Roanoke

[dawn fields]

My students are usually very curious about the Lost Colony of
Roanoke. They have a hard time believing that we really don't know
what happened to an entire group of people. After we have researched
and discussed this topic, I ask students to pretend they are reporters
from that time. Their assignment is to cover the disappearance of the
colony. I ask them to write what they think happened to the group
using facts from our research to support their opinion. Once they
have finished their story, they write it on plain paper using an ink
pen, they can add a newspaper title and a drawing to make it look like
a front page article. Then I have them rip the edges and crumple the
paper a little. Next, we dip the paper into water mixed with instant
coffee. (I usually use cake pans, so the paper can lay flat. I also
use gloves so my hands aren't stained from fishing the papers from the
water.) They set them out to dry, when we're done, they look like old
newspapers. My students love doing this!