Spanish Exploration in Texas


Texas Studies European Exploration and Settlement Spanish Exploration in Texas
Students look at Alonso Álvarez de Pineda’s map of the Gulf coastline drawn in 1519. Then they read about Cabeza de Vaca’s contribution to our knowledge of pre-settlement Texas. Next they analyze how the myth of the Seven Cities of Gold led Francisco Coronado to explore northern Texas. Finally, they write a diary entry or draw an illustration related to the lesson.

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 Spanish Exploration in Texas:

Preview - Scene 1
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Overview

In this experience, students look at Alonso Álvarez de Pineda’s map of the Gulf coastline drawn in 1519. Then they read about Cabeza de Vaca’s contribution to our knowledge of pre-settlement Texas. Next they analyze how the myth of the Seven Cities of Gold led Francisco Coronado to explore northern Texas. Finally, they write a diary entry or draw an illustration related to the lesson.

If you have access to leveled readers about Cabeza de Vaca, Francisco Coronado, or the Seven Cities of Gold, assign them to the students in parallel to this experience.

Estimated duration: 35-45 minutes, unless you want to allow more time for the creative task in Scene 4.

Vocabulary words:

  • expedition
  • conquistador
  • reputation
  • inspire
  • sponsor

Objectives

  • Describe the struggles Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca encountered on his journeys.
  • Identify how the search for gold contributed to the exploration of Texas.


Engage


The most significant European explorers in Texas were from Spain. In this lesson you will learn about some of them and the expeditions that they led.

Objectives

  • Describe the struggles Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca encountered on his journeys.
  • Identify how the search for gold contributed to the exploration of Texas.


roughly drawn map of the Gulf of Mexico

Look at the map above.


What geographical region do you think is shown in the map?

Post your answer

The map is of the Gulf of Mexico coastline, drawn by Alonso Álvarez de Pineda in 1519. The map is important because it establishes when the Europeans first saw the Texas coast.

Point out that this map precedes the map seen in the previous experience by ten years.


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

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The Complete List of Learning Experiences in European Exploration and Settlement Unit.
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