Last updated: April 16, 2025
Lesson Plan
Shenandoah Settlement Scenario
Does every job need the same resources from the land?
K Maisano, NPS
- Grade Level:
- Upper Elementary: Third Grade through Fifth Grade
- Subject:
- Social Studies
- Lesson Duration:
- 30 Minutes
- State Standards:
- VS.S.g using economic decision-making models to explain the incentives and consequences of a specific choice.
VS.1c locating, identifying, and describing the impact of Virginia’s bodies of water on its’ history, economy, and culture. - Thinking Skills:
- Remembering: Recalling or recognizing information ideas, and principles. Creating: Bring together parts (elements, compounds) of knowledge to form a whole and build relationships for NEW situations. Evaluating: Make informed judgements about the value of ideas or materials. Use standards and criteria to support opinions and views.
Essential Question
What did it take to settle the Shenandoah Valley?
Objective
Students will understand how geography shaped where settlers in Virginia established new settlements and needed to work together to survive.
Background
This program focuses on making informed judgements on information given. Students will be asked to analyze a map, make observations, and ask questions. Students after selecting an area to settle, will need to justify why they selected the area, if they think they will succeed, and if they believe their work will help or hurt their neighbors.
Preparation
This program is designed to be presented on-site at a school classroom, library, or community space. Program duration is 30 minutes. Park rangers will need access to a computer monitor or smart board to display a powerpoint slideshow.
Materials
Procedure
Basic Supplies
Students will brainstorm what would be important to bring with them and make sure they have when moving to a new settlement. Historical events including the need for surveyors, George Washington is one of them, to map the land before settlement.
Successful Settlement
Students, divided into family groups, are assigned a primary job that they will do, and asked how they help one another. Family groups will be given the surveyors map to assess what is the best place for them to settle based on the resources available and resources needed for their job. First come, first served for map selections.
Did we survive?
Once all choices for settlement are made, students discuss whether they believe they will survive and why.
History Lesson!
Learn how the Shenandoah Valley settlements really played out, and why the land was free. Discover the importance of the roads we use today have been used for hundreds of years!
Vocabulary
Valley: and area running between hills or mountains, typically containing a river or stream.
Carpenter: Builds and repairs buildings and other good made of wood.
Blacksmith: Creates objects including tools out of iron and other metals.
Farmer: Grows plants, cash crops, or livestock to sell.
Leatherworker/ Shoemaker: Cures animal hides and makes soft leathergoods including saddles, bags, shoes and other goods.