4th Grade Social Studies Unit 7

Big Idea:

Describe the successes and problems of the Republic of Texas and how it affects Texans today. Explain the importance of the Texas Constitution of 1836, the basic functions of the three branches of government, and the events that led to the annexation of Texas.

Student Expectations:

Priority TEKS

4.3(C) [Supporting] Identify leaders important to the founding of Texas as a republic and state, including José Antonio Navarro, Sam Houston, Mirabeau Lamar, and Anson Jones.

4.3(D) [Supporting] Describe the successes, problems, and organizations of the Republic of Texas such as the establishment of a constitution, economic struggles, relations with American Indians, and the Texas Rangers.

4.3(E) [Readiness] Explain the events that led to the annexation of Texas to the United States, including the impact of the U.S.-Mexican War.

4.15(A) [Readiness] Identify the purposes and explain the importance of the Texas Declaration of Independence, the Texas Constitution, and other documents such as the Meusebach-Comanche Treaty.

4.15(B) [Supporting] Identify and explain the basic functions of the three branches of government according to the Texas Constitution.

4.16(B) [Supporting] Sing or recite "Texas, Our Texas.”

Focus TEKS

4.16(C) [Supporting] Recite and explain the meaning of the Pledge to the Texas Flag.

4.17(D) [Supporting] Identify the importance of historical figures and important individuals who modeled active participation in the democratic process such as Sam Houston, Barbara Jordan, Lorenzo de Zavala, Ann Richards, Sam Rayburn, Henry B. González, James A. Baker III, Wallace Jefferson, and other local individuals.

Ongoing TEKS

4.6(A) [Readiness] Apply geographic tools, including grid systems, legends, symbols, scales, and compass roses, to construct and interpret maps.

4.8(B) [Supporting] Describe and explain the location and distribution of various towns and cities in Texas, past and present.

4.21(B) [Ways to Show] Analyze information by sequencing, categorizing, identifying cause-and-effect relationships, comparing, contrasting, finding the main idea, summarizing, making generalizations and predictions, and drawing inferences and conclusions.

4.21(C) [Ways to Show] Organize and interpret information in outlines, reports, databases, and visuals, including graphs, charts, timelines, and maps.

4.22(D) [Ways to Show] Create written and visual material such as journal entries, reports, graphic organizers, outlines, and bibliographies.

Student Learning Targets:

• I will identify leaders important to the founding of Texas as a republic and state.
• I will describe the successes, problems, and organizations of the Republic of Texas.
• I will explain the events that led to the annexation of Texas to the United States (including the impact of the U.S.-Mexican War).
• I will explain the importance of the Texas Declaration of Independence and the Texas Constitution.
• I will explain the basic functions of the three branches of government according to the Texas Constitution.

Essential Questions:

• How did the leadership of the Republic of Texas contribute to the creation of a democratic government?
• How did the political ideas of the United States influence the government of the Republic of Texas?
• What issue was the central concern leading to war between Mexico and the United States?
• Why might some people not want Texas to be annexed with the United States? (Texas and/or The U.S.)

Extra Information:

Adopted Textbook: American Legacy, Studies Weekly

District Grading Policy

Texas Gateway Online Resource Center