ACADEMIC PROGRAMMING
Introduction: The following programs have been created with the classroom in mind to help educators utilize the novels of the 2012-2013 Spirit of Texas High School Reading Program.
Activity 1: Agrimony to Yew: Herbal Flashcards & Plant Poetry
Introduction
Teach students how to identify healing herbs as well as memorize specific herb’s healing properties. Once teens are familiar with the herbs and their uses have them select one plant about which to write a poem.
List of Supplies
Card stock
Color Printer
Images of Herbs (see attached file for example)
Description of Medical Properties for each Herb (see attached file for example)
Scissors
Paper (for students to write on)
Pen/Pencils (for students to write with)
Program Description
Using flashcards, familiarize students with herbs and their medical properties. Once students begin to recognize specific herbs assign (or let students choose) an herb to write a shape poem about. The physical shape of the poem should convey the physical aspect of the herb while the text of the poem describes the medical properties and/or uses of the selected herb. (See example)
TEKS English 1, 2, 3, & 4: B14b
TEKS Biology 2B, 2C, 2E, 2F, 2H, 3C
TEKS CTE A Agriculture Food, and Natural Resources 130.2 2 A, B, C; 7 A; 10 B; 11
D. E. G; 15 A
Resources
Mother Earth News http://www.motherearthnews.com/Natural-Health.aspx
TLC a Discovery company http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/food-facts/culinary-herb-pictures.htm
Free Herb Pictures (Source of pictures you may use in your educational programs, if you link back to site.) http://freeherbpictures.com
See herbal flash card pdf for examples.
PDF format will print two sets of front & back cards. You may wish to print on card stock and laminate for longer wear.

An additional source for flashcards, pictures and herbal information is Organic Heirloom Plants.
The images at this site are copyrighted but you can use the site for research and if you want the flash cards they can be downloaded and printed. http://organicheirloomplants.com
McCormick has little information cards on at least 12 of their spices which have antioxdant properties free in the grocery store's spice aisle. Although they do not picture the plant, they do offer amounts and ways to use the spice and compare the spice to other antioxidants such as blueberries. This could help add a little spice to your program.
Activity 2 Planting the Seed: Language and Plants
Introduction
Many words in the English language have their roots in Latin and Greek. This activity is designed to help students begin to recognize Latin and Greek roots in everyday English words.
Once students begin to recognize these roots they can break down unfamiliar words and begin to infer meaning without knowing the exact definition.
List of Supplies
Latin-based English Vocabulary Worksheets (List A)
Latin to English Dictionaries
Pens/Pencils
Program Description
Using flashcards (see above) teach students the Latin names for certain herbs. Discuss the breakdown of the plant names and how Latin is the base for all Romance Languages. (i.e. What is a Romance Language? Why was Latin adopted into so many languages? Why was Latin adopted into so many English words if English is not a Romance Language?) Discuss how many
English words are also based in Latin. Provide students with a list of Latin-based English words and a Latin-English Dictionary [the Latin sections of the words have been underlined]. (See List
A) Have students determine definition of English word based on the Latin meaning of the base word.
TEKS English 1, 2, 3, 4: A2a; B1a, c, d, e
Resources
Cassell’s Latin Dictionary: Latin-English/English-Latin
by D.P. Simpson. Cassell's, 1977. 978-
1461141778.
English Vocabulary Based on Latin -http://wordinfo.info/units/view/2365/page:9/ip:1
See Latin Roots pdf for examples.
Online Latin Root Flash Cards http://quizlet.com/681039/latin-roots-flash-cards/

Studyblue is a free flash card generator with apps available for devices such as smartphones, iPhone, iPad, iPod, and Android http://www.studyblue.com/
Activity 3 - Your Memory Nose: Smell and Memory
Introduction
Smell is one of the most important senses of the human body when it comes to memory. During this activity, students will discuss smell, memory and the science behind the association.
List of Supplies
Orange
Lavender
Fabric Softener
Pumpkin Pie [scented air freshener is fine if you don’t want to bake ;)]
Coffee
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Popcorn
Rose
Grass Cuttings
Peppermint Gum (unchewed)
Program Description
When a human inhales, scent molecules stimulate the olfactory receptors in the nasal passage.
These receptors send the smell to the olfactory bulb, a small structure located at the front of the forebrain in mammals which then processes information about the odor. The forebrain is where the brain’s limbic system is located. The limbic system includes the hippocampus, amygdala, septum, and limbic cortex which support a variety of functions including emotion, behavior, long-term memory, and olfaction. Because the olfactory bulb is located so close to the limbic system scent often triggers memory. Once the science of scent and memory has been thoroughly discussed have students take turns smelling the different items you provide. Have the students to write a three-page paper recounting a memory associated with one of the smells provided.
TEKS English 1, 2, 3, 4: B14a
TEKS Biology 112.34 b 1, 2, 3; c 1 A & B
Resources
How Smell Works http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/life/human-biology/smell3.htm
Limbic System http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/imagepages/19244.htm
Olfactory Bulb Image http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/427514/olfactory-bulb

Activity 4 - Getting Scientific With It!
Introduction
The activities below are suggestions for bringing elements of Texas Gothic into the science classroom.
Chemistry - Break it Down
Discuss chemical breakdown of “healing herbs” and how the chemicals of certain plants impact human physiology. (i.e. Why does Witch Hazel work to clean wounds? How does Belladonna affect the brain? )
TEKS Chemistry 2E, 2l, 3A, 3B, 4A
Resources
MedlinePlus -http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/
National Institute of Medical Herbalists -http://www.nimh.org.uk/
Botany - Part & Parcel: Plants as Puzzles
Teach the different parts of plants then have students apply their knowledge to herbs.
Herbs are used in different ways; discuss different techniques for drying and distilling, herbs to use in alternative medicine. Using flashcards (see above) have students identify which parts of specific herbs are used in herbalism.
TEKS Biology 2E,2F,2H,3C
TEKS CTE A Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources 130.2 2 A, B, C; 7 A; 10 B; 11
D, E, G; 15 A
Resources
Preparing Herbs:http://www.herbaffair.com/Articles.asp?ID=108
Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health
by Rosemary Gladstar. Storey
Publishing, 2008. 978-1603420785
Simple Herbal Remedies by Sue Hawkey. Anness, 2008. 978-1844765164
Biology of Plants - http://www.mbgnet.net/bioplants/parts.html
Activity 5 - Archeology: Dig In
Introduction
Archeology is the study of material remains of past human life. By studying artifacts left by people who have lived in previous times, archaeologists have discovered what life was like in
Ancient Egypt, Medieval Europe, Colonial America and more. This activity provides a fun,

interactive way for students to learn the basics about the science of archeology.
List of Supplies
Plastic kiddy pool (several depending on size of class)
2-4 Clay Pots (broken)
Selection of Small Toys & Other Items to Hide in the Pool(s)
3 Types of Soil (enough to put a layer of each in every pool)
Plastic Shovels
Paint Brushes
Program Description
Begin this activity by discussing archeology. What is archeology? Why is it important? How does one excavate a site? You can even have an archeologist from a local college come in and share his/her experiences as a professional archeologist.
Preparation :
Fill pool 1/3 full will first type of soil placing small items at different levels within the soil. Do this two more times with the other two types of soil. When completed, you should have a pool filled with layered soil with items hidden throughout.
Instructions:
Separate students into teams and give each of them a section of the pool to “excavate”. When they have completed the excavation and have found all of the “artifacts” of their section have them write a report on the excavation. What did they learn about the people who left those items behind?
TEKS English 1, 2, 3, 4: B14a
TEKS World History Studies 29 A, B
TEKS World History Studies 113.33c
Activity 6 - Make It Your Mission: History of Spanish Missions in Texas
Introduction:
Spain and it’s conquistadors played a major role in the settling of Texas by Europeans. One of
Spain’s missions was to convert the Native populace to Christianity. To this end, Spain and the
Catholic church built many missions throughout Texas. This activity is to help students learn about these Missions and their place in Texas history.
Directions:
Assign students to write a 3 page research paper on a specific Texas mission.
TEKS English 1, 2, 3, 4: B21, B22
TEKS Social Studies C 1 A, B, E
TEKS Social Studies C 2 A, C, D

TEKS Social Studies C 3 A, B, C, D, H
Resources:
The Spanish Missions Texas - http://www.texasalmanac.com/topics/history/spanish-missionstexas
Five Spanish Missions of Old San Antonio http://www.lsjunction.com/facts/missions.htm
Texas State Historical Association http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/its02
Activity 7 - English Writing Prompts
Introduction:
These prompts are designed to allow teachers to use Texas Gothic in the classroom while teaching core skills for literary analysis and composition.
Program Description
These prompts should be answered with a 2-3 page paper.
Prompt 1: Does Amy Goodnight fit the normal description of a hero archetype? Why or why not?
TEKS English 1, 2, 3, 4: B2b
Prompt 2: Create a series of newspaper articles or blog posts covering the events of Texas
Gothic.
TEKS English 1, 2, 3, 4: B15d
Prompt 3: Ben represents a certain archetype in Texas Gothic . Which archetype does he represent? In what ways does he fit the mold? In what ways does he break the stereotype?
TEKS English 1, 2, 3, 4: B1b