U. S. History 11^th Grade

Time Needed: One block or two regular class periods

Sequence of Lesson: 

Students begin by studying an 1819/1820 United States map, which depicts Spanish territory within present day United States.

Students reflect in their notebook about what territories were under Spanish control in 1819.  The teachers and students should discuss their findings. 

Once students identify these regions, they read and take notes from The Americans, Chapter 9, section 3.  Expansion in Texas.

Students need to take special note of key events and dates and to focus on the guiding questions.

Once students read the section, divide them into pairs, and hand each student a copy of the Mexico and Settlers Diagram.  Together they complete the diagram.

Next, students work in larger groups (4 students per group) and create a timeline of key events between Mexico and the United States expansion during 1821-1845.

Once the timelines are completed, students use the material, and the class as a whole discusses the key reason and conflicts related to expansion.  Students write down their perspective of the events, and hand it in as a formative assessment.

Materials Needed:

Attached Diagram activity

Textbook-The Americans

Blank 11 X 17 paper

Pens and markers for the timeline

Notebooks

Additional Notes:

Depending on the class, teachers may want to review the reading and notes students take on this chapter.  Teachers may need additional time to assist student comprehension of these key events.