In this lesson from Unit 2: Colonial America, students examine the founding and struggles of two of the earliest English colonies in North America: Jamestown and Plymouth. Students explore how the goals, challenges, and survival strategies of these colonies helped shape the future development of Colonial America.

The lesson begins with important vocabulary including charter and representative government before examining the founding of Jamestown in 1607 by the Virginia Company of London. Students learn how investors hoped to find gold and establish profitable trade, only to face disease, starvation, conflict, and near collapse during the colony’s early years.

A major focus of the lesson is Captain John Smith and his remarkable background as a mercenary, adventurer, and sea fighter before arriving in Virginia. Students explore how Smit ...