Pocahontas Revealed
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Student Handout
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Examining an American Myth
The legend of Pocahontas has it that
she risked her life to save Captain John Smith when her father, Chief Powhatan,
seemed ready to have him beaten to death. But is this legend true? In this
activity, find out what scientific evidence has revealed about this tale.
Procedure
You will be asked to choose one of
the historical figures listed on this handout to track while watching the
program. Create a chart that includes the name of your historical figure, any
evidence archeologists and historians found related to the figure, and what
conclusions were drawn based on that evidence. As you watch the program, take
notes on the information outlined for your historical figure. After the program ends, each of
your team members should report to each other what they learned about the
historical figures they were following in the film. Each team member should read
"The Legend of Pocahontas" handout. After reading Smith's original account of what
happened, each team member should write a one-page paper summarizing the new
story of Pocahontas. The paper should include what researchers now think
happened at the meeting between John Smith and Chief Powhatan, what
Pocahontas' role was between her tribe and the English colonists, what
her relationship was with Smith, and what happened when she saw Smith the final
time. Include information about any evidence that supports the new story.
Historical Figures
Captain John Smith: Record information about who Smith
was, what happened to him after he arrived in the New World, and his
relationship with Pocahontas.
Pocahontas: Take notes on who Pocahontas was,
what role she played between her tribe and the colonists, her relationship with
Smith, and what role she may have played at the meeting between Smith and Chief
Powhatan.
Chief Powhatan: Write down information about what the
chief's role was, how he regarded the English settlers, what his
relationship was with Pocahontas, and what his relationship was with Smith.
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