Projects About Colonial Life (Hands-On History)

Features social studies projects dealing with life in the thirteen colonies.

Reviewed with Marian Broida's Projects about American Indians of the Southwest.

Gr. 3-5. The new Hands-On History series fits the bill both for teachers wanting to liven up American history units and for creative kids entranced by yesteryear. Don't be put off by the slightly washed-out illustrations on the book covers; the material inside is much slicker, and there are plenty of full-color diagrams, photos, and illustrations. Each title features about 10 simple, satisfying projects, divided into three main sections: northern, middle, and southern colonies in Colonial Life; "Ancient Pueblo People," "The Navajo," and "The Hopi and Zuni" in American Indians. Most of the activities are introduced with a lively you-are-there narrative, so readers can readily imagine themselves in another time and place as they tackle projects such as preparing hasty pudding, making a quill pen, sculpting Zuni-style fetishes, or learning bits of the Navajo code used in World War II. A glossary, further readings, and Internet resources round out each volume. Jennifer Mattson
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