In this lesson plan, students will view an old Spanish map of Texas and analyze the Spanish names of rivers and towns. Students will then label a blank Texas rivers map with current and original names. After completing this lesson plan, students will understand the great influence that the Spanish language and culture has on Texas.

Created by Brenda Beaven, December 2007

The student understands the concept of diversity within unity in Texas. The student is expected to identify examples of Spanish influence on place names such as Amarillo and Rio Grande and on vocabulary in Texas, including words that originated from the Spanish cattle industry.
§113.23. Social Studies, Grade 7. (b)(19)(C)

As Coronado crossed Texas, he named the Llano Estacado, and Palo Duro Canyon. Don Alonso de Leon did the same as he crossed South Texas naming the Guadalupe River and others. (More detailed background information can be found in Brenda Beaven’s previous lessons: Conquistadors: What Were You Thinking?, You May Not Want It..., and Missions Impossible.)

Students will look at an old Spanish map of Texas. They will analyze the Spanish names of rivers and some towns. Each student will label a blank Texas rivers map with its current and original name.

Students are required to know the major rivers in Texas. To establish the extent of their knowledge, students will label the rivers on a blank map of Texas. The students may orally review rivers and landforms on the map on the overhead.