What if an entire town disappeared without leaving a trace? More than 400 years ago, over 100 English settlers arrived on Roanoke Island hoping to build a new life in North America. When help finally arrived three years later, the colony was empty—and the mystery has never been fully solved. Discover one of America’s greatest historical mysteries in this Social Studies Mini Spark!
Spark Your Thinking!
1. Set up your Social Studies mini spark recording page: #68: The Lost Colony of Roanoke
2. Watch this video about the lost colony. Why do historians think Croatoan Island may be connected to the disappearance of the colonists?
3. Sketch simple map on your recording page.
Add these labels
- Roanoke Island
- Croatoan (Hatteras) Island
- Atlantic Ocean
- Virginia
- North Carolina
- Jamestown
4. Watch the PBS video, Discovering New Clues About the Fate of the Lost Colony on Roanoke Island. As you watch, record:
- 5 important facts about the Lost Colony.
- 2 clues archaeologists have discovered.
- 1 theory about what may have happened to the colonists.
5. Read this article. Many historians believe the colonists may have joined nearby Native American communities, while others suggest different explanations. Recent archaeological discoveries have provided new clues, but no final answer has been proven.
Answer in 3-4 complete sentences:
Do you think the Lost Colony mystery will ever be completely solved? Why or why not? Support your answer with evidence from the article and videos.
6. Share your Social Studies mini spark recording page with your teacher or the EY coordinator in your building.