Texas Gains Statehood


Early Texas Statehood and the Civil War Texas Gains Statehood
Students make a guess as to what number state Texas was to join the Union. Then they learn about the events leading up to annexation. They examine a timeline and create their own summary timelines of key events. Next they analyze the two conflicting positions in the United States over the annexation of Texas. Finally they imagine the events on the day that Texas became a state in order to write a front-page report.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

1:1 Devices
Teacher Pack

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Here are the teacher pack items for Texas Gains Statehood:

Preview - Scene 1
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Overview

In this experience, students make a guess as to what number state Texas was to join the Union. Then they learn about the events leading up to annexation. They examine a timeline and create their own summary timelines of key events. Next they analyze the two conflicting positions in the United States over the annexation of Texas. Finally they imagine the events on the day that Texas became a state in order to write a front-page news report.

If you have access to leveled readers about Manifest Destiny, assign them to the students in parallel to this experience.

Estimated duration: 45-75 minutes, depending on how much time you want to give students for the two writing assignments in scenes 3 and 4. You may teach scene 3 in an ELAR workshop on writing argumentative text.

Vocabulary words:

  • majority
  • table (a proposal)
  • guarantee
  • condition
  • convenient
  • facility
  • ratify
  • movement

Objectives

  • Identify the events leading to the annexation of Texas to the United States.
  • Explain the different positions in the United States on annexation of Texas.


Engage


You know that Texas is one of the fifty states of the United States. During the years of the Republic of Texas, it was not certain that Texas would be annexed. In this lesson, you will learn about the events and the conflicts that led to Texas becoming a U.S. state.

Objectives

  • Identify the events leading to the annexation of Texas to the United States.
  • Explain the different positions in the United States on annexation of Texas.


the U.S. flag from 1846

Texas joined the United States in 1846.


Today there are fifty states in the United States. Do you know what number Texas was to join? Make an educated guess. Hint: It wasn’t one of the original 13 colonies.

Post your answer

The correct answer is 28.

Students are not expected to know the answer. Let them have fun guessing, like how many jellybeans are in a jar. Some students will realize that they can count the stars on the flag to find the answer.


When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.

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The Complete List of Learning Experiences in Early Texas Statehood and the Civil War Unit.
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