What was life like for those who fought in the American Revolution? What were the perspectives of the different people living in the colonies at that time – Virginia farm families, artisans, enslaved people and American Indians? Through inquiry-based exploration of artifacts and primary source documents, students gain a better understanding of the American Revolution and the important roles individuals and groups played in winning independence from England.

Designed to meet Virginia SOLs: VS.1; VS.4, VS.5; USI.1; USI.5; USI.6.

Discover how historians learn what really happened in the past. A distance learning instructor facilitates individual and group activities that encourage critical thinking and analysis. Students will use an artifact kit to participate in a hands-on simulated archaeological dig, interpret artifacts and share their findings while learning more about Powhatan people. The artifact kit* is dropped off prior to the scheduled program session(s) then picked up afterward. Currently available to schools within a 1.5 hour driving radius of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation.

Designed to meet Virginia SOLs: English 4.1a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h,i; Math 4.8a; Social Studies and History SkillsVSa,c,h; VS.2a,d,e

^{*Actual artifacts pictured. Artifact kits contain reproduction items and kit contents may vary.}

Students are carried on a dynamic, inquiry-based exploration of the three cultures that converged at Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in North America. Using reproduction artifacts and primary sources, students compare and contrast the cultures of the Powhatan (an Eastern Woodlands people), West Central Africans and English who lived in early America during the beginning of the 17th century. Using this knowledge, students can answer why the English traveled across the Atlantic to an unfamiliar land and discover how the convergence of three distinct cultures at Jamestown influenced the start of America.

Designed to meet Virginia SOLs: VS.1; VS.2; VS.3; VS.4; USI.1; USI.2d, USI.3; USI.4, USI.5.

Force, motion and energy have existed in all societies throughout history, including Jamestown. Explore these STEM concepts through the history and cultures that converged in Jamestown, Virginia, the first permanent English settlement in North America. Learn about potential and kinetic energy, force, motion, friction and more by examining a Powhatan bow and arrow and English matchlock musket. Discover how the STEM connection between past and present can impact your future!

Designed to meet Virginia SOLs for Virginia Studies and Science: VS.1; VS.4, 3.1; 3.2; 4.1; 4.2; 5.1; 5.2; 5.3; 5.5; 5.6.

Explore the lives and society of the Powhatan Indians, an Eastern Woodlands people inhabiting Virginia’s coastal plain long before 1607. Using inquiry methods and reproduction artifacts, explore the Powhatan Indian culture, including roles of different members of its society, government structure and how the Powhatan Indians used natural resources to produce tools, clothing, houses and food.

Designed to meet Virginia SOLs: 2.1, 2.3a, 2.7a, 2.9, 2.10, VS.1; VS.2; VS.3g; VS.4b; USI.1; USI.3b,c; USI.4b.

How has Virginia changed over time? In this interactive exploration of early Virginia history, students compare and contrast the beginnings of English colonization at Jamestown through the American Revolution and compare what they learn with the Virginia of today. Special emphasis is placed on natural surroundings, food, shelter and clothing. Students also learn about important people in Virginia’s history, including Powhatan, Pocahontas, Christopher Newport and George Washington.

Designed to meet Virginia SOLs: 1.1; 1.2; 1.3a,b,c; 1.5a,b; 1.6; 2.1; 2.2.