a closer look at the struggles of everyday life in the New World as they make decisions and face authentic consequences.
November 21, 2016
Slideshow Introduction
A short slideshow that introduces the simulation to students.
Pilgrim Simulation Map
Start on the Mayflower to begin your adventure!
Resource Worksheet
Sheet to log which supplies teams wish to bring
Start on the Mayflower and begin your adventure!
During this simulation, students will experience:
Guiding questions:
Useful sources and credits
This lesson was designed primarily as an enrichment opportunity for a group of 2nd grade students who were learning about the origins of Thanksgiving in the United States. In class, the learned about why the Pilgrims left England, the perils of their ocean voyage, and the hardships faced as they began a new life in the New World. The students participated in a text-based simulation that endeavors to recreate the hardships, tough decisions, and uncertainty faced by the Pilgrims. While far more engaging than simply reading a book about the topic, many of the activities felt contrived. I've taken the spirit of their simulation and attempted to transfer it into the world of Minecraft Education.
To be most effective, your students will need to first develop an understanding of what the real Pilgrims went through. You could remove reference to the Pilgrims and New World and use this as a jumping-off point for your own nondescript frontier adventure if you don't have time to learn about the Pilgrims specifically.
The following activities will help guide this simulation - you should feel free to customize them to meet your own needs!
Evidence of Learning :
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