University of California
Impact of the California Missions on Native Americans
While the Spanish claimed to bring civilization to California indigenous peoples, in reality, they also brought violence and forced assimilation to European values. Primary sources, such as the reports of Catholic priests and Europeans...
US Institute of Peace
Organizations Working for Peace
From helping refugees to negotiating peace treaties, the peacekeepers of the world keep busy! Introduce young activists to the many individuals and organizations throughout the world that work daily toward peace. 14th in a series of 15...
Channel Islands Film
Once Upon a Time (Sa Hi Pa Ca): Lesson Plan 3
What was the most significant tool used by the Chumash? How did the environment make the tool possible? What group behaviors allowed the Chumash be be successful for thousands of years? After watching West of the West's documentary Once...
University of Colorado
Is There Life on Earth?
To find life on another planet, scientists look for gases (atmosphere), water, and temperatures that are not extreme. In this activity, groups of pupils become "Titan-ians," scientists who want to explore Earth for possible life forms....
NASA
Cosmic Times 2019
NASA is planning a journey to Mars, and current scholars could very well be a part of a future mission. During the unit, pupils research the advances in space exploration and knowledge about the universe. Then they work in groups to...
Curated OER
California Missions
Fourth graders use what they already have gathered on California missions to create a database. Using the different missions, they brainstorm, organize and categorize what they have gathered. They present their material to the class and...
Curated OER
Along the El Camino Real
While studying each of the 21 missions in California, your class will learn about the founders and founding dates of each mission. Note: Some resource links may not be working, but can be supplemented with additional activities found on...
Curated OER
Your Mission: The Last Mission
Fourth graders develop a research report to determine the best location for the final California mission. They conduct Internet research, create charts and diagrams, and develop a presentation.
Curated OER
Globe Lesson- Early Spanish Settlements
Students use a globe. In this geography and early settlements lesson, students learn about the settlement of missions and haciendas in New Mexico. Students locate Mexico City and San Francisco on the globe and determine the distance...
Curated OER
A Bishop's Description of the Christianized Indians of Spanish Florida, 1675
Pupils explore mission life in La Florida as observed by a Spanish bishop who visited in the 1670s. In this Spanish Florida lesson, students recognize the value of primary sources in illuminating the past and consider factors such as...
Curated OER
Digging Deeper: Mission San Saba
Seventh graders review their prior knowledge on the Spanish mission system in Texas. Using the internet, they examine the motives of the Spanish to establish missions in Texas, specifically the Mission San Saba. They research the reasons...
Curated OER
Understanding Primary Sources: California Missions in Art
Learners examine pieces of art from the 19th century. They discuss the role of Spanish missions in California as well. They write an essay describing the paintings.
NASA
International Space Station: Overview
This is NASA's press release on the International Space Station
Scholastic
Scholastic: Spanish Missions of California
Students can use this page as a jumping off page to do research on Spanish missions in California. There are numerous links to Scholastic articles and to other websites on subtopics such as missionaries, Franciscans and places in...
Other
Nasa: Iss Earth Kam
Students get a whole new perspective of the world through images obtained from the International Space Station. Students can even request images to be taken through ISS EarthKAM. Activities and educator guides are provided.
NASA
Nasa: Jsc Home Page
NASA's Johnson Space Center is located near Houston, Texas and was constructed as "the primary center for: design, development testing of spacecraft and associated systems for human flight; selection and training of astronauts; planning...
Other
Sstl
Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. works with the Surrey Space Centre to "provide rapid and cost-effective satellite mission."
Other
American Journeys: Life of Father Junipero Serro, Founder of Franciscan Missions
This study of Junipero Serra's (1723-1789) life was first published in 1913. It's made available here with some great features. You can search the book for key terms, read background information on the author and the subject, print or...
Internet History Sourcebooks Project
Fordham University: Modern History Sourcebook: St Francis Xavier Letter From India.
This Fordham University page is a primary source piece - a letter written by Jesuit missionary St. Francis Xavier from India to his superiors in 1543.
Schools of California Online Resources for Education
Score: Your Mission: The Last Mission
This PBL unit has students research existing California missions to find what they have in common looking at geography, native people, natural resources. Then, using their information, students work in groups to create their own final...
Other
Cabrillo College: An Introduction to California's Native People: Missionization
This site discusses the mission movement in California and its effect on the Native Americans. Timeline of the missions' founding is also provided.
Other
Sbc an Uncommon Mission
Read about the California missions that have contributed to California state history. View paintings of all twenty-one missions created by artist, Jerome Tupa. Includes a variety of activities, quizzes, puzzles, etc. to add to the...
Texas Public Broadcasting
Texas Pbs: Texas Our Texas: Spanish Colonial 1689 1821
Learn about the struggle between the native tribes and the Spanish missionaries during the Spanish Colonial era in Texas from 1690 until 1821.
New Advent
Catholic Encyclopedia: Catholic Indian Missions of Canada
This article from The New Advent deals with the history and development of Catholic missions to the native peoples of Canada. Please note that "The Catholic Encyclopedia" is a historic reference source and should be viewed in the context...