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John Lawson’s Emigration Impact: Review Writing and Answer Questions


Subject: Middle School Social Studies
Written by: Evyonne Davis, West Craven Middle School


Summary/Abstract
Objectives/Time/Materials
Lesson Plan Format



Summary/Abstract:

John Lawson’s Emigration Impact: Review Writing and Answer Questions

The student will review writings by John Lawson and comments about Lawson’s writings to see how the writings might have affected emigration to America. After reviewing Lawson’s writings and comments about them, students will answer several questions.



Objectives/Time/Materials:

Objectives/SCOS:

Eighth Grade Social Studies: North Carolina History

COMPETENCY GOAL 1: The learner will analyze important geographic, political, economic, and social aspects of life in the region prior to the Revolutionary Period.

Objective 1.05. Describe the factors that led to the founding and settlement of the American colonies including religious persecution, economic opportunity, adventure, and forced migration.

Objective 1.07. Describe the roles and contributions of diverse groups, such as American Indians, African Americans, European immigrants, landed gentry, tradesmen, and small farmers to everyday life in colonial North Carolina, and compare them to the other colonies.

Skill Competency Goal 3 The learner will RELATE ideas and information to life experiences.

Objective 3.03: Identify bias and stereotypes.

Skill Competency Goal 4 The learner will EXPLORE and USE research processes to meet information needs.

Objective 4.05: Gather information from the most effective resources.

Objective 4.07: Organize and use information.

Time Required for Lesson:
45 minutes

Materials/Supplies Needed:
Computer/Internet Access/John Lawson Exhibit: http://www.lib.ecu.edu/exhibits/lawson/

Recommended Digital Resources:

Lawson Exhibit main page: http://www.lib.ecu.edu/exhibits/lawson

Title Page, Letter to Lords-Proprietors-and Preface from John Lawson’s A New Voyage to Carolina: http://rla.unc.edu/Archives/accounts/Lawson/LawsonText1.html

A Description of North-Carolina (read beginning paragraphs) from John Lawson’s A New Voyage to Carolina: http://rla.unc.edu/Archives/accounts/Lawson/LawsonText4.html

1951 Biographical Sketch of John Lawson. On Lawson main page, click on Adventurer and scroll down.



Lesson Plan Format


Focus and Review:
Explain why we are studying John Lawson and his connection to other colonial figures such as Baron Christoph von Graffenried. We will review Lawson’s various roles as adventurer, surveyor, explorer, and writer and see how his knowledge in these areas may have contributed to his writings.

Individual Activities:
First students should focus their thoughts for their reading with these questions:

1. What did Lawson say about the land and its ability to support the colonies?

2. What was Lawson's opinion of the Indians?

3. What was Lawson’s purpose for being in the Carolinas? In what capacity was he serving?

4. Would you say that Lawson's viewpoint of the Carolinas was favorable or unfavorable?

Students must visit two sites that can be accessed from the main Lawson exhibit. To find these go to the Lawson Exhibit main page (http://www.lib.ecu.edu/exhibits/lawson) and select “For Further Reading.” Click on it and scroll down the “Online Resources.”

Title Page, Letter to Lords-Proprietors-and Preface from John Lawson’s A New Voyage to Carolina: http://rla.unc.edu/Archives/accounts/Lawson/LawsonText1.html

A Description of North-Carolina (read beginning paragraphs) from John Lawson’s A New Voyage to Carolina: http://rla.unc.edu/Archives/accounts/Lawson/LawsonText4.html

Reflection and Closure:
(Class discussion). Based on the things he said about North Carolina, do you think Lawson had positive feelings about North Carolina or did he wish he had stayed in England?




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