The early European exploration and settlement, with an emphasis on Spanish activity in Texas; includes a case study on the development of San Antonio
European Exploration and Settlement unit contains 8 learning experiences.
Learning Experiences (Lessons) in European Exploration and Settlement Each learning experience takes about 45 minutes to teach in the device-enabled classroom.
European Exploration
Students learn about navigational tools used by the European explorers. Then they examine the 3 Gs—gold, God, and glory—that motivated the Europeans. Finally they interpret a map of the Americas drawn by a Spanish cartographer in 1590.
Spanish Exploration in Texas
Students look at Alonso Álvarez de Pineda’s map of the Gulf coastline drawn in 1519. Then they read about Cabeza de Vaca’s contribution to our knowledge of pre-settlement Texas. Next they analyze how the myth of the Seven Cities of Gold led Francisco Coronado to explore northern Texas. Finally, they write a diary entry or draw an illustration related to the lesson.
French Exploration in Texas
Students look at an animated map of the La Salle expeditions and predict where he intended to land on the third expedition. Then they examine the goals of La Salle’s third expedition and French colonization. Next they analyze the competition between the French and the Spanish, especially in Texas. Finally, they learn about Fort St. Louis and write two descriptions of events there—once from the point of view of a French settler and once from the point of view of a Karankawa Indian.
Early Settlement in Texas
Students brainstorm how the European empires funded the exploration expeditions. Then they examine the goals of the Spanish missions and presidios. Next they interpret a map of the Spanish missions and presidios in Texas. Finally, students create a timeline of the history of settlement in El Paso.
Life in a Mission
Students brainstorm buildings included in a mission compound. Then they learn about the physical structure of a mission, including the role of the church and the irrigation system. Next they watch a video about new skills learned by the Indians in the missions and they read about the missions’ role in Texas ranching. Finally they write two diary entries—one from the viewpoint of a friar and one from the viewpoint of an Indian.
The Founding of San Antonio
Students first brainstorm on images that represent San Antonio to them. Then they learn the history of San Antonio, with its five missions, presidio, and large civilian settlement. They create two timelines of the developments. Finally they apply what they learned in this case study to explain the role of the Spanish missions and presidios in colonizing and developing Texas.
End of the Missions
Students brainstorm buildings included in a mission compound. Then they learn about the physical structure of a mission, including the role of the church and the irrigation system. Next they watch a video about new skills learned by the Indians in the missions and they read about the missions’ role in Texas ranching. Finally they write two diary entries—one from the viewpoint of a friar and one from the viewpoint of an Indian.
