The Diseño Project

The diseño project includes 3 parts:
  1. a hand-drawn map, which shows where you'd like your California rancho to start and end,
  2. a sheet of handwritten flow map notes from class, and
  3. a land grant request, which gives some background about your fictional family from Mexico, and what you plan to do with the land if the Governor of Alta California gives it to you. 
Click here to see a step-by-step webpage detailing this project.
Picture
Click on the picture above to open a slide show detailing what you need in your diseño.
The Map's Requirements
On your diseño (that's your map), make sure you include the following items and details:
  • Landmarks drawn, colored: may include a river, roads, trees, rocks, other buildings (click here to see real diseños from history)
  • A compass rose (see samples on maps below; be sure to at least include North)
  • Your plans for your rancho: your house, corral, etc.
  • A Mexican seal of approval (see p. 162 in your Social Studies book, or the Internet)
  • It's attached to the front of your diseño folder
  • It's colored and outlined in black pen/Sharpie
  • All pencil marks erased
  • Neat 4th grade work
  • Completed to turn in on the due date
  • Browse the slide show above to see some hints on getting the best grade on your diseño.
  • The diseño map is worth 5 points.
Picture
Here's an example of a seal from the government of Mexico. Make sure your diseño has one.
Picture
Your map also needs a compass rose showing the cardinal points. North will do.
Picture
Click on the picture above to open a slide show detailing what you need in your land grant letter of request.
The Land Grant Requirements
On your land grant request (that's your handwritten letter), you'll need:
  • The date you're making your request (pick a date between September 27, 1821 to September 9, 1850)
  • The governor's name, which matches the date of your letter (click here to see a list of governors and when they ruled)
  • Click here to see a copy of the notes posted in class, as well as a letter template to get you started; click here to see a sample letter. Make sure you include all the items in the 5 paragraphs from your classroom notes.
  • 5 paragraphs, listing this information: 
  1. the request for land, 
  2. how the land will be used, 
  3. the role of the vaqueros, 
  4. the roles of the women and Indians, and 
  5. describe daily and social life on the rancho
  6. Finish with your name, or a Spanish name of your choosing
  • The land grant request is worth 15 points.

Student samples