Mission Report Resources
Educational resources are available to teachers, students, and parents who want to learn more about the California Mission system and the crowning “JEWEL,” Mission San Juan Capistrano. Supplement your learning experience with our interactive and informational guides, specifically tailored to meet California History-Social Science Standards, the Next Generations Science Standards and California’s Common Core State Standards for 4th grade history. These lesson plans will not only guide but also enhance your students’ understanding of this historic landmark by encouraging critical thinking and analysis. Our exhibit guides, for example, correspond with the cultural artifacts on display and reinforce the themes of each gallery space, from Mission Treasures to the Padres Museum collection. Both the Mission Store and the Mission Store online carry workbooks that provide information, activities, and lesson plans to help students complete their school reports and California mission projects. These resources include the “All 21 California Missions Report Workbook” and a “Mission San Juan Capistrano Report Workbook,” recommended for students, parents, and educators alike.
History Articles
For immediate assistance, Mission San Juan Capistrano offers the following free educational information for school projects to download:
Frequently Asked Questions about Mission San Juan Capistrano
Frequently Asked Questions about Acjachemen Life before Spanish Contact
Frequently Asked Questions about Native American Life at a Mission
Frequently Asked Questions about the Spanish Mission System
The Acjachemen Nation: San Juan’s First People
Mission Agriculture
Spread of Diseases
Hide and Tallow
Mission Food
Cattle Ranching
Wine and Olive Oil
Soldiers of Alta California
Cloth Production
360° Architectural and Historical Views Video Series
Experience the history and beauty of the Mission as if you were standing here! From 360 degree sweeping views of the Mission grounds to up close, never before seen views of architecture and artifacts, you’ll see the Mission from every angle in 28 video clips. These can be viewed on a computer, mobile devices or VR headset.
Duration: Approimately 3 minutes (per video clip)
Platform: Vimeo
Cost: FREE
Looking for a virtual experience for your school group? Learn about our distance learning programs.
Online Audio Tour
The online audio tour features music, history and storytelling bringing to life the “Jewel of the Missions.” Tour aligns with CA HSS (4.2.1, 4.2.3, 4.2.4, 4.2.5, 4.2.6).
Preview the Audio Tour (English):
How to Use the Audio Wand
Stop 1
What is a Mission? — Founding Document
Stop 2 Additional Information
Mission Agriculture — Olive Millstone
Stop 3
Mission Report Resource Books
For students unable to visit any mission in person, the “21 California Missions Report Workbook” and “Mission San Juan Capistrano Report Workbook” are recommended and available for purchase at the Mission Store or by visiting our website for $10.95 each.
Explorer Passport Print at Home Activity
A children’s educational tour booklet, which features a walking map, interesting historical facts, and games that teach about Mission history. This learning tool is included for free and features a guide that students can work from during their visit.
Recommended Reading
Website Links
Juaneno Band of Mission Indians: The Acjachemen Nation
California Missions Resource Center
The California Missions Trail
California Missions Studies Association
Free Online Books
Google Books: San Juan Capistrano Mission by Zephyrin Engelhardt
Google Books: Little Chapters About San Juan Capistrano by St. John O’Sullivan
Books at Your Local Library
Find the Library near you that has the book you want or purchase on smile.amazon.com
Padres of the California Mission Frontier (People of the California Missions) by Jack S. Williams
Indians of the California Mission Frontier (People of the California Missions) by Jack S. Williams
Soldiers and Their Families of the California Mission Frontier (People of the California Missions) by Jack S. Williams
Craftsmen and Craftswomen of the California Mission Frontier (People of the California Missions) by Jack S. Williams
Spanish Missions: Historic Communities by Bobbie Kalman
Indian Life at the Old Missions by Edith Buckland Webb
Mission San Juan Capistrano (Missions of California) by Kathleen J. Edgar
For more information, please call our Education Department at (949) 234-1320
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