Colonial Survivor

Hello 8th Grade Social Studies! Please read the following information about our upcoming Colonial Survivor Game.

What is it?

To better understand the early American colonial period, we will participate in group activities and challenges which will give us a unique perspective and will provide insight into the experiences and trials of the early settlers.

How will the game be played?

Every week, each "colony" (group) will draw a random card. The cards, ranging from extreme weather conditions to surprise attacks from surrounding natives, will bring your colony to face a situation for which you must organize a response/solution. Other cards that may be drawn will earn your colony extra points or will help protect your colony in the future, such as a surprise shipment of extra supplies, a healthy and profitable crop of corn, etc. After a quick response plan from your colony (written and handed into me), your group will face a challenge. Your response plan will be assigned a point value based on clarity, creativity, and likelihood that your plan will help your colony.

What kinds of challenges will we face?

Your colony will be competing with the other colonies in weekly challenges. Some of these challenges include building a 3D replica of your first settlement, creating a plan for your colony's government, and following a colonial recipe. If possible, we will do a planting activity as well. All materials will be provided.

What happens if we win a challenge?

The colony to win each weekly challenge will earn bonus points.

How will we be graded?

At the end of our Survivor game, the colony which earns the most points (1 per section, 8A and 8B) will be declared the Colony Most Likely to Survive. The members of this colony will receive extra credit and will earn a party.

Your grade is not dependent on the points earned by your colony. Your grade is solely based on two things:
1. Participation
2. Positive Teamwork
A small portion of your Teamwork grade will be based on peer evaluations, which are to be completed by your group members. Please remember that a positive, cooperative attitude goes a long way when working with a team.

I am very much looking forward to seeing everyone's bright ideas and creativity come to life in the classroom!