Missions and Ranches


US History Age of Jackson and Westward Expansion Missions and Ranches
In this experience, students learn about the history of missions in the southwestern area of the country. Then, students learn about the ranchos period, which followed the mission era. Finally, students prepare a presentation describing what life was like for the Spanish and Native American living on a mission.

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.

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Here are the teacher pack items for Missions and Ranches:

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Overview

In this experience, students learn about the history of missions in the southwestern area of the country. Then, students learn about the ranchos period, which followed the mission era. Finally, students prepare a presentation describing what life was like for the Spanish and Native American living on a mission.

Students will collaborate in small groups for scene 1 through scene 4. Divide students into their small groups before beginning the experience.

Objective:

  • Describe life for the Spanish and Native Americans on the missions and ranches of California and New Mexico.


Spanish missions were churches established by Franciscan Friars in the southwestern United States. From the sixteenth century to the eighteenth century, Spanish Friars came from Mexico to teach the Native Americans about Christianity and to try to assimilate them into the Spanish culture. The Spanish hoped that the Native Americans would eventually become citizens of the northern Spanish territory in what is now California, Texas, and New Mexico.

Objective:

  • Describe life for the Spanish and Native Americans on the missions and ranches of California and New Mexico.


Photo of a large white building with bells

Mission San Diego de Alcalá


Think about what you know about the cultures of Spanish settlers from Mexico and the Native Americans. How are their two cultures different from one another? Discuss these cultures with your small group and then complete the table below.


How were Spanish settlers and Native Americans different from one another? Have one person from your group record your answers.



Discuss small group responses with the class. Mention to students that Spanish settlers had different cultures than the Native Americans. They wore different clothes, practiced different religions, had different customs, spoke different languages, etc.

Conduct a short discussion with students asking them what they think it might have been like for the Native Americans the first time they saw the Spanish missionaries.


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

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The Complete List of Learning Experiences in Westward Expansion Unit.
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