The battle at the Alamo may be one of the most famous military campaigns in Texas history, but it is by no means the only one. As part of their study of the military history of Texas, class members research less-well-known sites, locate...

Examine the Texas social studies curriculum controversy with your class. Using a current events lesson, learners read the article "A Christian Land Governed by Christian Principles," respond to the discussion questions, and participate...

Students take a closer look at historical relations between the United States and Mexico. For this Texas annexation lesson, students examine primary documents authored by Zachary Taylor, James Polk, and Abraham Lincoln to consider why...

Fourth graders comprehend what social and economics effect World War II on the home front of The United States, specifically in Texas. They are asked to react to rationing or a World War. Students complete the "Home Front: the United...

What does it mean to be an American citizen? Lieutenant Colonel Commander William Barret Travis believed that it meant honor to country first—even above one's own life. Middle and high schoolers read his final letters from the Alamo that...

Students explore Latinos and the Fourteenth Amendment. In this government and law lesson, students analyze the ruling in Hernandez v. Texas. Students predict how the United States would be different if the court had made an alternated...

Students explore local, state, and national levels of government and discuss which level of government they should contact to get information, express their opinions, or get help on specific issues.

High schoolers take a closer look at the death penalty. In this U.S. government lesson plan, students watch a Discovery video about capital punishment in the United States and then compose letters to the editors of newspapers about their...

Students define term representative democracy, explain how the government responds to the needs of its citizens, describe the role of citizens in a representative democracy, and explain how citizens can influence public policy.

Students investigate the purpose of Congress and determine how it affects them. They explain what life would be like without government.

Students examine Supreme Court cases. For this U.S. government lesson, students watch a video about the Bill of Rights and then research 4 Supreme Court cases using the noted web site. Students analyze the presented information and write...

Students use the newspaper as a tool to make connections about what the five freedoms guarantee in the First Amendment. In this first amendment lesson plan, students analyze events in the newspaper to form conclusions about the freedoms...

What does it mean to "be of good character"? What are the qualities that define such a person? The 1825 Colonization Law of Coahuila y Texas required that all new immigrants into Mexican Texas present documentation that they were of...

Seventh graders study Lorenzo de Zavala's role in the Texas Revolution as politician and statesman. They determine his contributions to the establishment of a government as Texas fought for its independence. While completing research,...

Seventh graders examine the Great Depression and federal relief programs such as the Civilian Conservation Corps. Focusing on Texas, they assess the effects on poor farmers and discuss what they would do for a living had they lived in...

Learners use the internet to validate different websites. They examine the Texas Historical Commission's website and complete a question and answer section. They discuss the information they gathered with the class.

students compare The rule of law with the rule of men and consider life under each of these types of governments.In this government lesson, students read a primary source to examine the importance of the rule of law.They will also answer...

Learners examine the intent  Bill of Rights. In this American government lesson plan, students watch segments of the Discovery video "The Bill of Rights."  Learners discuss and debate the 4 Supreme Court cases featured in the...

Young scholars investigate the impact of the Transcontinental Railroad. In this Transcontinental Railroad instructional activity, students research Internet and print sources regarding the effect of the railroad on Chinese...

Students examine laws that have benefited the nation in a variety of ways. The congressperson in the legislative branch of the government primarily responsible for the passage of the law and the current representatives are sought in this...

Learners identify three or more ways the Federal Government impacts their daily lives and then explore ways in which citizens can influence political leaders.

Students analyze photographs from an historical perspective. They examine photos on the Study of Spanish-Speaking People of Texas website, complete a worksheet, and write an essay.

Students investigate the contributions of the photojournalist Russell Lee. They read a biography of Russell Lee, and create a timeline of Lee's life.

The student will learn how ranchers on the western frontier helped saved the bison from extinction.Hand out student worksheets. Have learners read the information about bison on Student Worksheet A before completing Student Worksheet...