Life on an Island: Early Settlers off the Rock-Bound Coast of Maine (Teaching with Historic Places)

Little Cranberry Island in 1870.

Off the jagged, rocky coast of Maine lie approximately 5,000 islands ranging in size from ledge outcroppings to the 80,000 acre Mount Desert Island. During the mid-18th century many of these islands began to be inhabited by settlers eager to take advantage of this interface between land and sea. Use this lesson plan to learn about the settlement on Little Cranberry Island. (Click on the image for the full lesson plan.)

Essential Question

Discover how early settlers survived on Maine's coastal islands despite harsh living conditions.

Objective

1. To list three reasons why it is important to remember the ways of life of everyday people;
2. To name anddescribe three different occupations associated with northern coastal life;
3. To describe the influence of the Maine coastal environment on island populations by explaining its impact on two families;
4. To explain why island settlement was more desirable than mainland settlement for many people;
5. To list reasons why the preservation of local history is important.

Background

Time Period: 19th century
Topics: The lesson could be used in units on the settlement of northern New England or on life in the early national period. Students will strengthen their skills of observation, research, and analysis of a variety of sources.

Grade level

Middle School: Sixth Grade through Eighth Grade

Subject

Literacy and Language Arts, Social Studies

Lesson Duration

90 Minutes

Common Core Standards

6-8.RH.2, 6-8.RH.3, 6-8.RH.4, 6-8.RH.5, 6-8.RH.6, 6-8.RH.7, 6-8.RH.8, 6-8.RH.9, 6-8.RH.10, 9-10.RH.1, 9-10.RH.2, 9-10.RH.3, 9-10.RH.4, 9-10.RH.5, 9-10.RH.6, 9-10.RH.7, 9-10.RH.8, 9-10.RH.9, 9-10.RH.10