Social Studies:
· Fourth graders will learn all about the state of California’s geography, people, and history
Topics:
· California’s geography
· Native Californians
· Explorers of Alta California
· Spanish Rule in California
· The Mission System
· Mexican Rule in California
· The Mexican-American War
· Trappers and Trailblazers
· The Gold Rush
· The Pony Express
· The Transcontinental Railroad
Projects:
· Students will complete a mission project that illustrates the information they learn about a specific mission. This project will be done almost entirely in class. The students WILL NOT build a mission, however there will be an oral presentation. Specific due dates will be given at a later date.
· During the third trimester students will participate in an interactive Gold Rush simulation. Students will work in groups to complete a variety of activities and make decisions about certain situations that may have occurred during the gold rush. This project will be done entirely in class however your child will need to do some research at home and may need to bring in supplies to contribute to his/her group projects (i.e. diorama, poster board, etc.).