Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be an explorer? Our class will be going on an expedition back in time to the 1700 and 1800's. We will be visiting many places important to that time period.

You will become a colonial explorer who will investigate and locate historical landmarks in the Hudson Valley. You will be working in cooperative groups to research a specific landmark. Some facts to be examined include:

• The name of the historic landmark
• The time period the landmark was important
• The historical significance of the site
• Important people related to the site
• Significance of the location of the site (include maps using MapQuest)

Each group will research the topic, write a report, and present their findings. The report will include at least one picture and a map. Each individual student will be responsible for creating a postcard representing their landmark.

Pick an historic site from the list below. Use the Internet resources listed below, as well as books, encyclopedias and magazines, to gather information about your site. Once your information is gathered, you will write a group report on the site. In addition, each individual will create a postcard. The groups will present the project to the remainder of the class.

Specific expectations:

• Cover page

The cover page will include the name of the site and a picture. You can use the Internet to copy and paste a picture of the site. Make sure to give credit to the Internet site for the picture.

• Page 1

Paragraph one will answer the question of historical significance of the site and time period. Include in this how the location contributed to its importance. Paragraph two will report on important people related to the site.

• Page 2

Page 2 will include a map of the site and surrounding areas (http://www.MapQuest.com/).

• Individual postcards

Each student will design and create a postcard to represent their site.

http://www.Highlands.com/ The Hudson Highlands

http://www.HVnet.com/ Hudson Valley Network

http://www.HudsonRiver.com/ Resource for New York's Hudson Valley

http://www.HudsonValley.org/ Historic Hudson Valley Explorer's Guide

http://www.DutchessNY.gov/ History in Dutchess County

http://www.academic.marist.edu/ssp97/huge2.htm/ Early Eurpoeans in the Hudson Valley

http://www.MapQuest.com/ MapQuest

Now that we have completed our research and reports, let's think about how this has helped you understand how rich the Hudson Valley is in historical sites. Groups will present their reports to the class. Students will have the opportunity to become familiar with other sites in the Hudson Valley.

Suggested grade level for this project is 4th grade.