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Trouble on the Trail
Students explore the challenges and successes of the Texas ranching industry during the 1870s and 1880s by participating in a decision-making board game. Through game scenarios based on historical events, students analyze problems ranchers faced—such as drought, blizzards, economic crises, and land changes—and identify solutions that helped the ranching industry survive and grow.
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Materials
- Trouble on the Trail ( LOG IN or CREATE ACCOUNT )
Standards
TEKS: 4.4(B) History: Explain the growth and development of the cattle industry in Texas.
4.9(A) Geography: Describe ways people have adapted to and modified the physical environment.
4.24 Social Studies Skills: Use problem-solving and decision-making processes to identify solutions to issues.
NCSS: Theme II – Time, Continuity, and Change: Examine historical events affecting the ranching industry. Theme III – People, Places, and Environments: Understand how geography and climate impacted ranching practices. Theme VII – Production, Distribution, and Consumption: Analyze economic factors influencing cattle ranching and markets.
Ag Literacy: T1.3–5: Identify agriculture as a source of food, fiber, and other products. T2.3–5: Explain how natural resources and weather influence agricultural production. T5.3–5: Understand how agricultural producers respond to economic opportunities and challenges. T6.3–5: Recognize how agricultural practices and technologies help farmers and ranchers adapt to challenges.
NCSS: Theme II – Time, Continuity, and Change: Examine historical events affecting the ranching industry. Theme III – People, Places, and Environments: Understand how geography and climate impacted ranching practices. Theme VII – Production, Distribution, and Consumption: Analyze economic factors influencing cattle ranching and markets.
Ag Literacy: T1.3–5: Identify agriculture as a source of food, fiber, and other products. T2.3–5: Explain how natural resources and weather influence agricultural production. T5.3–5: Understand how agricultural producers respond to economic opportunities and challenges. T6.3–5: Recognize how agricultural practices and technologies help farmers and ranchers adapt to challenges.
