Jamestown Hangs in the Balance, by James Horn

Introduce the lesson by asking students to examine the first three documents. These documents depict a promising beginning for the Virginia colony. Ask students why they might have chosen to travel to Jamestown if they lived in the early 17^th century. Then ask students to examine Documents 4 and 5. Do these documents change their view of colonization in Virginia? Consider using the “Article, Laws, and Orders” document to address the values and concerns of those leading the Virginia Company and how those laws compare to later laws in colonies and the United States. Also consider using “America, Found and Lost” as a supplemental piece that can pique student interest; the introduction describes Jamestown as the site for introducing European earthworms to North America and its impact on ecosystems (http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2007/05/jamestown/charles-mann-text/1).