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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What They Left Behind: Early Multi-National Influences in the United States

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Learners research the impact of European voyages of discovery and colonial influence on different aspects of American culture. They access a number of online sources and reference maps to trace the influences of England, France, Holland,...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Along the El Camino Real

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
While studying each of the 21 missions in California, your class will learn about the founders and founding dates of each mission. Note: Some resource links may not be working, but can be supplemented with additional activities found on...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mission System of Texas

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students create a storybook about Texas missions including the history of why they were built. They research and create pictures depicting how and why the missions were built. They write and illustrate the primary groups of people found...
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PPT
Curated OER

Colonial North America

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Showcase the religion, conflicts, daily life, and politics of Colonial North America. A very well-done presentation highlights all the major colonial groups, social norms, demographics, and political struggles of the time. Perfect for an...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

California Missions

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders explore the Spanish influence upon California missions. Using the internet and other resource tools, they research a particular mission and write about its schedule, events, and beliefs. In groups, 4th graders create board...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Teacher-Astronaut Offers New Lessons

For Teachers 2nd - 6th
Learners read about teacher-in-space Barbara Morgan and life in space. In this space science and current event lesson, the teacher introduces the article with a vocabulary activity, then students read the news piece and participate in a...
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Website
PBS

Latino Americans: Timeline of Important Dates

For Students 4th - 12th Standards
From 1500-2000, an interactive timeline details important events related to Latino Americans. Next, to each date are small, yet informative blurbs—some of which include videos. 
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Worksheet
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1
K12 Reader

Conflict Over North American Lands

For Students 4th - 5th Standards
Readers are introduced to some of the conflicts that arose over land and resources in the Americas in a two-part cross-curricular comprehension worksheet that asks kids to study the article and then to use information provided to respond...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Native Lands: Indians in Georgia-Shifting Ground Political Cartoon-Introduction

For Teachers 3rd - 12th
Students explore the relationship between the Creek, Cherokee, and European/American cultures prior to the American Revolution.  Students do Internet research to identify and explain  changes in these cultures, then  create six panel...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What They Left Behind: Early Multi-National Influences in the United States

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students examine how the European voyages of discovery influence American culture even today. They map eighteenth century Europe's impact on the United States.
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PPT
Curated OER

The Age of Early European Explorations & Conquests

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Your students' world will literally take shape in this presentation, which chronicles the growing edges of the (flat) earth during European Exploration of New Worlds. Dias, da Gama, Magellean, and Columbus are key players in this game of...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Pre-Columbian Settlements and People

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders describe the social, political, cultural and economic life and interactions among the people of California from the pre-Columbian societies to the Spanish mission and Mexican rancho periods.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

California Indians

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders discuss the major nations of California Indians, their geographic distribution, economic activities, legends and religious beliefs. They describe the function of Spanish missions and the influence of Catholicism. In...
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Worksheet
Curated OER

Historical Summaries: Arizona

For Students 8th - 10th
In this Arizona history worksheet, learners read a 2-page article about prehistoric, Spanish, Mexican, and American Arizona prior to responding to 2 short answer questions.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ponce de Leon: The First Conquistador

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students learn why Queen Isabella waited nearly six years to give approval to Columbus to travel west and what event caused her to suddenly support the voyage of Columbus.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Los Californios

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders research the culture of Los Californios through primary sources. They examine maps and draw timelines of California historical dates. They investigate deeds and s of ranches and simulate property transactions.
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Article
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: Mission Churches as Theaters of Conversion in New Spain

For Students 9th - 10th
Mission churches, which followed a similar architectural plan but varied in terms of decoration, are among the earliest examples of colonial architecture. View pictures and read the history of these mission churches, or conventos, in New...
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Article
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: Mission Church, San Esteban Del Rey, Acoma Pueblo

For Students 9th - 10th
Acoma Pueblo is home to one of the best-preserved early mission churches in the United States - San Esteban del Rey. View pictures of this church and read about the history in this essay.
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Article
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: St. Michael the Archangel in Huejotzingo

For Students 9th - 10th
The Franciscan monastery of Huejotzingo is a landmark in the development of sixteenth-century art in central Mexico. View pictures of this mission and read details about the architectural elements in this essay.
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Primary
National Humanities Center

National Humanities Center: Toolbox Library: Missions, American Beginnings: 1492 1690

For Students 9th - 10th
A Spanish Franciscan and a French Jesuit report on the reciprocal relationship between natives and Catholic missionaries as Europeans settled New France and New Spain.
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Article
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: The Convento of San Nicolas De Tolentino, Actopan, Hidalgo

For Students 9th - 10th
After the Conquest, Spanish colonizers' first task was to convert the indigenous peoples to Christianity and eliminate their religious beliefs. Painted murals within their missions demonstrate the great fear and urgency of the...
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Article
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: Atrial Cross at Acolman

For Students 9th - 10th
The Atrial Cross at Acolman offers a fascinating look into the interactions between Spanish friars and Nahua converts in the years directly following the conquest of Mexico. View pictures and descriptions of the cross and the Augustinian...