Exploros | Texas Commemorative Maps: Honoring Our Past

Texas Commemorative Maps: Honoring Our Past

Students first identify a commemoration that they have attended personally. Then they analyze a commemorative map, The Great Military Map of Texas. Next, they work in small groups and assign each group member a role. The small group creates a commemorative map of its own. You may let each group choose a topic or you may assign topics to the groups. Finally, each student uses a rubric to rate the small group work.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

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Overview

In this experience, students first identify a commemoration that they have attended personally. Then they analyze a commemorative map, The Great Military Map of Texas. Next, they work in small groups and assign each group member a role. The small group creates a commemorative map of its own. You may let each group choose a topic or you may assign topics to the groups. Finally, each student uses a rubric to rate the small group work.

Students will work in small groups for scene 3 through scene 5.

You should set a time limit for small groups to prepare their commemorative maps. Ensure that the experience duration is past the end of this time limit.

Goals:

Identify and describe the characteristics of a commemorative map.
Summarize the purpose of a commemorative map. 
Plan and create a commemorative map from a topic or theme in Texas history.

SS, Geography 7.8

The student uses geographic tools to collect, analyze, and interpret data. The student is expected to:

Create thematic maps, graphs, charts, models, and databases representing various aspects of Texas during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Pose and answer questions about geographic distributions and patterns in Texas during the 19th and 20th centuries.

The rich history of Texas provides us with many opportunities to commemorate our past. Texans honor and celebrate their legacy in many ways. Some commemorations are celebrations, others are solemn occasions of remembrance, and others simply recognize specific topics or historical events.

Name a commemoration that you have attended.

Post your answer

Students may mention things like parades, festivals, rodeos, cultural events, and more. They may mention specific events like a Fourth of July celebration, a Veterans’ Day memorial ceremony, a San Jacinto Day event, or San Antonio’s Fiesta week.

One interesting and creative way to honor our past is through the creation of commemorative maps. A commemorative map usually focuses on a single topic or theme. The topic can be historical (e.g., The Texas Revolution) or thematic (e.g., Railroads of Texas). The Texas General Land Office has several commemorative maps in its collection. These maps are visual reminders of our rich heritage and its impact on our lives.

In this experience, you will analyze the Great Military Map of Texas and work in small groups to create a commemorative map of your own.

Goals