The Texas Revolution

UNIT 5 4 WEEKs Resources for teachers to aid classroom instruction that cover Texas History during the period 1835 - 1836. Brought to you by The Portal to Texas History

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Pacing

This unit is a three-week study of the events of the Texas Revolution. Suggested pacing minutes are based on the average time it takes a class to complete each lesson; however, as the educator, use your best judgment based on the average pace of your class learning styles.

Era Overview

Conflicts during the Texas Revolution Period brought tremendous chaos and upheaval to nearly everyone within Texas. Public opinion throughout Texas during the Revolution was deeply divided. Some Anglo-American settlers feared the destruction that a war could bring to the region, while others (often newer arrivals) sought to break the region from Mexico. Most Tejanos saw the conflict as part of a larger civil war within Mexico that pitted Santa Anna’s centralists against the federalists who wanted to restore the Constitution of 1824. For some enslaved African Americans, the war offered a chance to gain their freedom by running to the lines of the Mexican Army. Women in Texas often had to fend for themselves and their children when men left to fight on the frontlines.

When fighting broke out in October 1835, most Texans could not yet agree on whether they were fighting to restore the Constitution of 1824 or for independence. When Santa Anna marched his army into Texas in February 1836 and laid siege to the Alamo, a delegation of Texans responded by declaring independence on March 2, 1836. The war itself brought widespread destruction to the region, with the fall of the Alamo, the massacre at Goliad, the panic of the Runaway Scrape, and the burning of towns and homes by both armies. When Sam Houston’s ragtag army won an improbable victory at San Jacinto on April 21, 1836, the results of the Texas Revolution reverberated across all of North America.

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.
Archived Materials Archived Materials File

A downloadable zip file containing the previous verion of this unit’s lesson materials (available on this site c. 2022-2024).

Other Units

Mexican National Republic of Texas

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

This one-day lesson examines the significant themes and defining characteristics of the Texas Revolutionary Era.

Antonio López de Santa Anna Federalists Centralists Gonzales San Jacinto Zacatecas Yucatán San Antonio Guadalajara The Alamo The Federal Constitution of 1824 Cannon Battle of Gonzales Battle of San Jacinto Federalism Centralism 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 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 watch video, "Preview Texas Revolution" Texas History Teachers website. A link video included slideshow. Students will record three important facts unit video. In exit ticket, students will consider record pros cons three primary points view held many Anglos Tejanos related civil war Mexico. 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 Work In printable assignment, students will make observations, inferences, predictions unit based primary source image Battle Alamo. Students read passage grade-level Lexile level answer comprehension questions based new 8th grade STAAR item types including short, constructed response sentence stems provided, multi-part question primary source text including vocabulary definitions challenging words, adaptation drag drop. Foundation Work In printable assignment, students will make observations, inferences, predictions unit based primary source image Battle Alamo. Students read passage grade-level Lexile level answer comprehension questions based new 8th grade STAAR item types including short, constructed response sentence stems response options provided, multi-part question primary source text including vocabulary definitions challenging words, adaptation drag drop. Multiple choice questions include one answer option eliminated. Advanced Work In printable assignment, students will make observations, inferences, predictions unit based primary source image Battle Alamo. Students read passage challenging Lexile level answer comprehension questions based new 8th grade STAAR item types including short, constructed response, multi-part question primary source text, adaptation drag drop.

Unit Plan # 1 45-60 min

How Do We Know What We Know?

In this one-day lesson, students analyze three primary source materials from the Texas Revolution to make observations and inferences about significant people and events of the era.

Sam Houston Lorenzo de Zavala Martín Perfecto de Cos Gonzales San Antonio de Bexar Zacatecas The Telegraph and Texas Register Cavalry Battle of Gonzales 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 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 match four types primary source materials quote expect see material. In exit ticket, students will choose six points view provided write short journal entry growing tension Texas point view. 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 assignment, students will use three primary source materials make observations, inferences, claims supported evidence text. Students answer multiple-choice questions short, constructed response questions sentence stems guide responses. Foundation Student Worksheet In printable assignment, students will use three primary source materials make observations, inferences, claims supported evidence text. Students answer multiple-choice questions one answer option eliminated short, constructed response questions sentence stems response options guide responses. Advanced Student Worksheet In printable assignment, students will use three primary source materials make observations, inferences, claims supported evidence text. Students answer short, constructed response questions materials.

Unit Plan # 2 45-60 min

Vocabulary

This two-day lesson presents unit vocabulary in short readings that provide the terms in the context of significant information from the unit. Students use the readings to complete vocabulary charts and take a vocabulary quiz.

Sam Houston William B. Travis Juan Seguín Antonio López de Santa Anna San Jacinto San Antonio The Alamo Gonzales Washington-on-the-Brazos Texas Declaration of Independence Treaty of Velasco The Convention of 1836 Battle of the Alamo Texas Revolution Siege of the Alamo Battle of Gonzales 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 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 preview 4 vocabulary terms unit evaluate prior knowledge term. In exit ticket, students will use word bank different terms choose terms related major themes unit. They will highlight circle terms. 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 exit ticket back. Grade Level Work In printable assignment, students will provide definition, example reading, visual representation term. Foundation Work In printable assignment, students will choose multiple choice options identify correct definition term create visual representation term. Advanced Work In printable assignment, students will provide definition, example reading, antonym, visual representation term, use complete sentence. Optional Grade Level Vocabulary Quiz In printable assignment, students will assess knowledge unit vocabulary matching terms definitions, completing fill-in-the-blank statements terms, matching section based primary source excerpt. Optional Foundation Vocabulary Quiz In printable assignment, students will assess knowledge unit vocabulary completing matching portion 2 answer choices provided, fill-in-the-blank multiple choice options, matching section based primary source excerpt. Optional Advanced Vocabulary Quiz In printable assignment, students will assess knowledge unit vocabulary matching terms definitions, completing fill-in-the-blank statements terms, answering several short, constructed response questions based primary source excerpt.

Unit Plan # 3 90-120 min

What's the Story?

In this one- or two-day lesson, students learn about the most significant events of the Texas Revolution through a series of eight short readings.

Green DeWitt Colonel Domingo de Ugartechea Federalists Centralists Sam Houston Antonio López de Santa Anna General Martín Perfecto de Cos George Childress David G. Burnett Lorenzo de Zavala Republic of Texas army Texian militia James Fannin General José de Urrea Francita Alavez Gonzales San Felipe de Austin San Antonio The Alamo Washington-on-the-Brazos Refugio San Patricio La Bahía San Jacinto River Fort Velasco Cannon Federal Constitution of 1824 Texas Declaration of Independence Republic of Texas Constitution Decree of December 30, 1835 Treaties of Velasco The Battle of Gonzales The Consultation The Siege of the Alamo The Battle of the Alamo Constitutional Convention of 1836 Runaway Scrape Goliad Massacre Battle of San Jacinto Federalism Centralism 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 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 complete chart predicting strengths weaknesses Santa Anna’s army Sam Houston’s army Texas Revolution. In exit ticket, students will write 2 sentences using sentence stems write either strength weakness Texan Mexican army based day’s lesson. 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 Work In printable assignment, students will create short, constructed responses record date/dates key information readings. They choose options provided accurate description significance topic. There additional comprehension questions following timeline based new 8th grade STAAR item type questions including inline choice, adaptation drag drop. Foundation Work In printable assignment, students will choose two three provided options giving facts reading. They choose one two options provided accurate description significance topic. There additional comprehension questions following timeline based new 8th grade STAAR item type questions including inline choice one answer option eliminated, adaptation drag drop one answer provided. Advanced Work In printable assignment, students will create short, constructed responses record date/dates key information readings. They summarize significance event based information provided readings. They write three short, constructed responses regarding significant events Texas Revolution. There additional comprehension questions following timeline based new 8th grade STAAR item type questions including inline choice, adaptation drag drop. Grade Level Readings This printable material includes eight short reading passages grade level present chronological view significant events Texas Revolution. Some key terms presented bold text. Foundations Readings This printable material includes eight short reading passages grade level present chronological view significant events Texas Revolution. Key terms, people, places, events, significant information presented bold text. Advanced Readings This printable material includes eight short reading passages advanced Lexile level present chronological view significant events Texas Revolution. Some key terms presented bold text.

Unit Plan # 4 45-60 min

Who’s Who of the Texas Revolution

This lesson provides readings, worksheets, and additional extension activities for researching key people of the Texas Revolution and their significance to the era.

David Crockett George Childress José Antonio Navarro Antonio López de Santa Anna Sam Houston José Enrique de la Peña Stephen F. Austin James Bowie José Domingo de Ugartechea Susanna Wilkerson Dickinson William B. Travis Juan Seguín James Fannin Joe Dilue Rose Harris David G. Burnet Martín Perfecto de Cos John Davis Bradburn Erasmo Seguin San Felipe de Austin San Antonio de Bexar The Alamo Goliad La Bahía Gonzales Washington-on-the-Brazos San Jacinto Mexico City Nacogdoches Anahuac Velasco Republic of Texas Coahuila y Tejas Federal Constitution of 1824 Constitution of the Republic of Texas Texas Declaration of Independence Treaty of Velasco Letter "To the People of Texas and All Americans in the World" "Victory or Death" Battle of Gonzales Consultation Constitutional Convention of 1836 Battle of Concepción The Grass Fight Battle of the Alamo Siege of the Alamo Battle of Coleto Creek Battle of San Jacinto Goliad Massacre Centralism Federalism Independence Republicanism 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 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 consider various different groups people took part experienced Texas Revolution, create fictional person one point view complete writing prompts chosen point view. In exit ticket, students will choose two people lesson believe share similar points view given topic. Students explain answer. 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 Work In printable assignment, students will use readings record important information person including from, role Texas Revolution, one three significant facts achievements. Foundation Work In printable assignment, students will use readings record important information person including role Texas Revolution one two significant facts achievements. Advanced Work In printable assignment, students will use readings record important information person including from, interesting significant background information, role Texas Revolution, 3 significant facts achievements. Grade Level Readings This printable set readings written grade level 18 significant people Texas Revolutionary Era. Significant terms bold. Foundation Readings This printable set readings written grade level 18 significant people Texas Revolutionary Era. Significant terms key information bold. Advanced Readings This printable set readings written grade level 18 significant people Texas Revolutionary Era. Significant terms bold. I / Who Has? This printable activity set clue cards significant person reading. This activity meant completed together class take approximately 15 – 20 minutes. Dinner Party Activity In printable assignment, students will choose 4 people lesson invite fictional dinner. Students will explain choices make complete several short activities based points view chosen guests, including explaining agreements disagreements might occur dinner, guest might respond series questions, dialogue guests. These activities can assigned altogether (approximately 45 – 60 minutes), activity can shortened assigning one activities (20 – 30 minutes.)

Unit Plan # 5 45-180 min

Events of the Revolution

A three-day lesson presenting key information including dates, locations, details, and significance of the key events of the Texas Revolution.

Sam Houston George Childress William B. Travis James Bowie Juan Seguín Stephen F. Austin Martín Perfecto de Cos Antonio López de Santa Anna James Fannin San Antonio Goliad Gonzales San Jacinto Washington-on-the-Brazos San Felipe de Austin Texas Declaration of Independence Constitution of the Republic of Texas The Treaties of Velasco The Battle of Gonzales The Consultation The Siege of the Alamo The Battle of the Alamo The Constitutional Convention of 1836 The Goliad Massacre The Runaway Scrape The Battle of San Jacinto Independence 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 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 choose one event learned far, provide one cause one effect result chosen event. This warm-up can used day lesson students writing new information day lesson progresses. In exit ticket, students will create true false statement based information lesson explain statement true false. 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 Work In printable assignment, students will record notes graphic organizer writing small pieces information completing fill-in-the-blank segments longer information. Foundation Work In printable assignment, students will record notes graphic organizer highlighting circling correct information completing reduced fill-in-the-blank segments. Advanced Work In printable assignment, students will record notes graphic organizer. To increase rigor, ask students paraphrase longer pieces information, encouraging think information enough put words. The Advanced work concludes cause-and-effect activity students choose three events lesson explain one significant cause effect event.

Unit Plan # 6 135-180 min

The Battle of the Alamo Extension Activity

This one- or two-day optional extension activity allows students to learn about the day-by-day events of the siege and battle of the Alamo. Students identify the location of key events on a map of the Alamo complex and create a written or visual representation of the events.

William B. Travis Martín Perfecto de Cos Antonio López de Santa Anna James Fannin Juan Seguín James Bonham James Bowie Juana Navarro Susana Dickinson Angelina Dickinson Joe Gonzales Goliad San Antonio The Alamo The Siege of the Alamo The Battle of the Alamo 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 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 create short journal entry draw visual representation journal entry based point view someone within Alamo walls Siege Alamo. In exit ticket, students will read excerpt article Telegraph Texas Register reporting fall Alamo. Students will determine whether information presented primarily fact opinion, using evidence article support conclusion. 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. Timeline Alamo This printable material provides day-by-day chronology significant events occurred siege battle Alamo point view people inside Alamo compound. Grade Level Work In printable assignment, students will identify label key locations map Alamo using Timeline Alamo. The grade level map identifies specific locations map students label. Then, students create either storyboard collection journal entries demonstrating events Alamo perspective someone within Alamo walls. Advanced work requires 8 - 12 images storyboard entries journal. Foundation Work In printable assignment, students will identify label key locations map Alamo using Timeline Alamo. The foundations map identifies specific locations map students label provides matching options events happened location. Then, students create either storyboard collection journal entries demonstrating events Alamo perspective someone within Alamo walls. Advanced work requires 6 – 8 images storyboard entries journal. Advanced Work In printable assignment, students will identify label key locations map Alamo using Timeline Alamo. The advanced map requires students identify map locations based timeline information alone. Then, students create either storyboard collection journal entries demonstrating events Alamo perspective someone within Alamo walls. Advanced work requires 10 – 14 images storyboard entries journal.

Extension 45-90 min

The Texas Declaration of Independence Extension Activity

In this optional one-day extension lesson, students analyze excerpts of the Texas Declaration of Independence to identify key topics, major themes, and the primary grievances of the Texans. Students compare the Texas Declaration of Independence with a portion of its American counterpart.

George Childress Antonio López de Santa Anna Washington-on-the-Brazos Independence Hall The Texas Declaration of Independence The U.S. Declaration of Independence The Constitutional Convention of 1836 Grievances 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 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 select topics issues believe likely addressed Texas Declaration Independence list provided warm-up. In exit ticket, students will write own, brief version Texas Declaration Independence using sentence stems provided exit ticket. 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. Grievances Matching Cards This printable material provides set cards excerpts grievances listed Texas Declaration Independence. Each grievance card matches card provides modern-day "translation" original grievance. Sets cards printed one-sided cut lesson individual student partner groups. Grade Level Work In printable assignment, students will compare portion Texas U.S. Declarations Independence. Students will analyze excerpts Texas Declaration Independence identify issues significant Texans Constitutional Convention 0f 1836. Students will complete matching activity selected grievances Texas Declaration answer questions grievances. Grade Level work contains reduced primary source excerpts, multiple-choice questions, short, constructed response questions sentence stems guide responses. Foundation Work In printable assignment, students will compare portion Texas U.S. Declarations Independence. Students will analyze excerpts Texas Declaration Independence identify issues significant Texans Constitutional Convention 0f 1836. Students will complete matching activity selected grievances Texas Declaration answer questions grievances. Foundations work contains reduced primary source excerpts, multiple-choice questions one answer option eliminated, short, constructed response questions sentence stems response options guide responses. Advanced Work In printable assignment, students will compare portion Texas U.S. Declarations Independence. Students will analyze excerpts Texas Declaration Independence identify issues significant Texans Constitutional Convention 0f 1836. Students will complete matching activity selected grievances Texas Declaration answer questions grievances. Advanced work contains longer primary source excerpts short, constructed response questions.

Extension 45-60 min

The Goliad Massacre Extension Activity

In this optional one-day extension lesson, students watch a short Texas History for Teachers documentary about the Goliad Massacre and record significant information about the event.

James Fannin José de Urrea Antonio López de Santa Anna Sam Houston Francita Alavez The Angel of Goliad Thomas J. Rusk José Nicolás de la Portilla Goliad Presidio La Bahía Fort Defiance San Antonio The Alamo Victoria The San Antonio River Coleto Creek Reinforcements Siege The Battle of Coleto Creek The Goliad Massacre The Siege of the Alamo The Battle of the Alamo The Runaway Scrape Surrender at discretion No quarter 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 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 consider types rules expectations followed wartime provide justification answers. In exit ticket, students will choose two best answers five possible options accurately describe significance Goliad Massacre. 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 Work In printable assignment, students will take notes key events, main ideas, major themes presented video completing sentence stems provided worksheet. Foundation Work In printable assignment, students will record key information video choosing correct response option complete sentence stems topic video. Advanced Work In printable assignment, students will take notes key events, main ideas, major themes presented video. Encourage students paraphrase summarize, try write information word-for-word. Advanced work concludes three short, constructed response questions analyzing information lesson.

Extension 45-60 min

The Battle of San Jacinto Extension Activity

This optional one-day extension lesson examines the causes, key events, and effects of the Battle of San Jacinto through a 14-minute documentary video presented by Texas History for Teachers.

Sam Houston Antonio López de Santa Anna James Fannin Jared Groce José de Urrea Sydney Sherman Martín Perfecto de Cos Erastus "Deaf" Smith Vicente Filísola San Jacinto River Vince’s Bridge Cavalry Battle of San Jacinto Texas Independence 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 answering questions including sentence stems in-class responses. The slideshow includes link video used lesson. It concludes exit ticket. Warm-up Exit Ticket In printable warm-up / bell-ringer activity, students will record observations William Henry Huddle’s famous painting depicting Santa Anna’s surrender Houston army, predict image might relate day’s lesson. In exit ticket, students will complete three sentence stems one important cause, one event, one significant effect Battle San Jacinto. 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 Work In printable assignment, students will take notes key information Battle San Jacinto presented video answer multiple-choice short, constructed response questions comprehension analysis. The short, constructed response questions provide sentence stems answer options guide student responses. Foundation Work In printable assignment, students will take reduced notes key information Battle San Jacinto presented video answer multiple-choice short, constructed response questions comprehension analysis. The Multiple-choice questions one answer option eliminated short, constructed response questions provide sentence stems answer options guide student responses. Advanced Work In printable assignment, students will take notes key information Battle San Jacinto presented video answer short, constructed response questions comprehension analysis.

Extension 45-60 min

Texas Today

In this one-day lesson, students use the Texas Historical Commission website to conduct online research about one Texas Revolution state historic site and plan the itinerary for a class field trip to their chosen site. This lesson reviews TEKS-based material presented in prior lessons but does not introduce new TEKS-related material.

Sam Houston James Fannin José de Urrea Antonio López de Santa Anna Stephen F. Austin William B. Travis Anson Jones San Felipe de Austin Washington-on-the-Brazos San Jacinto Goliad Presidio La Bahía Barrington Plantation Coleto Creek Texas Declaration of Independence The Constitutional Convention of 1836 The Battle of San Jacinto The Goliad Massacre The Runaway Scrape Independence 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 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 make observations image depicting educational event sponsored Texas Historical Commission Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historical site. Students predict image related lesson. In exit ticket, students will answer short, constructed response questions Texas Historical Commission works preserve history educate public chosen historic site 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 Work In printable assignment, students will answer short, constructed response questions sentence stems provided guide student responses. Foundation Work In printable assignment, students will answer short, constructed response questions sentence stems provided guide student responses. Foundations work reduced number questions one fewer step grade level advanced work. Advanced Work In printable assignment, students will answer additional short, constructed response questions, providing evidence website justifications responses.

Unit Plan # 7 45 min

Looking Ahead

A one-day lesson that presents a preview of four significant challenges the Republic of Texas faced in 1836 and the possibility of Texas annexation to the United States as a way of addressing these issues.

Antonio López de Santa Anna New Orleans merchants The United States of America New Orleans San Felipe de Austin The Treaties of Velasco War debt The Battle of San Jacinto Annexation 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 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 make observations map showing political borders Republic Texas, Mexico, United States 1836. Students formulate questions related map. In exit ticket, students will answer three short, constructed response questions explaining one challenge Texas faced 1836, explaining one way Texas attempted address challenges, making prediction think likely see next unit: The Republic 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 Work In printable assignment, students will answer questions making observations, inferences, predictions events related challenges facing Republic Texas 1836. Types questions include multi-select questions, multiple-choice questions, short, constructed response questions sentence stems provided guide student responses. Foundation Work In printable assignment, students will answer questions making observations, inferences, predictions events related challenges facing Republic Texas 1836. Types questions include multi-select questions, multiple-choice questions, short, constructed response questions sentence stems response options provided guide student responses. Multiple-choice multi-select questions one answer option eliminated. Advanced Work In printable assignment, students will answer short, constructed response questions making observations, inferences, predictions events related challenges facing Republic Texas 1836.

Unit Plan # 8 45-60 min

Study Guide and Flashcards

This one-day lesson provides a variety of ways for students to review significant information about the Texas Revolution including matching, cause-and-effect, creating a timeline, and answer practice test questions based on 8th grade STAAR item types.

Antonio López de Santa Anna Sam Houston Juan Seguín Lorenzo de Zavala James Fannin George Childress David G. Burnet William B. Travis Centralists Federalists Gonzales San Antonio The Alamo Goliad San Jacinto Washington-on-the-Brazos San Felipe de Austin The Texas Declaration of Independence The Republic of Texas Constitution The "Come and Take It" Cannon The Treaties of Velasco Delegates Siege Republic Revolution The Battle of Gonzales The Constitutional Convention of 1836 The Goliad Massacre The Siege and Battle of the Alamo The Runaway Scrape The Battle of San Jacinto Federalism Republicanism 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. Flash Cards This printable material provides set flashcards key people, places, events, terms students use study aid unit 5 test. Flashcards printed single-sided cut students match term definition. Warm-up Exit Ticket In printable warm-up / bell-ringer activity, students will identify key concepts Texas Revolution think likely Unit 5 test based graphic organizer nine possible topic options. In exit ticket, students will complete prompts graphic organizer self-assessing preparedness Unit 5 test. 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. Student Work In printable assignment, students will use word bank match key individuals Texas Revolution best description significant contributions era. The matching divided 2 portions word bank. Students will create timeline 6 significant events era based options answer bank, complete matching portion showing cause-and-effect relationships key events era, answer three practice test questions based 8th grade social studies STAAR item types including paper-adapted version Drag Drop, Inline choice (multiple-choice), short, constructed response sentence stems provided guide student responses. Foundation Student Work In printable assignment, students will identify contributions key individuals Texas Revolution three multiple-choice options. Students will complete timeline 6 significant events Texas Revolution. Three events already timeline, remaining three added provided answer bank. Students will complete matching portion showing cause-and-effect relationships key events era two answers provided. Students will answer three practice test questions based 8th grade social studies STAAR item types including paper-adapted version Drag Drop, Inline choice (multiple-choice) one answer option eliminated, short, constructed response sentence stems response options provided guide student responses. Advanced Student Work In printable assignment, students will use word bank match key individuals Texas Revolution best description significant contributions era. Students will create timeline 6 significant events era, choosing 6 events notes prior assignments. Students will complete matching portion showing cause-and-effect relationships key events era, answer three practice test questions based 8th grade social studies STAAR item types including paper-adapted version Drag Drop, Inline choice (multiple-choice), short, constructed response.

Review 45-60 min

Review Mind Map

An optional, one-day review lesson providing students an opportunity to make connections between key terms, people, places, and major themes within the unit by creating a mind map.

Review 45-60 min

Review Bingo Game

An optional, one-day review game in which students play Bingo to review key terms, people, places, events, and major themes of the Texas Revolution.

Review 45-60 min

Maps

We've assembled the following list of maps that are applicable to the Texas Revolution Unit.

North America

A map of the North American continent. The map is color coordinated by countries and territories circa 1836.

New map of Texas: with the contiguous American & Mexican states (1836)

"Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1835." Insets: Land grants, Remarks on Texas, Rivers of Texas.

Map of Texas with parts of the adjoining states. (1836)

Map shows early land grants and colonies in Texas and New Mexico encompassing [modern-day] Texas panhandle; areas of Native American habitation, land grant boundaries. Includes notes. Relief shown by hachures. Scale [ca.1:1,500,000].

Military Maps of the Texas revolution - San Antonio de Bexar - 1836

Map of San Antonio de Bexar showing the streets, rivers and creeks, and plazas as they were in 1836.

Military Maps of the Texas revolution - Combat near the Mission Concepción, October 28, 1835.

Map of combat at the Battle of Concepción during the Texas Revolution, showing lines of assault by Mexican infantry, cannon, and dragoons, and lines held by Captain Fannin's and Captain Coleman's companies. The battlefield is surrounded by wooded terrain and lies next to the San Antonio River. No scale indicated.

Military Maps of the Texas revolution - The siege of Bexar

Hand-drawn map depicting the Siege of Bexar. It shows the line of attack by the Texans against the Mexican forces occupying Bexar and supported by the Mexican garrison then in the Alamo, from December 5th to 10th, 1835. Map including roads, major buildings, rivers, and creeks. The distances to various locations are given. Some twentieth century streets of San Antonio are superimposed. No scale indicated.

Military Maps of the Texas revolution - Refugio Mission

"Ground plan of the original buildings, with walls enclosing the cemetery"

Military Maps of the Texas revolution - Ground plan of Fort Defiance

"Relief shown by hachures. "To accompany Texas independence by Col. A.J. Houston."

Military Maps of the Texas revolution - Map of Texas, with Coahuila, in 1835-36

Map of the United States and Mexico, showing territories but not states. Cities and towns representing areas of recruitment are shown, as are Indian villages and forts in Texas. No scale indicated.

Military Maps of the Texas revolution - Military map of Texas and Coahuila, as Mexican territory, 1835-36

Military map of Texas and Coahuila, showing lines of Mexican and Texan frontier and lines of march to the San Jacinto battlefield during the Texas Revolution. The map also includes rivers, creeks, towns, routes, trails, mines, and Indian villages. No scale indicated.

Military Maps of the Texas revolution - The Alamo

Ground plan compiled from drawings by Capt. B. Green Jameson, Texan Army, January, 1826,Col. Ignacio de Labastida, Mexican Army, March, 1836, Capt. Ruben M. Potter, United States Army, 1841.

Military Maps of the Texas revolution - Fannin's fight

Map of Fannin's Fight, showing the Texas Infantry, breastworks, and lines of assault by Mexican Dragoons and Infantry. Lines of march used by Colonel Fannin and General Urrea are also shown. Note: " [shows] rise of six feet, behind which Mexican Artillery fired, on the 20th." There are also notes on the type of cannons used. Distances to various cities are given. No scale indicated.

Military Maps of the Texas revolution - Map of the battlefield of San Jacinto

Map of the Battlefield of San Jacinto and map of the positions of the Texan and of the Mexican Armies, at the commencement of the Battle of San Jacinto, at half past three o'clock in the afternoon of Thursday, April 21, 1836. Shows the positions of the armies and features of the terrain between Buffalo Bayou and San Jacinto Bay.

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.

5 min.

Preview of the Texas Revolution

This video gives perspective on different viewpoints during the Texas Revolution, including the Tejanos, Americans, Mexicans, African Americans, and American Indians. Discover the unexpected challenges and divisions faced by the Texans in their quest for independence from the centralist government ran by Santa Anna of Mexico.

7 min. TEKS: 7.3(C)

American Indians in the Texas Revolution

Dr. Andrew Torget discusses how Native American tribes, such as the Shawnee, Delaware, and Cherokee, played a significant yet often overlooked role during the Texas Revolution, negotiating with both Texans and the Mexican government in hopes of securing land rights. Despite these efforts, the newly formed Republic of Texas ultimately rejected treaties and denied land titles, leading to increased conflict and displacement of Native tribes as settlers moved into Texas.

6 min. TEKS: 7.3(C)

Women of the Texas Revolution

Dr. Andrew Torget discusses the role women played during the Texas Revolution. Women supported the war effort by supplying and clothing to Texas Soldiers and by managing farms and households in the absence of men taking part in the war effort. Women endured great hardships, especially during the “Runaway Scrape,” when they fled from advancing Mexican forces. They also contributed to the rebuilding of homes and communities after the war, as exemplified by stories like that of Peggy McCormick, whose farm was destroyed during the Battle of San Jacinto.

9 min. TEKS: 7.3(C)

Who was Joe?

Dr. Andrew Torget discusses Joe, the enslaved man owned by William Barret Travis during the Texas Revolution, and how Joe’s story reminds us that the revolution did not bring freedom for everyone.

8 min. TEKS: 7.2(E)

Who was Juan Seguín?

Dr. Andrew Torget explores the life of Juan Seguín, a Mexican-born citizen who supported Texas’ right to influence Mexican law, and fought for Texas Independence while commanding a unit at the Battle of San Jacinto.

10 min. TEKS: 7.3(C)

Who was Susanna Dickinson?

Dr. Andrew Torget discusses Susanna Dickinson, who survived the Alamo siege and relayed a message to General Sam Houston, and the enormous sacrifices she paid during the Texas Revolution.

53 min. TEKS: 7.3

Road to Revolution

The factors leading to revolution in Texas, covering: (1) A Ridiculous Rebellion in East Texas, (2) Constitution of 1827, (2) Decree 56, Thwarting Mexican Law, (4) Law of April 6, 1830.

59 min. TEKS: 7.3

Rebellion

The factors leading to revolution in Texas, covering: (1) Disturbances at Anahuac and Velasco,(2) Texans as Ardent Federalists, (3) The Quest for Separate Statehood, (4) Cotton Boom!, (5) Chaos of 1835, Revolution Begins.

62 min. TEKS: 7.3

Revolution (Part 1)

The Texas Revolution, covering: (1) Chaos of Late 1835, (2) Battle of San Antonio.

41 min. TEKS: 7.3

Revolution (Part 2)

The Texas Revolution (continued from part 1), covering: (3) Siege of the Alamo.

60 min. TEKS: 7.3

Revolution (Part 3)

The Texas Revolution (continued from part 2), covering: (3) Aftermath of the Siege of the Alamo, (4) Massacre at Goliad, (5) Runaway Scrape, (6) San Jacinto.

Tours

This section contains various kinds of multimedia resources that are meant to engage the student through virtual exploration and active engagement. Items may contain Video Tours, Virtual Field Trips, Timelines, Maps, and other media. Please Note: some features are experimental, work best on a large, or full screen. Most items contain visually rich media with movement, and some items require physical manipulation of items on the screen with a mouse or touch device.

18 min. TEKS: 7.3(C)

Goliad: Virtual Field Trip

Explore an iconic setting of Texas history with an immersive journey through video, 3D virtual environments, photos, and documents of the Presidio La Bahia, also known as Fort Defiance, as well as Fannin Battleground State Historic Site in and around Goliad, TX.

14 min.

The Battle of San Jacinto

Dr. Andrew Torget shares facts and stories from a seminal event in Texas history - the Battle of San Jacinto.

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.

Supplemental Files

image Token Sticker Sheet

PDF Printable containing graphical cutouts for use as stickers, magnets, transparencies, or for other similar media needs.

General

website Results for The Texas Revolution, 1835-1836 in The Portal to Texas History

Digital copies of primary sources including letters, documents, and other artifacts from Texas in 1835-1836 as well as transcripts and other publications and media about the Texas Revolution 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 Todd Hansen, ed., The Alamo Reader: A Study in History (Stackpole Books, 2003)

A massive collection of primary sources from the Texas Revolution, focused around accounts that deal with the Alamo.

book Stephen Hardin, Texian Iliad: A Military History of the Texas Revolution (University of Texas Press, 1994).

The most thorough military account of the battles and fighting of the war.

book Paul Lack, The Texas Revolutionary Experience: A Political and Social History, 1835-1836 (Texas A&M Press, 1992)

In-depth analysis of all aspects of life during the Texas Revolution.

book Gary Zaboly, An Altar for Their Sons: The Alamo and the Texas Revolution in Contemporary Newspaper Accounts (State House Press, 2011)

A massive collection of newspaper accounts about the Alamo during the Texas Revolution and throughout the nineteenth century.

Tejanos In The Revolution

book Jesús F. de la Teja, ed., Tejano Leadership in Mexican and Revolutionary Texas (Texas A&M Press, 2010).

A series of concise biographies of important and influential Tejanos.

book Jesús F. de la Teja, ed., A Revolution Remembered: The Memoirs and Selected Correspondence of Juan N. Seguín (State House Press, 1991).

A concise biography of Seguin and a translation of his memoirs.

book David McDonald, José Antonio Navarro: In Search of the American Dream in Nineteenth-Century Texas (Texas State Historical Association Press, 2010).

In-depth of biography of Navarro.

book Timothy Matovina and Jesús F. de la Teja, eds., Recollections of a Tejano Life: Antonio Menchaca in Texas History (University of Texas Press, 2013).

Biography of Menchaca and his role in the Texas Revolution, along with a translation of Menchaca’s memoirs.

book Art Martinez de Vara, Tejano Patriot: The Revolutionary Life of José Francisco Ruiz, 1783-1840 (Texas State Historical Association Press, 2020).

Biography of an important Tejano who was Navarro’s uncle and fellow signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence.

book Andrés Tijerina, Tejanos and Texas Under the Mexican Flag, 1821-1836 (Texas A&M Press, 1994).

Overall account of Tejanos in Texas during the 1821-1836 era.

Women In The Revolution

book Mary L. Scheer, ed., Women and the Texas Revolution (University of North Texas Press, 2012).

The fullest collection of works on the experiences of women during the Revolution.

book Todd Hansen, ed., The Alamo Reader: A Study in History (Stackpole Books, 2003)

Numerous primary sources from the perspectives of women.

book Paul Lack, The Texas Revolutionary Experience: A Political and Social History, 1835-1836 (Texas A&M Press, 1992)

Regularly engages the experiences of women in the Revolution.

African Americans In The Texas, 1821-1836

book Andrew J. Torget, Seeds of Empire: Cotton, Slavery, and the Transformation of the Texas Borderlands, 1800-1850 (UNC Press, 2015).

Focuses on the role of cotton and slavery in the transformation of Texas from Spanish/Mexican hinterland into the westernmost outpost of the United States.

book Ron Jackson and Lee Spencer White, Joe: The Slave Who Became An Alamo Legend (University of Oklahoma Press, 2015).

The most thorough account of the life of Joe

book Paul Lack, “Black Texans and Slavery in Revolution and War,” in The Texas Revolutionary Experience.

Direct and succinct account of the experiences of Black Texans during the Revolution.

book Andrew J. Torget, “Stephen F. Austin’s Views on Slavery in Early Texas,” in The Corner of Canaan (UNT Press, 2013).

An account of Austin’s views on slavery and how they evolved over time.

book Jeffrey Dunn, “’To the Devil with your Glorious History!’: Women and the Battle of San Jacinto,” in Women and the Texas Revolution.

The most thorough account of Emily West’s experiences.

The Texas Revolution

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Unit Plan Unit Plan MS Word Unit Plan Adobe PDF

Archived Materials Archived Materials File

Other Units

Lessons

Maps

Videos

Tours

More Resources

Supplemental Files

General

Tejanos In The Revolution

Women In The Revolution

African Americans In The Texas, 1821-1836