On September 23, Terra Vista Middle School 7th grade social studies classes participated in “Gone to Texas”, a program presented by the TTU International Cultural Center. The interactive program allowed students to explore how different countries shaped Texas history and culture. 

Students were divided into six groups representing England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, Spain, and France. During the first activity, students completed a sticky note and map exercise to explore why people from each country came to Texas. In the second activity, students used colored cups to represent population numbers and placed them on a large map showing the regions where settlers established communities. 

In the third activity, students examined what settlers “packed” when they came to Texas, exploring foods, language, traditions, clothing, and other cultural items. Students selected which items they would bring and explained their choices using picture cards. The final activity focused on art, including plein-air painting and the work of German artist Hermann Lungkwitz. Students discussed how the Texas landscape influenced his paintings, and some even created their own watercolor landscapes inspired by Lungkwitz. 

Staci Sisk, Terra Vista’s Media Specialist, shared that the students were captivated by the lessons.  

“The students were super engaged! They had a great day of learning and really enjoyed the interactive activities. It’s a fun way to bring Texas history to life and see students learning through hands-on experiences.” 

The program combined engagement, creativity, and critical thinking, allowing students to have fun while learning about Texas’s diverse cultural history. Great work, TVMS Panthers!