AUSTIN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT SUBJECT/COURSE: Texas History IPG: First Six Weeks GRADE LEVEL: 7 MAJOR CONCEPT #1: Culture Overarching Idea Culture creates unique characteristics for a state such as Texas. Guiding Questions What is the significance of Texas symbols and how do they contribute to the state’s culture? Why is Texas’ culture considered unique? MAJOR CONCEPT #2: Environment Overarching Idea Humans continually adapt to and modify their environments. Guiding Questions How does environment influence the way of life for different groups of people in Texas? How is a region’s environment affected by its geography and how did it influence settlement? MAJOR CONCEPT #3: Location and Place Overarching Idea Factors of location and space influence where and how people live. Guiding Questions How do people in locations and places adapt to their environment? How do people use maps to find location and place? What geographic factors influence the locations and places where people choose to settle? © Austin Independent School District, 2009-2010 1