You have been learning about pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving ever since kindergarten.  Now your group will travel back in time through the internet  to find out the truth about pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving.  Have fun and travel safely!

        This is a group activity.  Your group will visit various web sites in your travel back in time.  At each stop you will read about events that happened around the time of the first Thanksgiving.  You will compare different versions of the same event, learn about similar customs in other cultures, and find out how Thanksgiving became a national holiday.  In order to safely return to the present , you will have to complete a story of the first Thanksgiving, using what you have learned on your trip.

Activity #1    People of many other cultures give thanks for good harvests.  Click on the highlighted words and read about harvest festivals and thanksgiving celebrations held by the ancient Greeks, the Romans, the Hebrews, the Chinese, and the Egyptians. Click here and fill out the chart with at least two facts about each culture's celebrations.
 

Activity #2    Click on the two pictures and read two versions of the first Thanksgiving.  Compare these versions.  How are they the same and how are they different?  Click here and create a chart to show this information.
 
 

Activity #3    We tend to associate turkeys to the Thanksgiving holiday.  Click on the turkey below and read about the tradition of turkeys at Thanksgiving.  After you finish the reading, click here and list 5 facts about turkeys.  Be sure to include one fact about turkeys and the first Thanksgiving.
 

Activity #4    Native Americans may have a different view of the Thanksgiving holiday.  Click on the underlined word and find out about The National Day of Mourning.  Write a paragraph explaining what this is and why Native Americans may have a different view of Thanksgiving than European Americans.
 

Activity #5    Have you ever wondered how Thanksgiving became a national holiday?  Click here to find out.  Create a time line using the dates and events listed in this reading.
 

Activity #6    Now that you have more facts about pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving you need to create an ending to the story found at this site.  You may choose your own way to present the ending to the story. (i.e. a written story, a play, an interview, etc.)
 
 
 
 

    I am glad you returned safely. Let me know how you felt about this Webquest and your travel back in time through the internet.  Did you find out any interesting facts that you didn't know before?  E-mail me with your opinions at ATeachBosq@aol.com.