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...

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

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...

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

High schoolers examine Supreme Court cases. In 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. High schoolers analyze the presented...

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...

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,...

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 locate bison-related sites on a map and identify important bison-related sites. The Bison has had a profound effect on the history of Texas and studenst discover the importance of the animal to the history of the state.

Students use the Internet to identify the representatives and senators for the state of Texas. They search for specific information using their home address and complete a worksheet.

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...

Social media and United States history combine as your young historians design a Facebook page for two major defendants of landmark Supreme Court cases. The resource includes a detailed rubric for research and page design, as well as a...

Students study the territorial status of Texas in 1830, 1840, and 1846 and interpret an historical timeline. They develop a general statement of Mexican and American views of Texas.

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

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

Students, through lecture and discussion, identify public lands of Texas and how the land was used during the 19th century. They read selections about public lands and work in groups to answer questions about the readings. In groups,...

Students 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.

Fourth graders investigate the Civil War by researching the state of Virginia.  In this US History lesson, 4th graders identify Abraham Lincoln, James Chestnut and Fort Sumter, and discuss their roles in the start of the Civil...

Learners examine how art is used to make statements about social conditions. They analyze photos by the photojournalist Russell Lee, and complete a worksheet.

Students explore the concept of segregation. In this oral history lesson, students conduct interviews and research primary sources to learn about segregation practices that affected African Americans. Students present their research...

Fourth graders analyze the branches of the Texas government and identify its powers and characteristics. The separation of powers and checks and balances are identified.

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

Students name some interesting backgrounds of Members of Congress, identify their current representatives in the legislative branch of the national government, and describe the background of one local representative or senator.

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