Research Project Topic: NC History
EDTC 6070 - Chris Tuttell
Research Question
NC Curriculum
4.H.1 Analyze the chronology of key historical events in North Carolina history.
Rationale
I chose this question because it is a great debate question in 4th grade and gets students hooked on NC history. The mystery of the Lost Colony always intrigues students and gets them engaged in research. It also helps them understand that sometimes the research process creates more questions and a definitive answer isn’t always possible when researching. They will discover the various theories about what happened to the Lost Colony.
Research Model - LOCK
I decided on this model because it would be easy for students to follow and each step is clearly defined.
In our district we use the eWISE model (Wonder, Investigate, Synthesize and Express – the little e is evaluate throughout) – I think the LOCK model is similar to this process and the best fit for elementary.
L - Locate Resources
We used the search engine: Infotopia. Which is a safe search engine for students powered by Google. We used the search term ‘The Lost Colony” to locate 3 websites for our research. We decided on three different sites after discussing how to evaluate sites for valid information.
O - Organize
Teachers Pay Teachers – Graphic Organizer
Theories we discovered:
- Croatoan was carved into one of the trees which some believe meant the settlers moved to Croatoan Island to join the Powhatans for protection and supplies.
- Colonists were attacked by native american tribes.
- Colonists were possibly attacked by the Spanish who may have traveled from Florida.
- The entire colony may have fallen victim to a disease.
- The colonists tried to sail back to England and got lost at sea.
- The colonists moved 50 miles inland to the forest.
C - Communicate
K - Knowledge Outcomes
References
Fort RaleighNational historic site North Carolina (2015) Available at: http://www.nps.gov/fora/learn/education/search-for-the-lost-colony.htm (Accessed: 23 November 2015).
Grades, U. and Awesome (2013) Wonderopolis activity sheet Trifold. Available at: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Wonderopolis-Activity-Sheet-Trifold-638032 (Accessed: 23 November 2015).
The lost colony of Roanoke (no date) Available at: http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/ushistory/roanoke1.htm (Accessed: 23 November 2015).
What happened to the lost colony? (2015) Available at: http://wonderopolis.org/wonder/what-happened-to-the-lost-colony (Accessed: 23 November 2015).