Students learn about the Republic of Texas’s ad interim government and how it was formed. First, they identify President David Burnet and Vice President Lorenzo de Zavala. Then they analyze the impact of the Runaway Scrape. Finally, they write a letter to their families describing the situation in the area around Washington-on-the-Brazos.
Students read background information about the Constitutional Convention of 1836, the creation and purpose of the ad interim government, and the challenges posed by the advancing Mexican army. They examine an image of a three-dollar bill from the Republic of Texas and respond to a collaborative wall prompt predicting important tasks facing the new Republic’s government and which tasks the ad interim government might prioritize.
Teacher MovesIntroduce the lesson overview and objectives, clarifying the meaning of an ad interim (temporary) government and the historical context of the Texas Revolution. Facilitate discussion of student responses on the wall, emphasizing that the Mexican army was actively fighting the Texan army and highlighting the government’s need to unite Texans, encourage military enlistment, and seek financial and military aid from other countries.
Students view images of David G. Burnet and Lorenzo de Zavala and read explanatory text describing the officers of the ad interim government and the backgrounds of Burnet and Zavala. They then respond on a wall to explain how Zavala’s background differed from that of the other ad interim leaders.
Teacher MovesGuide students through the information about the ad interim officers, prompting them to note differences in origin, political experience, and perspectives. Share an interesting or exemplary student response about Zavala’s unique Mexican background and extensive service in Mexican state and national government, and use it to deepen class discussion.
Students read about the government’s decision to move the capital from Washington-on-the-Brazos to Harrisburg, the approach of Santa Anna’s army, and the broader context of the Runaway Scrape, including criticism of the government’s actions. They read Runaway Scrape to further understand the mass flight of settlers, then post to a wall taking a position on whether the government’s move was wise or cowardly and explaining their reasoning. Next, they read Ad Interim Government (and may reference the Ad Interim Government Summary) to learn additional key facts about the temporary government and complete a graphic organizer with several important details about its structure, actions, and time in power.
Teacher MovesPrompt students to consider multiple perspectives on the government’s relocation and the Runaway Scrape, then highlight and discuss an exemplary response from the wall to model evidence-based reasoning. Support students as they extract key information from the readings to complete the graphic organizer, and, as needed, review major facts about the ad interim government (dates, election by the convention, relocation, role during the Treaties of Velasco, and transition to a permanent government under Sam Houston).
Students assume the role of a Texas settler living near Washington-on-the-Brazos during the Revolution, after learning that the Alamo has fallen and Santa Anna’s troops are approaching. They write a letter on a collaborative wall to family members in the United States explaining the situation and the course of action they have decided to take. After posting, they review classmates’ letters and respond to at least two with a question or a positive comment.
Teacher MovesSet the historical scene and encourage students to draw on what they have learned about the ad interim government and the Runaway Scrape to inform their letters. Monitor student writing for historical accuracy and emotional perspective, then prompt students to engage respectfully with peers’ posts by asking thoughtful questions or offering constructive, positive feedback.
Students complete the exit quiz by answering all the questions.
Teacher MovesFacilitate the assessment and use student data to evaluate understanding, address misconceptions, and identify areas for growth.
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