Spanish Settlement in Texas


Texas History The Spanish and Mexican Eras Spanish Settlement in Texas
Students learn about the types of Spanish settlements in Texas: missions, towns (pueblos), and ranches. They work in small groups to research a specific mission. Then they learn about the early history of San Antonio and about the conflicts that arose between missionaries and private ranchers.

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.

1:1 Devices
Teacher Pack

The Pack contains associated resources for the learning experience, typically in the form of articles and videos. There is a teacher Pack (with only teacher information) and a student Pack (which contains only student information). As a teacher, you can toggle between both to see everything.

Here are the teacher pack items for Spanish Settlement in Texas:

Preview - Scene 1
Exploros Learnign Experience Scene Navigation


Engage


Overview

In this experience, students learn about the types of Spanish settlements in Texas: missions, towns (pueblos), and ranches. They work in small groups to research a specific mission. Then they learn about the early history of San Antonio and about the conflicts that arose between missionaries and private ranchers.

Students will collaborate in small groups for scene 2 through scene 4.

Objectives:

  • Explain how Spanish settlements—missions, towns, and ranches—were established in Texas.
  • Identify important issues related to Spanish settlements.


Between 1632 and 1793, Catholic friars — members of religious orders — came to Texas with the charge of spreading their religion to the native Indians who resided in the area. The friars were sponsored by the Spanish government, which wanted more land to call its own. The friars built many missions and presidios. Many of these missions grew into larger cities that are still around today. The names of many of the cities, towns, rivers and areas around Texas have Spanish names because of these expeditioners.

Objectives:

  • Explain how Spanish settlements—missions, towns, and ranches—were established in Texas.
  • Identify important issues related to Spanish settlements.


a grand old building

Mission Concepción, San Antonio


Post at least one place in Texas with a name that originated from Spanish. To list more than one, separate them with a comma, like this: Washington, London.

Post your answer

Some possible answers include:

  • Cities: San Antonio, El Paso, Plano, Amarillo
  • Rivers: Guadalupe, Rio Grande, Nueces
  • Counties: Bexar, Blanco, Llano


Divide students into their small groups for the next three scenes. When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.

End of Preview
The Complete List of Learning Experiences in Exploration and Early Colonization Unit.
Would you like to preview the rest of this learning experience, and get access to the entire functioning Texas History MS course for your classroom? Sign up using your school email address below.
Back to top