Ranches, the Open Range, and Cowboy Life

Students learn about the open range and how it helped ranching become a profitable business. Then they learn about ranching and facts and myths about cowboys. They also explore factors that led to the end of the open range.

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 Ranches, the Open Range, and Cowboy Life:

Attributions

Engage

Overview

In this experience, students learn about the open range and how it helped ranching become a profitable business. Then they learn about ranching and facts and myths about cowboys. They also explore factors that led to the end of the open range.

Objectives:

Explain how Texas land policies affected the open range.
Describe the development of big ranches and the myths and realities of cowboys in Texas.
Explain the factors that led to the end of the open range in Texas.

Cattle ranching was able to arise in Texas because it had open ranges. These open ranges were enormous areas of unfenced land. In this experience, you will learn how this land affected the development of Texas.

Objectives:

Explain how Texas land policies affected the open range.
Describe the development of big ranches and the myths and realities of cowboys in Texas.
Explain the factors that led to the end of the open range in Texas.

man on horseback with cattle in background

Cowboy Rounding up Cattle

What do you think happened to the open ranges?

A) People put up fences to claim the land.
B) Railroads were built on the land.
C) People started fighting over the land.
D) People built homes on the open ranges.

Students will learn that all of these developments contributed to the end of the open ranges.

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

The Complete List of Learning Experiences in Cotton, Cattle, Railroads, and Westward Expansion Unit.