At Home Learning

Since the early days of Texas, land grants were given by the Spanish and Mexican governments to encourage new settlers to make their home in the area. Land grants were measured, or surveyed, using a variety of measurement systems; some more accurate than others. One of the most common forms of measurement was the vara chain, which equaled approximately 3ft. Once the land was surveyed, an empresario was assigned to grant the land to families who settled in the area and helped build Texas as we know it today. Make your own creative form of measurement using things at home. Then, survey the land around your home, your neighbor's home, and a nearby park. How large is your land grant compared to others?

Cartography is the science and practice of making maps. People have been making maps of their world for generations. Maps help us to better understand the geography of the world as well as to find important places we want to visit in our community. During the 1800s, maps were made to understand the borders of different land grants and homesteads in Texas.

Make a map of your neighborhood using supplies. For more fun, create a new world and make a map for it or make a pirate treasure map and go looking for gold!

Native American tribes across the country would weave beautiful baskets, blankets, and rugs for use in their tepee and holding food. Practice your weaving skills! Connect three straws together at one end with tape. Then, tie a piece of yarn at the taped end of a straw. Begin weaving yarn over then under through the straws attaching new pieces of yarn as you go to make beautiful color patterns. When you're done, you can remove the yarn from the straws, tie a knot in the end and wear it as a bracelet!

The Buffalo Bayou, Brazos, and Colorado Railroad was the first railroad to operate in Texas starting in 1853. A number of different railroads expanded through Texas in the following years. By the end of 1879, there were over 2,400 miles of railway across the state! However, there was less than 100 miles in the area passing through Austin and San Antonio. This area began expanding its railroad system throughout the 1880s bringing the Santa Fe Railroad to Temple in 1881 and the Katy Railroad to Belton in 1882. Trains traveled along the different railroads carrying food, lumber, steel, coal, and people across the state and across the United States!

Using supplies you have at home including popsicle sticks, make your own railroad tracks!

During WWII, food and other materials were strictly rationed to ensure everyone got a fair share and there was plenty to be sent to those fighting overseas. To help with food supplies, people began growing vegetables at home. Gardens could be found in front and back yards and even in boxes in windows of homes without yards. The gardens came to be called victory gardens because the vegetables grown at home by families allowed more of the crops from farms to be sent to Europe and the Pacific during the war.

Plant your own victory garden at home with your favorite vegetables!