Newfoundland Settlement Student Activities

Construct a timeline of the major events in the early history of Newfoundland.

Draw a freehand map of Newfoundland.

Draw a free-hand sketch of one of the maps in this chapter.

Draw the Newfoundland coat of arms.

Map the major voyages of exploration of Newfoundland using a different colour legend for different nations.

On the left-hand side of the page, do a colour sketch of the earlier Newfoundland coat of arms. On the right-hand side of the page, do a colour sketch of the later Newfoundland coat of arms.

Research "the oldest city in North America" and create a Bristol board display.

Examine a map of Newfoundland. List the challenges faced by early settlers.

Far more often reference is made to cod as the valuable maritime commodity that attracted Europeans to Newfoundland. However, whales also played a prominent role in that regard. Research the sixteenth century whaling industry. Which were the most prominent nations? How was the whale hunt conducted? What parts of the whale were commercially important? For what products?

St. Pierre and Miquelon have an interesting history. Research that history and then present the results of your findings to the rest of the class.

For each of the major Newfoundland voyages of discovery, create a newspaper headline that might have appeared in a contemporary newspaper.

List the major challenges that Humphrey Gilbert's attempt to establish the first permanent colony on Newfoundland. Which do you think was the greatest? Why?

Research and create a PowerPoint presentation entitled "John Cabot: The Father of Newfoundland."

Compare and contrast the two Newfoundland coats of arms. What similarities are there? What differences exist? Be sure to identify and explain the various symbols used in both.

Look at the selelction of maps in the chapter. Are later maps more reliable and accurate? Why or why not?

Imagine that you are David Kirke. Working in groups, compile a list of the items that you would bring with you in order to establish a permanent colony.

List some of the various ways in which a nation could strengthen its claim to an area of land. Which of the ways was the strongest? Why?

Speculation/brainstorm exercise. Suggest various reasons why four centuries passed in Newfoundland history between the departure of the Vikings and the rediscovery of the island European mariners. Which explanation do you find the most credible? Why?

The city of Bristol played a major role in the Age of Discovery? Why?

The study of heraldry often provides intriguing insights. Research the Newfoundland coat of arms. What does that crest reveal about Newfoundland's origins and early history?

This chapter speaks of many 'firsts.' Identify them. Which three do you think are the most important? Why?

What lessons do you think that David Kirke gathered from the earlier failure of Gilbert?

Which three explorers do you think had the greatest impact on Newfoundland's history? Why?

Why is the area just off the Grand Banks so rich in fish?

Analyze why it was Basque and Portuguese fishing vessels that first came to the area.

Analyze why the 1763 Peace of Paris allowed France to retain control of St. Pierre and Miquelon.

At various times, several different nations made claims to various parts of Newfoundland and Labrador. Identify the nations, the time period of their respective claims, and the area of their claim.

Cartier's view of Newfoundland might be described as ambivalent. Why?

Land ownership was a controversial and dubious enterprise. Explain how various explorers could - and did - make credible claims to various portions of land. What gave one country possession and ownership of an area of land? What might happen in the event that two nations claimed the same area? How did the aboriginal peoples living on that claimed land respond?

Take one of the maps included in this chapter. How accurate would you judge it to be? Can you suggest reasons for any inaccuracies that occur in it?

Trace the history of Labrador. What are its origins? Why did it become part of Newfoundland, to which it is not physically attached, rather than becoming part of Quebec, to which it is physically connected? Make a PowerPoint presentation entitled "The History of Labrador."

Working in teams with one individual representing each of the disputing nations, convene a legal council to attempt to resolve rival European claims to Newfoundland and Labrador. How would set up the rules and procedures for conducting this council? Each nation should prepare and deliver a brief outlining its claim and the rationales behind it. An independent body should be selected beforehand to adjudicate the dispute.

Write a paper entitled "The Significance of Newfoundland's geography on its historical development."