Students read about the history of cattle trails and complete language arts, math, social studies, and more activities about barbed wire. In this barbed wire lesson plan, students read poetry, research changes over time, draw cattle...

Seventh graders study the engineering projects that the US Army Corps of Engineers initiated during the development of Texas. They examine primary source documents that are in digital and print form, and identify US Army Corp of Engineer...

Seventh graders practice reading maps and locating the forts stationed in Texas. Using the internet, they analyze westward movements from statehood to the Civil War. In groups, they complete a worksheet about the forts and share their...

Students examine the types of foods eaten after the Civil War. They create their own cowboy style menu.

Young historians research one of the most colorful periods in US History: the cattle drives of the 1800's. They research the three most popular trails, and complete mapping and writing assignments about each one. The lesson has many...

Students examine the photographs of Russell Lee and identify the obstacles faced by Mexican-Americans in Texas during the early and mid-20th century. They discuss the ways they overcame these obstacles and relate it to obstacles in...

This lesson can be used in American history, social studies, and geography courses in units on westward expansion and the Civil War.

Recover sunken treasure with this interactive PowerPoint! Break your class into two teams: the divers and the surfers. They'll work together to answer 20 multiple choice questions, reviewing major events that occurred during the 1800s....

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. 

Is separate but equal actually equal? The 1950 Supreme Court case Sweatt v. Painter discusses the law of segregation and inequality. Scholars investigate the impact of the case on the desegregation of public schools across the nation...

In this social studies worksheet, students look for the words in the puzzle that are related to the theme of the word search. Spelling skills are worked on.

In this cattle trails study guide worksheet, students read about the American West. Students read 4 sections of information.

Students view an illustration of the destruction of a salt factory. They analyze the photograph to learn more about the salt works. Students discuss what they have learned.

Seventh graders examine how the Plains Indians vied with white commercial buffalo hunters for the millions of Great Plains buffalo. They create an illustrated broadside supporting the interests of either the Indians or the commercial...

Students participate in a Roman festival to complete a unit on Roman Civilization. In this Roman Civilization lesson plan, students learn about Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, the Mediterranean Region, and more. Students share what they...

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...

Students listen to a summary of the life of Mary Bethune. They read or listen to an excerpt from an interview with Mary Bethune. They discuss the differences between the transcript and the draft of the biography.

A comprehensive 36-page history of the Civil War in Texas. Includes numerous images, maps, primary documents, profiles of leading figures, a timeline, and information about battles. Specific topics are addressed, such as the cotton...

An overview of how Texas fared in the Civil War and during Reconstruction. Includes links to related videos and lesson plans.

Describes the battle and skirmishes that took place at Palmito Ranch, which was the final land battle of the Civil War. Includes links to articles on the battle, and biographies of the Union Commander, Col. Theodore H. Barrett, and the...

A teacher guide designed to support a visit to the Bullock Museum, but can be used on its own using available resources. Includes information, discussion questions, activities, and worksheets. This module looks at Texas from the time of...

An exhibit from the Texas State Library exploring the political achievements of African-Americans in the Texas state legislature and Constitutional Convention from 1865 through the 1890s.

Looks at what life was like in Texas during the Civil War. Discusses the issue of slavery, military conscription, frontier defense, the role of women, the role of slaves, how the blockade affected exports to the South, and the...

An activity guide where young scholars refer to the Texas Almanac, which is free to download, for information needed to complete assigned tasks. In this lesson, students examine the Secession, the Civil War, and Reconstruction to learn...