Natural Texas & Its People

UNIT 1 11-16 DAYS Resources for teachers to aid classroom instruction that cover Texas History up to the year 1528. Brought to you by The Portal to Texas History

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Pacing

This unit is an eleven-day study of the regions and early Texas people before the arrival of the Spanish.

There are an optional 3 days of review activities and assignments to prepare students for testing. There is also an additional optional enrichment activity, “Voices of Texas History” providing a more in-depth look at rock paintings in south Texas as a form of recorded history.

Suggested pacing minutes are based on the average time it will take a class to complete each lesson; however, as the educator, use your best judgement based on the average pace of your class learning needs and styles.

Era Overview

In Natural Texas and its People (prehistory to 1528), students examine Texas’ geographic features and explore how the Native peoples in Texas interacted with the natural Texas environment before European colonization.

The geographic differences between the many regions that would come to be known as Texas were vast, stretching from the rich soils and lush vegetation of East Texas’ piney woods, to the swampier coastal plain along the Gulf of Mexico, to the drier and starker valley of South Texas, to the grasslands of the Texas central and high plains, to the arid and mountainous vistas of West Texas.

The first people of Texas were intimately connected to the physical geography of where they lived, with some groups prospering because of ample local resources while others struggled in challenging environments. Over many centuries, various native groups adapted themselves to all of Texas’ major geographic zones.

The Caddo thrived in the fertile eastern piney woods, where they built large-scale villages and extensive trading networks.
The Atakapa and Karankawa hunted, gathered, and fished in seasonal villages along the Texas coast.
Various Coahuiltecan tribes often struggled in the more arid conditions of South Texas, while the Apache roamed the Plains on foot in search of bison.
The Jumano in West Texas moved between established villages and hunting along the Plains, while the Wichita grew crops in the cross-timbers region that would become North Texas.

By the time the first Europeans arrived in Texas in 1528, each American Indian group had carefully adapted themselves to the particular regions in which they lived.

Unit Level Downloads (English)

Unit Plan Unit Plan MS Word Unit Plan Adobe PDF

Downloadable/Editable versions of the English language unit plan. Provides an Era Overview and pacing, and outlines each lesson’s estimated completion time, essential questions, a description of each lesson, and student learning experiences and activities.

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Lessons

Most lessons contain downloadable and printable documents, activities, and other resources to aid in classroom instruction. Lesson materials are available in multiple formats and typically contain variations based on learning needs.

The Big Picture

Students will be able to write or speak a clear summary of the unit’s main ideas. They will be able to give at least one specific example of something that will be covered in the unit, especially one that relates to primary source materials.

Lesson Plan, Teacher Guide, Primary Sources Used Downloadable/editable versions lesson plan, including step-by-step guide lesson. When applicable, list primary sources used lesson also included. Slideshow This ready-to-use classroom presentation contains warm-up exercise (above), daily objective, “We will / I will” statements, essential question lesson. It guides class assignment providing larger versions images, visual representations directions, supports reading answering including sentence stems in-class responses. It concludes exit ticket, printed back warm up. Warm-up Exit Ticket In printable warm-up / bell-ringer activity, students compare different daily life activities today compared believe carried activities 1000 years ago. This will encourage students begin think within context life early Texas people. In exit ticket, students will read short passage answer multiple choice question asking identify excerpt passage best provides evidence support claim early American Indians Texas depended land surival. The question structured similarly new 8th grade Social Studies STAAR item type called “Hot Text” order prepare 7th graders types questions will see 8th grade. Grade Level Student Worksheet This printable worksheet assignment provides students opportunity use primary source image make inferences predictions main idea key concepts unit. It provides brief reading passage comprehension questions, questions requiring inferences, using context determine meaning key terms. Students will summarize main idea unit based passage. **Grade Level** work combines short, constructed response multiple-choice questions. Foundation Student Worksheet **Foundations level** work adapted version grade level work requires less writing, offers multiple choice questions prediction/inference responses asking fewer examples less information. The multiple-choice questions eliminate one answer choice. Advanced Student Worksheet **Advanced level** work builds grade level version involves writing, including short, constructed response questions.

Unit Plan # 1 45 min

How do we know what we know?

Students will learn what primary and secondary sources are, as well as how to distinguish the difference between the two. Students will be able to give examples of each and explain the benefits and drawbacks of using primary sources when studying history.

Unit Plan # 2 45-60 min

Vocabulary

In this two-day lesson, students will be introduced to the key terms within the context of the unit through short reading passages. Students will be able to identify, define, and give examples in words and/or images of each key term in the unit.

Lesson Plan, Teacher Guide, Primary Sources Used Downloadable/editable versions lesson plan, including step-by-step guide lesson. Slideshow This ready-to-use classroom slideshow presentation contains warm-up exercise (above), daily objective, “We will / I will” statements, essential question lesson. It guides class assignment providing larger versions images, visual representations directions, supports reading answering questions including sentence stems in-class responses. It concludes exit ticket. This slideshow provides reading passages students will use complete student work. Warm-up Exit Ticket In printable **Warm-up / bell-ringer activity**, students will define, give example, antonym, write word sentence, create image represents classroom-appropriate common slang word phrase. This activity will help students differentiate definitions examples prepare work will unit vocabulary. In **Exit Ticket**, students will match four sentences giving examples vocabulary terms correct term. This question based new STAAR item type called Drag Drop. Student Work: Grade Level This two-day printable assignment provides brief reading passages place vocabulary terms within context unit, giving background information examples will see coming assignments. Students will use short readings complete vocabulary chart. Grade Level work requires students provide term’s definition, choose three multiple-choice options correct example reading, image represents word. Student Work: Foundations Foundations level work requires students choose three multiple-choice options term’s definition provide image represents word. Student Work: Advanced Advanced level work requires students provide term’s definition, example reading, antonym, image represents word, use sentence. Vocabulary Quiz: Grade Level This assignment may used assess student understanding unit’s vocabulary terms. Grade Level provides matching, fill-in-the-blank word bank, short, constructed response assess student mastery unit vocabulary. Vocabulary Quiz: Foundations Foundations level work provides matching, fill-in-the-blank lettered word bank students may write entire term letter corresponds term reduction writing. Vocabulary Quiz: Advanced Advanced level provides matching, fill-in-the-blank, three short, constructed response questions assess student mastery unit vocabulary.

Unit Plan # 3 90-110 min

What's the Story?

Students will read a passage that presents the various American Indian tribes of Texas within the context of pre-European exploration of Texas. They will be able to identify the significant information about various tribes, the power dynamics between certain tribes at the time, as well as which tribes were not yet present in Texas.

Lesson Plan, Teacher Guide, Primary Sources Used Downloadable/editable versions lesson plan, including step-by-step guide lesson. When applicable, list primary sources used lesson also included. Slideshow This ready-to-use classroom slideshow contains warm-up exercise, daily objective, "We will / I will" statements, essential question lesson. It guides class assignment providing larger versions images, visual representations directions, supports reading, taking notes, answering questions including sentence stems in-class responses. It concludes exit ticket. Warm-up Exit Ticket In printable **Warm-up / bell-ringer activity**, students will use timeline significant events history American Indians Texas era Exploration make observations formulate questions period time. This presents students chronological view several significant developments within lives American Indians Texas prior timeframe information current unit. In **Exit Ticket**, students will make prediction think arrival Europeans might affect lives American Indians Texas. The Warm-up Exit Ticket document includes two warm-ups front page two exit tickets back page. This formatting reduces number copies needed, teachers will cut printed page half. Each student will receive half-page warm-up front exit ticket back. Grade Level Student Worksheet In printable worksheet assignment, students will read passage addressing correcting several misconceptions contemporary people may early American Indians Texas. Students next read passage demonstrating various tribes Texas developed time societies like beginning 16th century. **Grade Level** involves short, constructed response multiple-choice questions reading comprehension. Foundation Student Worksheet **Foundations Level** involves multiple choice questions reading supports directing find information passage. Advanced Student Worksheet **Advanced Level** involves additional short, constructed response questions reading comprehension.

Unit Plan # 4 45-60 min

Texas Regions

In this two-day lesson, students will be able to identify, describe, and compare the distinct characteristics of each region of Texas.

Lesson Plan, Teacher Guide, Primary Sources Used Downloadable/editable versions lesson plan, including step-by-step guide lesson. When applicable, list primary sources used lesson also included. Slideshow This ready-to-use classroom slideshow presentation contains warm-up exercise (above), daily objective, “We will / I will” statements, essential questions lesson. It guides class assignment providing larger versions images, visual representations directions, supports reading answering questions including sentence stems in-class responses. It concludes exit ticket. This slideshow provides reading passages students will use complete student work. Warm-up Day 1 – Exit Ticket Day 1 In printable Warm-up / bell-ringer activity, students make observations area Texas live in, including information typical climate, landforms, plants animals. In Exit Ticket, students will refer warm-up observations region. They identify right about, quite right about, new information learned. Share wrote class. Warm-up Day 2 – Exit Ticket Day 2 In printable Warm-up / bell-ringer activity, Students choose two regions took notes yesterday compare contrast characteristics using graphic organizer. In Exit Ticket, students will complete short, constructed response comparing two regions studied. Share wrote class. Grade Level Student Work For printable assignment students use reading passages slideshow presentation complete chart region. Students record information climate, landforms, plant animal life, natural resources region. This assignment take approximately two class periods. **Grade Level** combines requires students write three five notes readings following categories region: climate, landforms, plant animal life, natural resources region. Students will answer multiple-choice questions significant information region. They will make prediction region believe early people likely inhabit support claim evidence notes. Foundation Student **Foundations Level** requires students complete regions chart circling highlighting list characteristics provided category region. This allows reduction writing gives answer options choose from. Students answer multiple-choice questions significant characteristics region, one answer choice eliminated. They make prediction believe people Texas live based notes. Advanced Student **Advanced Level** requires students write three five notes readings following categories region: climate, landforms, plant animal life, natural resources region. Students will also write one sentence summary describing three significant defining characteristics region above. At end, students will write essay comparing two regions choice lesson.

Unit Plan # 5 90-110 min

American Indian Tribes of Texas

Students will study and be able to identify the distinct characteristics of the primary early American Indian tribes who lived in Texas prior to European exploration. Students will categorize information about each tribe into the categories: food, shelter, mobility, culture, and location in Texas.

Lesson Plan, Teacher Guide, Primary Sources Used Downloadable/editable versions lesson plan, including step-by-step guide lesson. When applicable, list primary sources used lesson also included. Slideshow This ready-to-use classroom presentation contains warm-up exercise (above), daily objective, “We will / I will” statements, essential question lesson.It guides class assignment providing larger versions images, visual representations directions, supports reading answering questions including sentence stems in-class responses. It concludes exit ticket. This slideshow provides reading passages students will use complete student work. Warm-up Day 1 – Exit Ticket Day 1 In printable warm-up / bell-ringer activity, students read general statements tribal characteristics determine region likely contain tribes characteristics. In exit ticket, students choose one tribe learned lesson write sentence describing two defining characteristics tribe using sentence stem structure. Warm-up Day 2 – Exit Ticket Day 2 In printable warm-up / bell-ringer activity, students consider learned tribes previous day’s lesson. They choose one tribe one region imagine day life person tribe might like. They record responses. In exit ticket, students examine image American Indian woman child drying corn make inferences tribe might part of, might live, etc. Grade Level Student Work In printable Chart assignment, students use short reading passages slideshow present information tribe Texas complete chart. **Grade Level** work requires students complete chart major Texas tribes circling highlighting correct words terms listed following categories: food, shelter, mobility, writing information culture. Students will also mark location tribe map Texas provides regional boundaries. Students will use graphic organizer compare two tribes choosing, use information complete sentence stems comparing two tribes. Foundation Student **Foundations level** work adapted version grade level work requires students complete chart major Texas tribes circling highlighting list options provided following categories: food, shelter, mobility. Students will write notes category culture, mark location tribe map Texas provides regional boundaries. Students will use word bank significant terms complete section fill-in-the-blank statements. Advanced Student **Advanced level** work builds grade level version requires students complete chart major Texas tribes recording information following categories: food, shelter, mobility, culture. Students will also mark location tribe map Texas provides regional boundaries. Students will write paragraph comparing two tribes choosing. A graphic organizer provided organize information writing.

Unit Plan # 6 90-110 min

Texas Today

Students will be able to identify key characteristics of Texas today related to natural and human geography. Students will be able to make connections between the human geography of Texas today and settlement patterns of early Texas people.

Lesson Plan, Teacher Guide, Primary Sources Used Downloadable/editable versions lesson plan, including step-by-step guide lesson. When applicable, list primary sources used lesson also included. Slideshow This ready-to-use classroom slideshow presentation contains warm-up exercise (above), daily objective, “We will / I will” statements, essential question lesson. It guides class assignment providing larger versions images, visual representations directions, supports reading answering questions including sentence stems in-class responses. It concludes exit ticket. Warm-up Exit Ticket In printable **Warm-up / bell-ringer activity**, students consider put time capsule people 500 years future learn Texas today. This activity encourages students consider aspects Texas life culture today significant history. In **Exit Ticket**, students will answer multiple-choice question based map depicting “Texas Triangle” – highest populated area Texas. Students determine answer best summarizes significance shaded area map based major themes unit. Grade Level Student Worksheet This printable worksheet assignment provides information economy, population centers, culture Texas today. It includes map-labeling section significant geographic locations around Texas including major cities states, country, body water border Texas. Students answer questions check comprehension. **Grade Level work** combines short, constructed response multiple-choice questions. The map-labeling segment includes word bank dotted lines display borders 4 Texas regions. Foundation Student Worksheet **Foundations level** work adapted version grade level work requires less writing, offering multiple choice questions prediction / inference responses asking fewer examples less information. The multiple-choice questions eliminate one answer choice. The map-labeling activity allows students write correct letter map beside geographic location represents, rather labeling directly map reduce writing. Advanced Student Worksheet **Advanced level** work builds grade level version involves writing, including short, constructed response questions. The map-labeling segment include borders four Texas regions – students must draw approximation borders.

Unit Plan # 7 45-60 min

Looking Ahead

Students will be able to identify and summarize the primary characteristics of the era of Natural Texas and Its People. Students will also recognize the cause-and-effect relationship between the end of this era and the arrival of the Spanish. Students will predict what they might see in the next unit.

Lesson Plan, Teacher Guide, Primary Sources Used Downloadable/editable versions lesson plan, including step-by-step guide lesson. When applicable, list primary sources used lesson also included. Slideshow This ready-to-use classroom slideshow contains warm-up exercise, daily objective, “We will / I will” statements, essential questions lesson.It guides class assignment providing larger versions images, visual representations directions, supports reading answering questions including sentence stems in-class responses. It concludes exit ticket. Warm-up Exit Ticket In printable warm-up / bell-ringer activity, students consider hypothetical situation arrive different planet encounter beings meet there. They record responses might think, wonder, feel, experience. In exit ticket, students will imagine encounter warm-up people different planet point view. Students will write potential thoughts, questions, experience people another planet showed community. Grade Level Student Work In part I printable assignment -The End Era: - students read brief passage explaining era Natural Texas Its People, development new period time Texas history Spanish arrive. Part II: Two Worlds Collide: Students read excerpt primary source Cabeza de Vaca describing first encounter American Indians Texas. Students use passage answer questions terms context interpret author’s experience meaning. **Grade Level** work combines short, constructed response multiple-choice questions. Foundation Student Work **Foundations level** work adapted version grade level work requires less writing, offering multiple choice questions prediction / inference responses asking fewer examples less information. The multiple-choice questions eliminate one answer choice. Advanced Student Work **Advanced level** work builds grade level version involves writing, including short, constructed response questions. Advanced work includes Part III: American Indians Texas Today: Students will read questions presenting relative absolute location related contemporary American Indian tribes Texas determine regions 3 tribes live today. They will use information identify tribal locations map.

Unit Plan # 8 45-60 min

Bingo Review Game

In this optional, review lesson, students will play Bingo to review key terms and concepts within the unit by listening to clues to identify terms and concepts. Students will write brief summaries or key words related to each term.

Unit Plan # 9 45-60 min

Mind Mapping Review Lesson

Students will create a visual representation of the connections between terms and concepts from the unit in a mind map. Students will be able to visualize how information from the unit is connected by making connections between terms on a mind map.

Unit Plan # 10 45-60 min

Study Guide and Flashcards

In this optional review lesson, students will review key terms and information from the unit in preparation for the unit one assessment. Students will be able to identify, explain, and compare significant information from the unit.

Lesson Plan, Teacher Guide, Primary Sources Used Downloadable/editable versions lesson plan, including step-by-step guide lesson. When applicable, list primary sources used lesson also included. Warm-up Exit Ticket In printable **Warm-up / bell-ringer activity**, students will take quick self-assessment regarding test-taking abilities ways can prepare success unit 1 test. In **Exit Ticket**, Students will self-assess feel strengths weaknesses going test state one thing can prepare success. The Warm-up Exit Ticket document includes two warm-ups front page two exit tickets back page. This formatting reduces number copies needed, teachers will cut printed page half. Each student will receive half-page warm-up front exit ticket back. Flash Cards These optional, printable flash cards provide way students study review important unit terms definitions significance, focusing regions Texas, characteristics, American Indian tribes lived area. Study Guide Students will complete parts study guide help prepare test. The study guide includes fill-in-the-blank key terms portion, geography map labelling, practice test questions based new STAAR item type questions 8th grade US History STAAR test. **Grade Level** work includes one short answer response question sentence stem guide student responses, fewer STAAR item type questions. Foundation Study Guide **Foundations level** work adapted version grade level work includes multiple-choice options fill-in-the-blank portion, sentence stem multiple-choice options short answer response, fewer STAAR item type questions one answer option eliminated. Advanced Study Guide **Advanced level** work includes two short answer response questions well practice questions based new STAAR item types.

Unit Plan # 11 45-60 min

Voices of Texas History Extension Lesson

Students will read a passage about the White Shaman Rock Shelter pictographs in South Texas. Students will be able to explain the significance and challenges of using pictographic artifacts in the study of history. This lesson will give students a chance to better understand how modern people make inferences about past people and to understand that historical assertions based on these early artifacts are not absolute.

Extension 45-60 min

American Indians in Texas Today Extension Lesson

Students will connect their knowledge of historical Texas tribes to the tribes of Texas today by researching one of the tribes provided on a brief list of both federally and non-federally recognized tribes. Students will be able to identify where the tribe is currently located, the government, history, and significant people of the tribe today. This activity could be used for extra credit, outside research, additional work for students who finish other work before the class, or an additional project.

Extension 45-60 min

Maps

We've assembled the following list of maps that are applicable to the Natural Texas & Its People Unit.

Secunda etas mundi

Map shows the pre-Columbus world, based on Ptolemy's Geographia. Jerusalem is at the center of the map; the Indian Ocean is an enclosed area; and Scandinavia, southern Africa and the Far East are not shown.

Heart of Texas West Wildlife Trail

Map of the heart of Texas West depicting birding trails, with related illustrations.

Far West Texas Wildlife Trail

Map of major highways in western Texas with markings for parks and wildlife preservation areas; it is surrounded by illustrations of animals found in the area. The back contains detailed text describing the locations marked on the map, organized regionally.

Ecoregions of Texas [Map]

Map color-coded to "denote areas of general similarity in ecosystems and in the type, quality and quantity of environmental resources" with a key to regions and sub-regions in the lower-left corner as well as a detailed explanation in the upper-right corner.

Vegetation Types of Texas

Map of Texas showing the vegetation types within the state and county lines. There is a color coordinated legend that shows the location in relation within the state.

Wildflowers of Texas

Map showing the wildflower regions of Texas. The front of the map is a collage of photos of various wildflowers and the back contains a map showing the regions and descriptions of the flower species.

Photo Relief Map of North America

This photo relief map shows North and Central America and the surrounding areas. Blue outlining marks countries, roads, and bodies of water. States, territories, and provinces throughout the continent are marked in dotted lines and labeled. Geographic features are marked with relief shown by spot heights and shading. A note in the lower left corner says, "Heights are given in Feet above Sea Level."

Videos

We provide videos for both continuing education and classroom use. Please see each video's descriptive page for related resources and details about accessibility and viewing options.

52 min.

Prehistoric to Spanish Explorers

Texas prehistory through Spanish exploration, covering: (1) The Land and the Rivers, (2) First Settlers before 1500, (3) Indians of Texas by 1500.

More Resources

The following list of resources provide additional information to help you dive deeper into the context of the unit. Books are linked to OCLC WorldCat, allowing you find a copy in your nearest local library or to make a request for it using interlibrary loan.

General

website Results for Natural Texas & Its People in The Portal to Texas History

Digital copies of primary sources and other documents from our about this time period contributed to The Portal to Texas History by institutional partners from across the State.

website The Handbook of Texas

A digital encyclopedia developed by the Texas State Historical Association (TSHA) that is free and offers in-depth, reliable, and authoritative entries on every aspect of Texas history.

book W. W. Newcomb, Jr., The Indians of Texas: From Prehistoric to Modern Times (University of Texas Press, 1961).

One of the classic surveys of American Indians in Texas.

book David La Vere, The Texas Indians (Texas A&M University Press, 2004).

A careful update of Newcomb’s work that surveys the long history of native people in Texas.

book Daniel Gelo and Wayne Pate, Texas Indian Trails (Republic of Texas Press, 2003).

Survey of historic pathways and geographies of American Indians in Texas, with guides for visiting these native sites today.

book W. W. Newcomb, Jr, and Forrest Kirkland, The Rock Art of Texas Indians (University of Texas Press, 1996).

Exploration and examination of surviving rock and cave art by American Indians in Texas, with 32 color prints.

book Ellen Turner, Thomas Hester, Richard McReynolds, Stone Artifacts of Texas Indians, 3rd edition (Taylor Trade Publications, 2011).

Documents and details more than 200 stone tools and projectile points created by Texas Indians.