Dr. Patricia Moseley Stanford

 

For Teachers

BOOKS

Pilgrims; complete theme unit developed in cooperation with Pilgrim Hall Museum, by Susan Moger.
Learning Connections - Grades K-3.
Scholastic Professional Books, c.1995.
Order from Pilgrim Hall Museum, 75 Court Street, Plymouth, MA 02360 (508) 746-1620.
Summary: Consists of four parts:
Getting to Know the Pilgrims;
Settling in Plymouth;
Good Neighbors (Wampanoags);
Harvest Home.
Comment: Excellent material for teachers to use. Scholastic grants teachers permission to photocopy activity pages for classroom use. includes a big, full-color Mayflower cutaway poster (inside and outside the Mayflower).

Peanut-Butter Pilgrims, by Judy Delton. Illus. by Alan Tiegreen. (A Pee Wee Scouts series) A Yearling Book. Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers. c. 1988.
Summary: As Thanksgiving rolls around, the Pee Wee Scouts get ready to celebrate. They make food baskets for the poor and they visit a turkey farm. At the townhall, they even perform a play.
Comment: A delightful Thanksgiving story for young children.

The Pilgrims. A Big Book. c. 1996 by Scholastic Inc. Cover illus. by Carolyn Croll, Border design by Bari Weissman. ISBN 0-590-99999-0
Summary: Verse: The Pilgrims by Bobbi Katz. Story: A Pilgrims Day by Kate Waters Poster: Sailing to America Story: A friendship to Celebrate by Carol Pugliano Fun with Max: Now and Then Activity: What a Trip
Comment: This is one of the Big Book Magazine issues. it can be ordered for the classroom with a Magazine and Teacher 's Edition Recommended for the Primary Grades. An excellent study unit with many activities.

The Pilgrims, by R. Conrad Stein. Corner Stones of Freedom series. Childrens Press, Chicago. c. 1995.
Summary: Beginning with a brief description of the Separatist Movement it continues with the Pilgrims journey to Holland and on to New England. There is a Glossary and TimeLine.
Comment: This is an excellent book at a very reasonable price - $4.95. It is complete with numerous illustrations and classic paintings. The narrative is quite complete and historically accurate. You will not be disappointed to add this book to your collection.

Pilgrims & Adventurers; Essex (England) and the making of the United States of America, by J. R. Smith. Essex Record Office - Pub. 118, Chelmsford, England, 1992. Available from the NEHGR.
Summary: The author 's objective is to give a brief introduction to a fascinating, but under- researched field of study which is sufficient to underline the crucial impact of Essex people on the founding and shaping of the colonies which were to become the United States of America. He believes that it will have served a useful purpose if it stimulates interest and further research on both sides of the Atlantic.
Comment: The author begins with Columbus discovery of the new world. Other chapters include, but not limited to: England 's search for Cathay; the first English colonists; the Virginia venture; the Pilgrim fathers; Christopher Jones and Mayflower; the Great Migration; John Winthrop the Elder, Governor of Massachusetts; the Pynchons of Springfield; Hugh Peters, Puritan Martyr; The Rogers Family, Puritan Divines; the Birth of Connecticut; the altogether unconformable Thomas Hooker; John Winthrop the Younger, Governor of Connecticut; the Making of Rhode Island Colony; John Eliots Mission to the Indians; Aspects of Early Colonial Life; William Penn 's Holy Experiment ; Georgia, the Last Colony; and last but not least, George Washington, Fighter for Freedom. It is well illustrated and has an excellent index. I would highly recommend it for Adults as well as those as young as 6th grade.

Pilgrim Voices : Our First Year in the New World, edited by Connie and Peter Roop. illustrated by Shelley Pritchett. Walker Publishing co. inc., c.1995.
Summary: Weaving together excerpts from actual Pilgrim diaries, an eyewitness account of their voyage to the new world and harrowing first year introduces young readers to the hardships under which they survived. They have selected passages from William Bradford's Of Plymouth Plantation and Mourt's Relation to tell the Pilgrims' story from their departure from Holland in August 1620 until the arrival of the Fortune in November 1621. In between are the familiar tales of hardship, encounters with native populations, and the feast of thanksgiving. Spelling and punctuation are modern, and some of the language has been altered for clarity, but the unmistakable cadences of King James's English roll from the pages, their dignity and power intact. ... in Bradford's famous "...so the light kindled here'...
Comment: Well written and illustrated - William Bradford snared by an Indian deer trap - Francis Billington' escapade - Harvest Festival, etc.

The Pilgrims First Thanksgiving, by Ann McGovern with illustrations by Elroy Freem. Scholastic, c.1 973,1993.
Summary: Introduces children to the struggles of the Pilgrims during their first year at Plymouth Colony and the events leading to the historic occasion - Thanksgiving.
Comment: Young children will enjoy hearing the story and looking at the pictures. First and second grade children will be able to read the story.

The Pilgrims of Plimoth, written and illustrated by Marcia Sewall. Atheneum, c.1986.
Summary: the author chronicles, in text and illustrations, the day-to-day life of the early Pilgrims in the Plimoth Colony. She dedicated her book to the Pilgrim Village Interpreters, whose great spirit gives life to our Plimoth pilgrims.
Comment: To realistically portray the interaction of the people of the time, the author quotes from William Bradford 's Of Plymouth Plantation, Mourt 's Relation; and words used by the Pilgrim Village Interpreters. She begins her story by telling about the Pilgrims. She continues by telling about the menfolk , womenfolk children and youngfolk concluding with a summary of happenings at the Plantation and their plans to settle Duxbarow. She has included a Glossary that enables the readers to know what words used in the 17th century would mean today. (i.e. broach ... to put on a spit for cooking purposes - cow cumber pickles ... cucumber pickles - forced eggs ... scrambled eggs )

Plimoth Plantation Coloring Book. New this year and is available from Plimoth Plantation.
Comment: This Coloring Book is beautifully illustrates and describes scenes from Plimoth Plantation. images of Hobbamock 's Homesite, the 1627 Plimoth Village and Mayflower H. It was created by staff members: Die Modlin Hoxie, illustrator and Carolyn Freeman Travers, writer.

Samuel Eaton's Day; A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Boy, by Kate Waters with photographs by Russ Kendall. Scholastic, c.1 993.
Summary: This is a companion book to Sarah Morton's Day ; A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Girl. Samuel Eaton 's day is July 16,1627.
Comment: Excellent photographs depicting family activities at Plimoth Plantation. Also included is the music and words to an old tune, The Marriage of the Frogge and the Mouse . Brief notes about Plimoth Plantation, about the book, the rye harvest, clothes and the Wampanoag People. A glossary is also included. Children ages 3 to 8 would enjoy this story. There is also a tape available as a separate purchase - children can listen to the tape as they read along - song is also sung.

Sarah Morton's Day; A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Girl, by Kate Waters, with photographs by Russ Kendall. Scholastic, c.1989.
Summary: What was life like for a Pilgrim girl? It 's November 12, 1627! Come and follow Sarah Morton as she goes about her day.
Comment: Excellent photographs showing Sarah's life at Plimoth Plantation, accompanies the narration. A true life story of what it was actually like living in 1627.

Secrets of Plymouth Rock, by Diane Finn. Drawings by Erin E. Finn. Pautuxet publications. c. 1988,1990.
Comment: This is a very humanizing tale as told by Plymouth Rock who relates her many real adventures. Young children are enthralled by the story when narrated by an enthusiastic teacher. I am pleased that it is once again in print and is available from Plimoth Plantation.

Squanto; the Pilgrim Adventure, by Kate Jassem. Illustrated by Robert Baxter. Troll Associates.
Summary: a story about the Indian lad, named Squanto, and his experiences who later taught the Pilgrims how to survive.
Comment: although not text-book accurate in all accounts, it describes the relationship the Pilgrims had with the Indians. Should be used in conjunction with the Video, Squanto.

The Story of The First Thanksgiving, by Elaine Raphael and Don Bolognese. Scholastic, c.1 991. Drawing America.
Summary: The story begins with the sailing of the Mayflower from England and continues through the Thanksgiving celebration.
Comment: The authors were able to provide their readers with authenticity with the assistance of the Plimoth Plantation staff. What is unique about this book is the second part - Drawing America. Instructions are given so that children can draw their own first Thanksgiving celebration. 4th and 5th graders would easily be able to follow the given directions.
Comment: The family she chose was the Stephen Hopkins family - Giles, Constance and Damaris. Their son, Oceanus was born during the journey. The historical fiction story of the Hopkins family will be fascinating for young children, especially those who are descendants.

Three Visitors to Early Plymouth, by John Pory, Emmanuel Altham, Isaack De Rasieres Rep Edition Paperback, 96 pages Published by Applewood Books Publication date: August 1, 1997
Summary: First published at Plimoth Plantation, Inc. 1963. John Pory of Virginia, Emmanuel Altharn from England and Isaack de Rasieres, a Dutchman from New Amsterdam, visited the Plymouth Plantation shortly after it was settled. They wrote letters about what they saw during their visits.
Comment: Excellent primary reference.

Three Young Pilgrims, written and illustrated by Cheryl Harness. Bradbury pr., Macmillan pub. co., c.1992.
Summary: Mary, Remember and Bartholomew are among the pilgrims who survive the harsh early years in America and see New Plymouth grow into a prosperous colony.
Comment: The staff of Plimoth Plantation provided the author with assistance in writing this historical fiction story. The author donated 10% of her royalties from the sale of her book to Plimoth Plantation. The author stated that the purpose of her book was to tell part of the story of a family. The Allertons was the family she chose to tell their story, which was not to be a scholarly work on the Pilgrims. The setting takes place between the autumns of 1620 and 1621. The illustrations are numerous and realistically show the Pilgrim life. She has gone to great effort to include all the families, and explains the difference between the Saints and Strangers . She has not forgotten the Indians and their friendship with the Pilgrims. An outstanding book. Adults will enjoy it as well as children of all ages will enjoy having this book in their personal library. Everyone can find his/her ancestor represented.

Thunder from the Clear Sky, written and illustrated by Marcia Sewall. Aladdin Paperbacks, c.1 995, 1998. Includes biographic references.
Summary: This book starts where its companions Pilgrims of Plimoth and People of the Breaking Day left off. This is the story of two peoples meeting, the Pilgrims and the Wampanoags, and the eventual clash of their beliefs and cultures. It is a tale of good intentions, misunderstandings, betrayal and finally of terrible, all-out war, which ultimately destroyed the Native American way of life in New England.
Comment: I found the illustrations very well done. The Southern New England 1675-1676 map showing the location of Native American nations and some villages and many of the New English settlements involved in King Phillip 's War, definitely adds a visual sense to the reader. Marcia Sewall includes a Glossary, a List of Characters as well as a Selected Source Material she has used in the text.

A Turkey for Thanksgiving, by Eve Bunting. illustrated by Diane de Groat. Clarion Books, NY. c. 1991.
Summary: Mr. and Mrs. Moose invite all their animal friends for Thanksgiving dinner and the only one missing is Turkey. When they set out to find him, Turkey is quaking with fear because he doesn't realize that his hosts want him at their table, not on it. "This ideal family read-aloud -
Comment: Reviews have rated this book as an ideal family read-aloud book that will awaken the holiday spirit in all." The colorful, cartoonlike illustrations are strangely eastern European in detail. Dr. Patricia Stanford likes to read the story to students accompanied by Beanie Turkey

Turkeys, Pilgrims, and Indian Corn; the Story of the Thanksgiving Symbols by Edna Barth. Illustrated by Ursula Arndt. Clarion bks, c.1 975.
Summary: Traces the history of this American harvest celebration and the development of its symbols and legends.
Comment: This is one of the better children s books in that describes the Pilgrim 's everyday life ... chapters describe three centuries of Thanksgiving, the Mayflower, Plymouth Rock, the Pilgrim fathers, mothers and children, their houses, their animals, the clothes they wore, their Indian neighbors; Food - Indian corn, pumpkins, Cranberry, etc. Myths about the Pilgrims vs. fact is discussed.

The Wampanoag, by Laurie Weinstein-Farson. Frank W. Porter III, General Ed. Chelsea House pub., 1989. Indians of North America series.
Summary: Examines the history, changing fortunes and current situation of the Wampanoag Indians
Comment: This is one of the best written books about the Wampanoag Indians who without their help the Pilgrims would not have survived. Early Indian life is explored using material gleaned from archaeologists and continues up to today. The authors discuss the changing relationship between tribal groups and the federal government and describe the Indian culture in its own context as it relates to the majority. The Wampanoag 's linguistic family is Algonquian. Their current population is between 1,500 and 2,000. This book is appropriate for junior and Senior high school students and as a reference and/or resource book for teachers of all grades.

The Wampanoags and The First Thanksgiving by the editors of Everyday Learning in cooperation with Plimoth Plantation. c. 1997.
Comment: This beautifully illustrated book is about 17th-century Wampanoag people in coastal New England. It accurately depicts Native life through the seasons. Includes an excellent glossary with pictures. Recommended for Grades: K-3.

The Wampanoags of Mashpee; an Indian perspective on American History, by Russell M. Peters. 1987, Indian Spiritual and Cultural Training Council.
Comment: The book is divided into sections: History, Maps, Poetry, Folklore; Religion; Mashpee Folk, and Politics. The Appendix includes: Tribes of New England, Indian Language Place Names and a Bibliography. Animal icons, which represent the family clans of the Wampanoag, are throughout the book.

Who's That Stepping on Plymouth Rock, by Jean Fritz. Illustrated by J. 0. Handelsman. Cowdard- McCann, Inc., NY c. 1975
Summary: Jean Fritz tells the story of Plymouth Rock--the granite boulder - telling how it came to be the impressive monument it is today. For years, Plymouth Rock sat on the beach without getting any attention. In 1741 the people of Plymouth decided it was an important landmark because the Pilgrims must have stepped on it when they arrived in the New World, and its adventures began. The rock was moved, dropped, broken, moved again, and cemented back together before finally being enclosed in an impressive monument, ensuring its place as a solid piece of American history!
Comment: The author has written a delightful story, sure to enchant children and adults alike. J. B. Handelsman 's distinctive, humorous illustrations adds to the enjoyment of the story.

The Very First Thanksgiving: Pioneers on the Rio Grande, by Bea Bragg. Illus. by Antonio Castro. Roberts Rinehart pub. c. 1997.
Summary: When fourteen-year old Manuel and his younger brother join a difficult expedition through the Southwest desert to the Rio Grande in 1598, their comical trained goat is instrumental in helping them survive.
Comment: This is classified as America - discovery and exploration - fiction. it is a story children would enjoy. Historical Note: Twenty-three years before the Mayflower arrived at Plymouth Rock, a great thanksgiving feast was held near present-day El Paso, along the Rio Grande. The expedition of settlers, led by Don Juan de Onate, endured terrible hunger and hardship. Reaching the Rio Grande was cause for celebration and a feast - the very first Thanksgiving. Recommended for ages 7-11.

NOTE: BOOKS - AVAILABLE ON THE NET
Visit Plimoth Plantation on the web at http:///www.plimoth.org
(Mail Order Office Hours 9:30-40:30 Monday-Friday - 1800-262-9356 ext. 8332.
Alexander Youngs Chronicles of the Pilgrim Fathers of the Colony of Plymouth, 1602-1625 available at: Willow Bend Bookstore
http://server.mediasoft.net/ScottC/Books.htm
BOOKS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL FAVORITE BOOK STORE

VIDEO PROGRAMS - VHS FORMAT

THE ANIMAL PILGRIMS OF PLIMOTH. This is an episode of Jack Hanna 's Animal Adventures as seen on television. Jack visits Plimoth Plantation to learn about the animals that came with the Pilgrims on the Mayflower in 1620 and those that came on later voyages and how they were essential to the Pilgrims survival. Running time 30 minutes.
Comment: There are announcements of other Jack Hanna productions that could be distracting to some students, however, a teacher has discretion as to what she wishes to present. Students are usually most interested in the farm animals living at the Plantation.

BRADFORDS 400 ANNIVERSARY, produced by the Bradford Society. It shows their 1989 visit to England in celebration of Bradford 's 400 Anniversary of his birth. Would perhaps be of interest to Bradford Descendants.

CHILDREN OF THE MAYFLOWER, produced by the Minnesota Mayflower Descendants. Available from Clarence Hammett, 85 Holly Lane, Plymouth, Minnesota, 55447. Price: $24.
Comment: Pre-school through elementary ages will enjoy this film. It is a delightful creation and the children enjoy watching the film.

THE MAKING OF A COLONY, tells the story of the beginnings of Plymouth Colony through eyewitness accounts and dramatic recreations of these primary sources and modern narration, viewers are invited to follow the English settlers, who later came to be called Pilgrims, through their journey from England and Holland to America; their difficult first winter; the treaty with the Native People and their first successful harvest. Suggested for ages 8 to 15. Approximate time 15 minutes. $14.95
Teachers' Manual: This guide may be used alone or with the companion video. The manual includes a brief history of Plymouth Colony, primary source passages, student activities using primary sources and a bibliography. Suggested for ages 8 to 15. 12 pages $0.95 Order from Plimoth Plantation - 1-800- 262-9356 X 332

THE MAYFLOWER PILGRIMS: THIS IS THEIR STORY produced by PA Communications. Copyright 1995. Produced and directed by Peter Conner and Alan Mumby. - 43 minutes - ISBN#1- 56839-031-9 Order from Mayflower Families Library; P. 0. Box 3297; Plymouth, MA 02361 (508) 746-5058 - Tapes: $18.00 plus $1.50 shipping and handling. Three or more tapes $15.00 each plus $2.50 shipping and handling. (Following information from video jacket and The General Society of Mayflower Descendants.) "Towards the end of the 16th Century, in a quiet corner of England, well away from the mainstream of Elizabethan life, an apparently insignificant religious movement emerged. It was composed of a small band of largely anonymous people who believed in a simple form of worship, away from the ritualized trappings of the established Church of the day. These people were known as Separatists. No one then could possibly have guessed what a huge impact these faithful Christians would have on world history. But when, in 1620, after years of sacrifice and hardship, they arrived on the shores of the New World in a tiny ship, they carried in their hearts a set of beliefs which would form the bedrock values for the world's most powerful democracy... America, a nation engendered by the idea of freedom, and expression, of religious belief. History has given these remarkable people a name... the Mayflower Pilgrims"
Comment: Recommended for Jr. and Sr. High School students. The story is mostly about the Pilgrims prior to their coming to Plimoth.

THE MAYFLOWER'S STORY produced by Yesterday 's News. Cost: $15.00, which includes shipping and handling. Please make checks payable to GSMD, POB 3297, Plymouth, MA 02361.
Summary: The Mayflower 's Story is a brief, but comprehensive review of the Pilgrims journey from England to the New World. Combining artwork with video taken at historic sites, Jim and Laura Scott Lowell provide a concise look at the hardships and challenges that faced the Pilgrims. Both the content and length of the video make it particularly valuable for use in schools, as well as a gift for children and grandchildren. - from the Mayflower Quarterly.

MOUSE ON THE MAYFLOWER. This video is usually shown on television during the holiday season. It is also often listed as one of the items children can purchase through school book programs, such as Scholastic for about $8.00. This American classic tale provides a delightful lesson in our nation 's early history. Along with a furry hero, kids will join the colonists as they cross the Atlantic, survive the harsh New England winter, befriend the Indians, and finally sit down to this country 's very first Thanksgiving dinner. Cartoon format - told and sung by Tennessee Ernie Ford; Eddie Albert as Captain Standish, John Gary as John Alden, Joanie Sommers as Priscilla Mullens. c.1 966 by Videocraft international, ltd. Approximate Running Time: 48 minutes.
Comment: This is an entertaining historical fiction tale. Before an audience views the film they should be told about some of the myths about the Pilgrims, so that they can discover them when they occur. First Grade students especially enjoy this type of film and are very avid critics - such as pointing out that the Pilgrims didn 't build log houses.

OPERATION MAYFLOWER: BUILDING THE MAYFLOWER If. Produced by Carborundum, Film Unit, Manchester, England. A few years ago the General Society of Mayflower Descendants was given a film taken during the construction of Mayflower If in England. It was copied to video tape and offered for purchase by interested members. It is an informative and interesting film and is well worth viewing. Approximately 15 minutes.

THE PILGRIMS OF PLIMOTH. From the book The Pilgrims of Plimoth, c.1986, by Marcia Sewall. Weston Woods. 27 minutes. Cost: $59.98. Available from Listening Library. (Toll Free - 800-243- 4504)
Summary: The Pilgrims of Plimoth describes the settlement of the pilgrims in America. The story begins with the pilgrims leaving England and setting sail for America. The hardships of the trip and the initial difficulties of life in America are described. As the story continues, we learn about the pilgrims first meeting with Native Americans, the daily activities of the pilgrims, and the need for basic laws, and rules necessary to govern the first settlement. The remainder outlines the division of labor among men, women and children. Finally, it is made clear that although the journey from England to America and the process of settling in a new country was extremely difficult, the pilgrims were convinced that the peace and freedom the new country offered them made it all worthwhile.
Comment: A viewing guide is included that may be photocopied for free distribution without restriction. This is most helpful to volunteers and teachers in showing the video. It is excellent.

PLIMOTH PLANTATION. The year 1627 lives forever at Plimoth Plantation. in this Plimoth Plantation video, you 11 learn first hand the stories of the men and women who settled in the New World. You 11 also visit the Wampanoags, whose help was essential to the colonists survival. A VideoTours, Inc. Production, c.1989. Approximately 30 min. Available from Plimoth Plantation.

PLIMOTH PLANTATION COLONIAL LIFE. Tracy and Greg, wondering what life for the Pilgrims was really like, blast back in time to Plimoth Plantation. Follow along as they visit with the Pilgrims and learn bout daily life. A Wampanoag woman also teaches the kids about the food, shelter and customs of the regions Native American people. Running time 23 minutes, includes teacher 's guide. Recommended for Grades: 3-7.

PLYMOUTH COLONY: FIRST YEAR, Revised. Coronet films. Evanston Public Schools, Evanston, IL. The film begins with the Separatists in England. Their sojourn to Holland and finally their decision to go to the New World. Their experiences of their first year at Plimoth is historically portrayed.

SQUANTO AND THE FIRST THANKSGIVING. Grahame Greene narrates this true story about a Native American sold into slavery in Spain. Years later he returns and teaches the Pilgrims how to survive the difficult first years at the Plymouth colony. Music by Paul McCandless; Paintings by Michael Donato; and Written by Eric Metaxas. Approximately 30 minutes. Ages 5 and up. Rabbit Ears Productions, inc., c.1993. Cost $9.98. Available from Listening Library. (Toll Free - 800-243-4504)


COMPUTER SOFTWARE

PilgrimQuest is published by the Decision Development Corporation, 2680 Bishop Drive, Suite 122, San Ramon, CA 94583 - phone 1.800-835-4332 for current price listing. PilgrimQuest was co-developed with the National Geographic Society. Also available from Educational Resources. Phone for current prices - 800-624-2926.
"PilgrimQuest is applicable in three grade levels:
At grade five, students study the European explorers who sought trade routes, economic gain, adventure and national glory in the New World. As they discuss the technological developments that made the Age of Exploration possible, PilgrimQuest can help them understand how the explorers and crews might have felt when they explored unknown lands.
In grade eight, students address the significant developments of the colonial era in detail. PilgrimQuest can help students reach a richer understanding of: The development of democratic institutions. The development of an economy based on agriculture, commerce, and handicraft manufacture. The emergence of major regional differences in the colonies.
In the eleventh grade, students who use PilgrimQuest can review the democratic ideals and economic framework that were incorporated in our nation when it was founded and apply this knowledge to understanding significant events in 20th century American history."
"PilgrimQuest is an exciting and vivid strategy game that places you in the Pilgrim colony at Plymouth. Face the same obstacles and choices, then make decisions that will determine the colony's survival. Even choose a different course than Pilgrims and see where it takes you. As an 'honorary pilgrim' you'll: buy ocean voyage and colony provisions; chart the Mayflower's course; choose a settlement site; assign chores to sustain the colony; build, farm, log, hunt and fish; coexist with Native American tribes; trade and barter. Underlying these activities are the concepts of distribution of wealth, borrowing and interest, world trade, basic needs, perils in early voyages, map and graph reading; basic geography, forms of government, negotiation, production of goods, scarcity, supply and demand, agriculture, diet and nourishment and Native American cultures of New England. PilgrimQuest will give you a unique vivid understanding of American history in the 17th century.

Update from the net:
More information: PilgrimQuest II Home Page
http://www.ddc2ooo.com/products/twindow.htm
http://www.ddc2ooO.com/products/twindow.htm#PilgrimQuest II
PilgrimQuest II - Download Demo!
Ages 9 - 90+ Grades 5 - Adult
Join the Pilgrims on the Mayflower
and live in the Plymouth Colony

PilgrimQuest II is a new Microsoft Windows and Macintosh CD-ROM version of DDC 's popular simulation game PilgrimQuest. Sound, video, graphics, and gameplay have all been improved. PilgrimQuest II is fully Windows 95 and PowerMac compatible and supports Microsoft 's autorun CD technology. Also included on the Windows CD is a stunning PilgrimQuest II screen saver that displays screens, videos, and music from the game. The original DOS and Mac versions of PilgrimQuest are still available.

The learning objectives are:
Understand the history and conditions the Pilgrims faced when they reached America and established a colony at Plymouth.
Understand the development of democratic institutions.
Reinforce understanding about the development of an economy based on agriculture, commerce, and handicraft manufacture.
Recognize the emergence of major regional differences in the colonies.
Learn about decision making and the effect your decisions have on the outcome of the Plymouth colony.
Learn the skills needed to survive in a new and harsh environment.
Learn how to manage resources.

Both PilgrimQuest and PilgrimQuest II enhance problem solving skills, while developing an understanding about history, Native Americans, and the colonization of America. They provide the learner with opportunities to practice decision making, to manage resources and to test survival skills. The school version contains lessons and resources so the teacher can integrate the program into the curriculum. A simulation can be saved for return to play at another time.

PilgrimQuest II http://www.ddc2000.com

I've also included the Software review by Susan Bean to give you another perspective: Imagine being a pilgrim explorer in 1620. What provisions do you need for your voyage? Where will you choose to land and begin building a colony? As a leader, can you assign jobs so that the colony will thrive? PilgrimQuest II, a strategic simulation by Decision Development Corporation, allows children the opportunity to make these decisions and seethe consequences of their choices. The journey begins with one of several slide shows. These shows present historical information about the Pilgrims, their journey, and their customs. Next, the voyager selects supplies. He is completely in control as to the goods and the quantities he takes to the New World. However, wise purchasing requires experience. After playing a few games, a user learns the importance of certain items. Young colonists learn to get medicine, muskets, beer, and cloth from ship captains; and they obtain corn, beans, pumpkins, fur, and wampum from the local Indian population. This, of course, necessitates friendly relations with the Indians.

PilgrimQuest II offers six site selections to colonize. Site information regarding available fish and game, forests, fresh water, suitable harbor areas, and land description aid in making a satisfactory site choice. Maneuvering the ship to the various sites with the arrow buttons proved to be a quest for dexterity. Too far to the left or right keeps the boat in circles; but soon the boating ability improves, and the Pilgrim sailors visit each site.

Once a specific site is selected, building begins. Workers need assignments to nurse the sick, build the common house, build homes, build a stockade, dig wells, guard the colony, sew and cook, hunt, fish, farm, cut trees, and saw timber. As tasks are completed and as the colony members succumb to sickness and death or get their health restored, the status of the workers continually changes. You, the colony leader, must be aware of these changes so that you can reassign workers to the most urgent assignments.

Going exploring in the wilderness is a great adventure in this simulation. Catch fish by lining up a hook to the mouth of small or large fish. Go hunting in the forest for deer or fowl, but remember to reload the musket between shots. Turn logs into firewood by efficiently stacking them into a wagon. Visit Native American tribes to develop good relations that aid your survival as a colony. When the relationship becomes favorable, you can trade goods, smoke the peace pipe, and make treaties. There are also captains on ships from Europe to visit and trade goods with you. Goods need to be shipped back to England to pay off the Pilgrim debt, as the colony prospers.

All of the simulation games require knowledge of current supplies. PilgrimQuest 11 provides an extensive journal to keep track of the colony 's food, shelter, health, population, defense, Native American relations, debt, and structures. Within the journal are tabs for colony, finances, goods, building, medical, security, farming, diary, history, and map. The diary keeps any notes and observations you record. The map page fills in as you explore the wilderness around your colony site.

There is so much to learn from this product. Children increase their awareness of borrowing and interest, world trade, barter, negotiation, supply and demand, basic needs, agriculture, physical geography, map and graph reading, and history of early voyages and Native Americans. They solve problems, practice decision making, and test survival skills. It 's a fun opportunity to learn for the recommended ages of 9 to 90.

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