Students will launch the colonial investigation by testing a settlement idea in a Build-a-Colony challenge, using source clues and maps to make an initial claim, then revising that claim after peer feedback to prepare for deeper inquiry in the next phase.

Students will turn a colonial settlement puzzle into a focused investigable question, draft a simple evidence-collection method using maps and source types, and improve that plan through structured peer critique before moving into evidence gathering.

Students will present their Build-a-Colony exhibit boards and claim-and-evidence museum labels, defend their settlement decisions with cited source and map evidence, receive audience feedback, and complete a brief evidence-based reflection on what it takes to build a society.