**the Lone Star Studies: A Comprehensive Look Into Texas History

"Lone Star Studies" is an engaging and rigorous exploration of Texas history designed for 7th-grade students, but any middle or high school student can enroll. This course provides a comprehensive journey through the rich tapestry of Texas's past, from its geological formation and indigenous inhabitants to its current status as a diverse, economically powerful state. Aligned meticulously with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards, this course ensures students gain a deep understanding of the events, people, and forces that have shaped the Lone Star State. 

This course emphasizes critical thinking, historical analysis, and civic engagement. Students will develop essential skills in research, writing, and presentation through a variety of interactive activities and projects. By utilizing a wide range of primary sources, open educational resources, and multimedia materials, "Lone Star Studies" brings history to life, encouraging students to connect the past with the present and understand their role in shaping Texas's future.

Key features of the course include:

     * Alignment with all relevant TEKS standards for 7th-grade Texas history
     * Integration of technology and digital literacy skills
     * Emphasis on diverse perspectives and cultural appreciation
     * Incorporation of current events and issues facing Texas
     * Development of civic knowledge and engagement
     * Cultivation of research and critical thinking skills
     * Opportunities for creative expression

By the end of "Lone Star Studies," students will not only have a comprehensive understanding of Texas history but also a deeper appreciation for the state's unique heritage, diverse cultures, and ongoing evolution. This course aims to inspire a new generation of informed, engaged Texans ready to contribute to their state's continuing story.

Students will write a summary paragraph after class about what they learned in class. This course is designed to learn some key facts about Texas history. After class, each student will write a minimum of a five-sentence paragraph about the day's topic. This will help the students to practice their summary writing.

Students will read one non-fiction and one fiction book throughout the course. Students will have a list of books to choose from. At the end of the class, students will write a summary report on their chosen books. Here is the list of books to choose from:

1. "Lone Star: A History of Texas and the Texans" by T.R. Fehrenbach
Publication Info: Da Capo Press, Updated Edition (2000)
This comprehensive history of Texas covers everything from prehistoric times to the modern era, offering students a deep dive into the state's rich and complex past. It's an engaging narrative that brings historical events to life [1].

2. "Texas: A Historical Atlas" by A. Ray Stephens
Publication Info: University of Oklahoma Press (2010)
This atlas combines maps, images, and text to provide a visual and informative journey through Texas history. It's an excellent resource for understanding how geography has shaped the state's development [2].

3. "Black Texas Women: 150 Years of Trial and Triumph" by Ruthe Winegarten
Publication Info: University of Texas Press (1995)
This book highlights the often-overlooked contributions of Black women to Texas history, offering students a more inclusive perspective on the state's past and present [3].

4. "Tejano Legacy: Rancheros and Settlers in South Texas, 1734-1900" by Armando C. Alonzo
Publication Info: University of New Mexico Press (1998)
This book provides insight into the Tejano experience in South Texas, offering students a deeper understanding of the region's cultural and historical complexity [4].

5. "The Alamo: An Illustrated History" by Edwin P. Hoyt
Publication Info: Taylor Trade Publishing, 2nd Edition (2003)
This illustrated history of the Alamo provides a detailed account of one of Texas's most famous historical events, complete with maps, photographs, and artwork that bring the story to life [5].

Fiction Books:

1. "Holes" by Louis Sachar
Publication Info: Yearling, Reprint Edition (2000)
While not strictly about Texas history, this Newbery Medal-winning novel is set in Texas and touches on themes of justice, friendship, and family history that resonate with Texas's past [6].

2. "My Brother Sam Is Dead" by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier
Publication Info: Scholastic, Reprint Edition (2005)
Although set during the American Revolution, this historical fiction novel deals with themes of family division and loyalty that parallel many experiences in Texas history [7].

3. "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly
Publication Info: Square Fish, Reprint Edition (2011)
Set in Texas at the turn of the 20th century, this novel provides insight into life in rural Texas and the changing roles of women, blending history with coming-of-age themes [8].

4. "Lupita Mañana" by Patricia Beatty
Publication Info: HarperCollins, Reprint Edition (2000)
This novel follows a young Mexican girl's journey to Texas, offering students a perspective on immigration and cultural adaptation in the state's history [7].

5. "All the Stars Denied" by Guadalupe Garcia McCall
Publication Info: Tu Books (2018)
Set during the Great Depression, this novel explores the forced deportation of Mexican Americans from Texas, providing students with a fictional account of a lesser-known aspect of Texas history [8].

These books offer a mix of comprehensive historical accounts and engaging narratives that can help students connect with Texas history on both factual and emotional levels. The non-fiction selections provide in-depth information and analysis, while the fiction books offer personal perspectives and relatable characters that bring historical periods to life. Together, they create a well-rounded reading list that supports and enhances the "Lone Star Studies" curriculum. These books can be obtained for free through a local library or, for example, on Amazon from $4.00 to $12.00.

During our 12th week, all students will present their final projects under the assignment tab or, at the very least, within one week of the conclusion of the class and will receive a certificate of completion after the final project has been turned in.

We will use different methods of interaction between the student and the teachers. These methods will include the classroom, Canva, Google Docs, MagicSchoolAI, and other relatable resources that would be beneficial each week. For example, students will be able to upload their weekly writing with Google Docs and the teacher can help with revisions, ideas, grammar, spelling, comments, etc.