William Penn and the Founding of Pennsylvania
Written by Adi Ackerman, Head Teacher
"William Penn and the Founding of Pennsylvania" is written for 7th Grade (Ages 12-13). A 6th grader who is already steady on The Thirteen Colonies can use it too, and an older student can use it as a short review.


2 pages in this set
7th grade social studies worksheet: read about William Penn and Quaker ideas and answer questions on how they shaped Pennsylvania. Answer key included. Part of our founding the colonies collection.
How do I use this worksheet?
Use the founding facts table as a reference while reading the other two. The Compact and Penn sheets work as short document based lessons.
What students will practice
- Students will explain why King Charles II granted Penn a charter.
- Students will describe how Quaker beliefs shaped the colony Penn planned.
- Students will name policies of Penn that differed from other colonies.
Curriculum Links
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FAQ
How do I use this founding the colonies worksheet?
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Use the founding facts table as a reference while reading the other two. The Compact and Penn sheets work as short document based lessons.
What does this worksheet teach?
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Read about William Penn and Quaker ideas and answer questions on how they shaped Pennsylvania. The directions on the page read: Read about William Penn. Then answer the questions on page 2. An answer key is included.
Can I use this founding the colonies worksheet for homeschool or classroom?
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Yes, both. We made it for 7th grade The Thirteen Colonies, and it works the same at home or at school. At home, a student can work through it alone and then go over it with you, which shows quickly what is solid and what needs another look. In class it works as independent practice, homework or a warm-up, and you can print one copy or a full set.
Why were the colonies founded?
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The table lists reasons such as profit for investors in Virginia, worship for the Pilgrims in Massachusetts, fur trading in New York and a haven for Catholics in Maryland. Students sort the colonies into groups by main reason.
What was the Mayflower Compact?
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It was an agreement signed on board by 41 adult men in November 1620 to keep order after the Mayflower reached Cape Cod. The sheet asks what the signers promised about laws.
Why did Penn receive a charter?
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King Charles II owed Penn's late father a large debt. Penn was a Quaker, and the sheet asks how his beliefs shaped the colony he planned.
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Worksheet Details
| Grade | 7th Grade |
| Subject | Social Studies |
| Topic | The Thirteen Colonies |
| Pages | 2 pages |
| Difficulty | Medium |
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