Curated OER
Spanish Explorers and Conquistadors
Prior to taking a test of the Spanish explorers and conquistadors, have students review with this informative PowerPoint. Fifth graders will feel more prepared after using this slideshow as a guide to their studying.
Curated OER
The French in Texas
Fourth graders use Internet to examine early French exploration and settlement in Texas, and write journal entries from point of view of 17th Century French settler, French or Spanish explorer, or Native American whose land was taken.
Curated OER
Coronado: Misfortune's Explorer
Fourth graders discuss the importance of Coronado's expedition through Texas and the trials his men endured during the journey. They view and discuss a map of Coronado's route, the effects of weather on the Great Plains, and Buffalo....
Curated OER
Cabeza de Vaca
Fourth graders observe the 1529 map of the Gulf of Mexico and describe the accuracy of the map, including the unknown landscape that Cabeza de Vaca would traverse. They read the discuss the excerpt of his journey including his treatment...
Curated OER
Lesson 6: Examining Events from Different Perspectives Friend or Foe?
Fifth graders sequence events of European exploration and colonization by creating timelines. They define the differences between primary and secondary sources. They discuss claims to Texas land in the 17th Century.
Curated OER
Exploration and Settlement of the American Southwest
Students scrutinize the Zuni Pueblo Revolt in this seven lessons unit on early Spanish explorers in the American southwest. The discovery of the Spanish missions, the search for the seven cities of gold, and particular geological...
PBS
Latino Americans: Timeline of Important Dates
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.
Curated OER
Oklahoma
In this geography worksheet, students read a 2 page selection detailing the location, history and early statehood of Oklahoma. They answer 10 true or false questions based on the reading.
Curated OER
Manifest Destiny Questions
In this Westward Expansion worksheet, students respond to 7 short answer questions about America's vision of Manifest Destiny and its effects.
Curated OER
Arkansas
In this Arkansas reading comprehension worksheet, students read a 2-page selection regarding the state and they answer 10 true or false questions pertaining to the selection.
Curated OER
AT HOME ON THE RANGE
The student will learn how ranchers on the western frontier helped saved the bison from extinction.Hand out student worksheets. Have students read the information about bison on Student Worksheet A before completing Student Worksheet...
Curated OER
HIT THE TRAIL
Students draw three cattle trails that passed through Indian Territory, using a written description of the trails and will create a diary of trail life. Students research a historical trail as assigned. Students share their information...
Other
Texas Beyond History: Jumano Spanish Relations
This extensive article details the evolution of the relationship between the Jumano and the Spanish explorers beginning in 1583. This was a relationship that the Jumano went to great lengths to develop and maintain. They also fostered...
Other
Texas Bob: The First Europeans in Texas: 1528 1536
One of the first Europeans to penetrate the interior of Texas, read Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca's account of his shipwreck and eventual return to the Spanish Court.
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Native American Relations in Texas: Introduction
How did a Spanish explorer become a "medicine man and the first European trader in Texas"? Who authored the "first ever written description of Texas Indians"? Read this brief article to begin learning about the early relations between...
PBS
Pbs the West: Alvar Nunez Cabeza De Vaca
A biography of this Spanish explorer who was born in 1490. Click on "route" for a map of his travels, and click on "account" for a translation of his published account of his experiences.
University of Texas at Austin
University of Texas: Exploration and Settlement Before 1675
A great map showing the explorations of Spanish, French, and English explorers in North America between 1530 and 1675. A detailed key identifies each explorer and route. From the Perry-Castaneda Collection
Texas Public Broadcasting
Texas Pbs: Texas Our Texas: Age of Contact 1519 1689
Find out about the wave of exploration that began with Columbus' voyage in 1492, and reached the land that is now Texas a short time later.
Texas State Historical Association
Texas State Historical Association: Early European Exploration and Development
A chronological timeline of early European exploration and development in Texas spanning from the sixteenth to the nineteenth centuries.
Other
Texas Indians: The Texas Apaches
This article details the history and way of life of the Apaches in Texas. It describes their interactions with the Spanish explorers, how they were treated like slaves at the Spanish missions, and how their resentment drove them to...
Texas State Historical Association
Texas State Historical Association: Alvarez De Pineda, Alonso
An account of the Spanish expedition led by Alonso Alvarez de Pineda in 1519 that explored the Gulf of Mexico between Florida and Cabo Rojo, Mexico. The explorers tried to establish the Panuco colony but were unsuccessful.
Other
History and Timelines: Texas History Timeline
A timeline of events covering important dates in Texas history beginning in 1519, and ending in 1898.
Texas State Historical Association
Texas State Historical Association: European Exploration [Pdf]
An activity guide where students refer to the Texas Almanac, which is free to download, for information needed to complete assigned tasks. In this lesson, students are asked to research Spanish and French explorers and create a 'living...
Bullock Texas State History Museum
Bullock Museum: American Indians
Immerse in the campfire stories of the people who defined Texas. Find out about how the two Americas: the Europeans' version, and the American Indians' version, started changing forever.