In this Grade 5 Pengi Social Studies lesson from Chapter 3, students investigate the mystery of the Lost Colony of Roanoke and examine the hardships of early Jamestown, including the deadly Starving Time. Students evaluate the leadership of John Smith and analyze how tobacco emerged as the cash crop that stabilized Virginia's colonial economy.
Section 1
Roanoke: The Mystery of the Lost Colony
England attempted to build its first settlement on Roanoke Island. The first group failed, and a second group vanished completely after their leader returned from England.
The only clue left behind was the word "CROATOAN" carved into a post. This mystery is why Roanoke is known as the Lost Colony, proving that colonization was dangerous and uncertain.
Section 2
Jamestown: A Business Venture
To fund a new colony, investors formed the Virginia Company, hoping to find gold and make a profit.
In 1607, they established Jamestown. However, the settlers chose a swampy location and lacked survival skills. The colony nearly collapsed during the winter of 1609-1610, known as the Starving Time, when most settlers died from hunger and disease.
Section 3
Leadership and Survival
Survival in Jamestown depended on strong leadership. Captain John Smith took command and enforced a strict rule: "He that will not work shall not eat." This discipline forced the "gentlemen" to farm and build.
Survival also depended on trade with the local Powhatan people, facilitated by the chief's daughter, Pocahontas.
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Section 1
Roanoke: The Mystery of the Lost Colony
England attempted to build its first settlement on Roanoke Island. The first group failed, and a second group vanished completely after their leader returned from England.
The only clue left behind was the word "CROATOAN" carved into a post. This mystery is why Roanoke is known as the Lost Colony, proving that colonization was dangerous and uncertain.
Section 2
Jamestown: A Business Venture
To fund a new colony, investors formed the Virginia Company, hoping to find gold and make a profit.
In 1607, they established Jamestown. However, the settlers chose a swampy location and lacked survival skills. The colony nearly collapsed during the winter of 1609-1610, known as the Starving Time, when most settlers died from hunger and disease.
Section 3
Leadership and Survival
Survival in Jamestown depended on strong leadership. Captain John Smith took command and enforced a strict rule: "He that will not work shall not eat." This discipline forced the "gentlemen" to farm and build.
Survival also depended on trade with the local Powhatan people, facilitated by the chief's daughter, Pocahontas.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter