Spanish conquistadors, Cortez and the Aztecs, early Spanish explorers, La Salle and French Texas, the Mission-Presidio System, and Spanish settlement and colonization.
Exploration and Early Colonization unit contains 8 learning experiences.
Learning Experiences (Lessons) in Exploration and Early Colonization Each learning experience takes about 45 minutes to teach in the device-enabled classroom.
Spanish Conquistadors in the Americas
Students focus on three Spanish explorers who had an impact on Texas history: Pánfilo de Narváez, whose expedition failed; ílvar Níºí±ez Cabeza de Vaca, who became a Texas merchant and defender of Native Americans; and ílvarez de Pineda, who in 1519 created the first known map of the Gulf of Mexico.
Cortes Conquers the Aztecs
Students learn how Hernando Cortes conquered the Aztec empire, and they build a timeline of key events. Then they read about Cortes and his legacy in New Spain. They discuss the impact of point of view when discussing historical events.
Early Spanish Explorers
Students focus on three Spanish explorers who had an impact on Texas history: Pánfilo de Narváez, whose expedition failed; ílvar Níºí±ez Cabeza de Vaca, who became a Texas merchant and defender of Native Americans; and ílvarez de Pineda, who in 1519 created the first known map of the Gulf of Mexico.
La Salle and French Texas
Students learn about motivations for French colonization in North America in general, and La Salle's motivations in particular. They read about La Salle's failed expedition to locate the mouth of the Mississippi and of his Texas settlement, Fort Saint Louis. They elaborate on the conflict between the Spanish and the French colonies, especially in Texas.
The Mission-Presidio System
Students learn about the goal and structure of Spanish missions and presidios. Next they explain the role of the missions and presidios in the Texas land conflict between Spain and France. Then they examine the reasons for the decline of these institutions.
Spanish Settlement in Texas
Students learn about the types of Spanish settlements in Texas: missions, towns (pueblos), and ranches. They work in small groups to research a specific mission. Then they learn about the early history of San Antonio and about the conflicts that arose between missionaries and private ranchers.
Spanish Colonization and Native Americans
Students learn about the complex relationship between the Spanish colonists and the Native Americans in Texas. They read about the various tribes and the diversity among them and their relations with the Spanish. They read a passage by Father Francisco Hidalgo and reflect on his attitude toward the Native Americans. Then they choose one of three dilemmas and describe it from two points of view: a Spanish settler and a Native American.
