Research - You will be completing research for a debate. Would you rather Texas become a part of the U.S. OR stay its own country, the Republic of Texas? To win a debate you must be VERY knowledgable about the subject you are debating. Both sides. Below you will find resources that will tell you about how Texas went from being a Republic (it's own country) to a state within the United States.
Be very diligent in making sure you know all about the structure and success of the Republic, as well as it's failures. Understand exactly how Texas came into the U.S. - it was not easy!
In your notebook create a T-Chart. Read ALL of the articles and take notes on each the Republic of Texas and becoming a state.