Lesson Plan Title : The Pros and Cons of Being a Pilgrim

Age Range: Grade 6 through grade 8 (Middle School)

Overview and Purpose: In this lesson, students will debate whether it is a good idea to join the group leaving on the Mayflower. They will have to defend their position after gathering the facts and considering personal motives.

Objective: The student will be able to debate whether it is worth the risk to join the group on the Mayflower.

Resources:

Internet access for each student

Activities:

Divide the class into two groups. Explain that they are going to research and debate whether Jack should join the group who is leaving on the Mayflower. Assign a personal history to Jack that includes his profession, family life, and overall health. Have one group of students argue for Jack joining the Mayflower and have the other group argue against it.

Give the students time to research their position. Remind them to consider what the voyage and living conditions will be like and what Jack is leaving behind. When they are ready, have the groups debate whether he should go or stay in England.

Wrap Up:

Students can also do this activity on an individual level. You can offer the students statistics on three different people and they can write persuasive pieces on whether the people should go or stay in England.