Researching and Representing Trades and Occupations in Colonial America. Dominique Dart NEH – Picturing Early America 2010 Students will learn about the common trades and crafts of colonial America, and about the process of becoming an artisan, through research and virtual tours of living history museums. Students will create a detailed written portrait of an artisan and of his craft/trade. Students will learn about portraiture and what portraits can teach us about the sitters and their society. Students will draw/paint a “self portrait” as an artisan, using the common devices used in portraits of that time. 2.9 For texture, use and be able to differentiate between surface texture and the illusion of texture (visual texture) 2.11 For space and composition, create unified 2D and 3D compositions that demonstrate an understanding of balance, repetition, rhythm, scale, proportion, unity, harmony, and emphasis. Create 2D compositions that give the illusion of 3D space and volume 3.4 Create 2D and 3D representational artwork from direct observation in order to develop skills of perception, discrimination, physical coordination, and memory of detail 4.5 Demonstrate the ability to describe preliminary concepts verbally; to visualize concepts in clear schematic layouts; and to organize and complete projects 5.6 Demonstrate the ability to describe the kinds of imagery used to represent subject matter and ideas, for example, literal representation, simplification, abstraction, or symbolism History and Social Science Curriculum Framework: Research, Evidence, and Point of View. Students will acquire the ability to frame questions that can be answered by historical study and research; to collect, evaluate, and employ information from primary and secondary sources, and to apply it in oral and written presentations. They will understand many kinds and uses of evidence; and by comparing historical narratives, they will differentiate historical fact from historical interpretation and from fiction. History Level II (Grades 5-6) 1. Understands the factors that shaped the economic system in the colonies and the Americas (e.g., labor systems, natural resources, relations with other countries and the home country) 2. Understands economic life in the New England, Chesapeake, and southern colonies (e.g., environmental and human factors; the work people did; the crops that plantation, yeoman, and family farmers grew; Language Arts Writing 1. Uses the general skills and strategies of the writing process INTRODUCTION. What is a trade? What were some of the common trades of the Colonial times? Give students a list of common trades of that time. How did people learn a trade? In colonial America, apprenticeship was the usual means by which young men entered a trade and master craftsmen obtained the labor necessary to staff their workshops. A young man’s guardian signed an indenture (contract) for a period of time and the apprentice in turn was to receive food, lodging, and knowledge of “the mysteries of the trade,” or traditional craft practices. (historymatters.gmu.edu) Apothecary - acted as pharmacist, doctor, dentist, and general storekeeper Barber Blacksmith-Armorer - made things from iron and repaired weapons Bookbinder Breechesmaker - mades breeches Brickmaker Cabinetmaker - made and repaired furniture Carpenter-joiner - built interiors of ships and houses Chandler - made candles Cooper - made containers of wood, such as barrels Cutler - made, sold, and repaired knives and scissors Farrier - shoed horses and acted as a veterinarian Goldsmith - made hollow ware (bowls, cups, and vases) and jewelry Gunsmith Hatter Leather dresser Mantuamaker - dressmaker Milliner - made dresses and hats and sold accessories Music Teacher Printer - published the newspaper, sold books and other printed materials, and often served as postmaster Ropemaker Saddler - made saddles, harnesses, and other leather items Shoemaker Silversmith Tavern Keeper - provided meals, drinks, entertainment, and lodging Weaver Wheelwright - made wheels and carts Wigmaker Show and Discuss the trades. Can you guess the trade? What are they making? What materials/tools are being used? Discuss the usefulness of the trade and the objects. What is still relevant today, etc.
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