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Bullock Texas State History Museum

Bullock Museum: Conquistadors

For Students 9th - 10th
Immerse in the campfire stories of the people who defined Texas. Read about the Spanish soldier-explorers who came to Texas in search of gold and glory.
Unit Plan
PBS

Pbs: The Conquistadors

For Students 9th - 10th
A huge website that provides a virtual field trip exploring the Spanish adventurers who quested for gold and land in the New World. The site has information on Pizarro, Orellana, Cabeza de Vaca, Cortes as well as extensive information...
Website
PBS

Pbs the West: Cities of Gold

For Students 9th - 10th
This PBS site recounts the efforts of Spanish explorers to find the fabled gold of the New World.
Handout
Curated OER

National Park Service: Hernando De Soto

For Students 9th - 10th
A biography of Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto who explored the southern coast of what became the United States. Read about his travels and demise.
Handout
San Jose State University

San Jose State University: Conquest of the Cities of Gold: Europe's Interactions

For Students 6th - 8th
The arrival of Hernan Cortez in Mexico, his encounters with the Aztec ruler Montezuma II and the Spanish defeat of the Aztecs are described.
Primary
PBS

New Perspectives on the West: Coronado's Report to Viceroy Mendoza

For Students 9th - 10th
This is the original report Coronado sent to the viceroy describing his journey from Mexico to what he hoped were the Seven Cities of Gold. He describes the land, people, climate, food, animals.
Handout
The History Cat

The History Cat: Rise and Fall of the Incan Empire

For Students 9th - 10th
Describes the achievements and sophistication of the Incan Empire prior to being conquered by the Spaniards under Francisco Pizarro. Pizarro had their emperor, Atahualpa, executed after keeping him captive for months while the Inca gave...
Handout
Other

Encyclopedia of Arkansas: Hernando De Soto (1500? 1542)

For Students 9th - 10th
Read about Hernando de Soto's travels throughout Arkansas in his quest for gold and silver.
Handout
Walled Lake Consolidated Schools

Loon Lake Elementary School: Hernando De Soto

For Students 3rd - 5th
A biography of Hernando De Soto (1500?-1542), a Spanish explorer who led the first European expedition to reach the Mississippi River. His group arrived at the river in 1541 during a search for gold. De Soto also took part in the Spanish...
Graphic
Curated OER

Ecuador Explorer: A Brief History of Ecuador

For Students 9th - 10th
This site tells the story of the Conquistadors search for gold in Ecuador. It is written like a story rather than a biography and is very detailed and interesting.