Unit 2: Two Cultures Meet
Big Idea Activity: What happens when different peoples first meet?
Students should conduct an interview about changes in the lives of one group of people during New York’s early history. Students may choose any group of people from New York. Encourage students to ask many questions. The questions should address what life was like before and after the changes. Have students explain why the changes occurred and how people adapted to their new environments.
Explore the Native American tribes of New York.
Visit this site for more information about New York’s early history.
Discuss each of the People Who Made a Difference with students. Ask them to explain how New York was affected by each of these people. How would the state be different if these people had never been in New York?
These websites emphasize the impact these figures had on American history and their influence in New York. Students will learn more about the People Who Made a Difference through discussion and activities.
Samuel de Champlain (1567-1635)
Ask students what they think happens when different peoples first meet. How do the two groups affect each other? How do people change their behavior because of these new people? How does this change affect the traditions and culture of each group? How did the People Who Made a Difference adapt to the changing environment? Discuss how each of these people were influenced by different peoples.
Writing Activity: Writing Activity
Students will write a 2 paragraph essay answering the Big Idea Question – What happens when different peoples first meet?
1. The graphic organizer will be used to list the main ideas that will be in the essay. Complete the graphic organizer as a class or have the students complete it themselves.
2. The writing activity will focus on how Native Americans and Europeans first met and influenced each other. Students should think about how these different peoples affected communities in general as well as their own community specifically.
3. Once the graphic organizer has been completed by the students individually or as a group, assign the type of essay that they will write: Descriptive, Narrative or Persuasive.
Ask students to describe the European settlers who came to New York in the early 1600s. During your discussion, ask students to think about how each explorer influenced the development of New York. Also discuss the influence these European settlers had on Native Americans. How did life change after the arrival of European settlers?
Virtual Field Trip: Philipsburg Manor
Philipsburg Manor is located in the Hudson River Valley. It was owned by Frederick Philipse, the richest man in the New York colony in the 1700s. Briefly discuss the history of Philipsburg Manor. Ask students about the history of manor houses. Explain that the tradition of the manor house comes from medieval Europe. Tell students that a moat or wall often surrounded the manor house.
Biography:
In 1733, John Zenger created a newspaper called the New York Weekly Journal. He printed articles criticizing Governor William Cosby. Cosby and Zenger went to court over their conflict. Zenger’s case helped create freedom of the press in America. Americans have the right to report news without fear of punishment. Discuss how Zenger’s case helped printers and publishers.
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