By Amy Batista, Special Writer
MANSFIELD — Fifth-graders stepped back in time at Mansfield Township Elementary School’s 13th annual Colonial Fair.
“They did a really nice job working together,” said coordinator Lisa Dolci. “I really think that they learned a lot and it was a more interesting way of learning because it was more hands-on, student-driven than us just presenting the information to them.”
“They really enjoy anything with technology so the research aspect and typing up the information end and coming up with ideas for items to display, they were really excited to share what they learned with the parents and other students,” she said.
Approximately 125 students participated in the researching six of the original 13 colonies, which included Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, Massachusetts Bay, Georgia and Rhode Island.
“The students were assigned one of the original 13 colonies and they had to each research information about the colonies,” Ms. Dolci said, adding it is part of the curriculum in which the students are learning about colonial times. They focus on U.S. history in fifth grade, she said.
The students started researching their project about a month before the Nov. 25 fair.
She said they researched the history of the when colony started, who was in charge of the colony, why it was started, information about the land, the geography, jobs that were available and other information.
Students were assigned into small groups where they showcased the facets of colonial life. Students dressed in character, highlighting various roles of the times — blacksmith, farmer, storyteller.
Holly Morrell, 11, of Columbus, explained to visitors who stopped by their Pennsylvania colony about materials that was used at the time, such as coal.
“The colony was founded by William Penn in 1787,” she said.
Haley Schwartz, 10, of Mansfield, said that the colony was nicknamed the “bread basket.”
Amanda Runyon, 10, of Columbus explained to visitors about clothing that was typically worn at the time as she had her American Girl Doll model an outfit for her group.
“I had a lot of fun doing it and we all worked together really well,” Hayley said.
Brady Alpin, 11, of Columbus said he learned that New York was founded by the Dutch and then it was taken over by England in 1664.
He said it was first named the New Netherlands by the Dutch but renamed after The Duke of York.
“There were a lot of interesting facts and a lot of tools used,” he said. “That the Hudson River was named after Henry Hudson and was the first person to sail in those waters.”
William Gonzales, 10, of Columbus said that King Charles II gave the colony to his brother, the Duke of York.
The group of boys had various tools on display ranging from various pieces of wood to an anvil they made. One of the trades for New York was a blacksmith. They explained to their visitors how a blacksmith makes metal products by heating and shaping metal. Blacksmiths can combine metals such as iron, copper, steel, and bronze to make fancy and everyday items, including iron gates, railings, furniture, tools and horseshoes.
“We didn’t know that the children had to work so much,” said Sonia Gazi, 10, of Columbus.
For her, the highlight was working with her friends.
“It was really fun to do and work together,” said Shannon McKiernan, 10, of Columbus.
Alex Visalli, 10, of Mansfield, explained to visitors the various jobs of the Georgia colony including plantation owners, cobblers, blacksmiths, printers and apothecaries.
“Some of the stuff (jobs) I haven’t even heard of like apothecaries,” said Alex. “They’re like doctors.
Resident and parent April Michal said she was “very impressed.”
“I’m very impressed of their knowledge of their colonies and all the props that they brought in and the hard work that they put into doing everything,” said Ms. Michal.
