Curated OER
Oh, California
Students begin this lesson plan by charting information about the relationship between the Spanish missionaries and Native Americans at a California mission. Then, students identify the dynamics of those relationships that would have...
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First European Settlers:Oh, California
Students trace the paths of the early explorers who sent three expeditions to settle California. They analyze possible reasons why the land expeditions took longer than ocean routes.
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Houghton Mifflin Social Studies/Chapter 8, Lesson 1: Farming Takes Hold (pp. 184-187)
Fourth graders discuss that the movement toward farming during the 1850's to the 1870's meant for California. The economy of California is studied in relationship to the effects of farming. There are several focus questions to help...
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Houghton Mifflin Social Studies/ Chapter 5, Lesson 2: Mexico Defeated (pp. 116-120)
Third graders study how the United States declared war on Mexico and succeeded in gaining control of California. Several activities are included in the lesson. The lesson outline is included as a link.
Curated OER
Houghton Mifflin Social Studies/Chapter 13, Lesson 1 The Past Shapes the Future (pp. 292-295)
Fourth graders reflect upon the events of the past in order to make cognitive connections to present or future history. Students use Blooms Taxonomy to attain higher levels of thinking.
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Native California Americans
Fourth graders study the differences in the ways of life of five different Native California Tribes. They assess the use of technology, computers and the Internet as valuable investigation tools.
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Houghton Mifflin Social Studies/Chapter 10, Lesson 1: Growth of Industry (pp. 226-230)
Fourth graders discuss the four big events that helped California's southern coast grow in the early 1900's. The events of the digging of San Pedro Harbor and the Panama Canal are included. The effects upon California is looked upon from...
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Houghton Mifflin Social Studies/Chapter 11, Lesson 1: California in Wartime (pp. 250-253)
Fourth graders explore the crisis of Japanese Americans during World War II. The benefits of the California economy are explored. The activity has a discussion portion that is culturally relevant for many types of students.
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Houghton Mifflin Social Studies/Chapter 11, Lesson 3: New Ways of Living (pp. 260-263)
Fourth graders write one fact that pertains to the growth in California suburbs after World War II and another fact that pertains to the changes in the cities. Invite students to share their facts. The class can guess whether the fact...
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California's Resources
Young scholars research the natural resources of the state of California. They read a chapter of their social studies text, write and answer questions for the chapter, and create illustrations for five vocabulary terms.
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Oh, California: Understanding Primary Sources: What Did John Muir See?
Young scholars read a selection from the writings of John Muir. They discover his view on California and its natural resources. They create a display of images that show what California has to offer.
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Houghton Mifflin Social Studies/Chapter 13, Lesson 2 California Fights Smog (pp. 296-300)
Third graders look into certain environmental problems. The governmental branches are investigated and how government takes care to solve problems of the environment.
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Houghton Mifflin Social Studies/Chapter 11, Lesson 2: New Uses of Science and Technology (pp. 255-259)
Fourth graders reflect upon the development of technology and how it has effected the lives of Californians. Drawings and writings are used as media for self-expression. The areas of focus are aviation, sea exploration, and farming.
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Houghton Mifflin Social Studies/Chapter 12, Lesson 1 A Struggle for Rights (pp. 270-274)
Fourth graders examine the time period of the 1960's and 70's to have discussions about three different ethnic groups. They examine the issue of discrimination and civil rights. The lesson includes a helpful outline with a hyperlink.
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Growth in Southern California
Fourth graders examine the impact of orange crops and the railroad industry on the growth in southern California. They develop a fact list about the history of oranges in California, and create a family tree demonstrating the impact of...
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Pioneers in California
Fourth graders examine the changes the pioneers brought to California in the 1800's. They develop a timeline that includes captions, symbols, and pictures, and write a paragraph describing the experiences of the early California pioneers.
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From Missions to Ranchos
Fourth graders examine the conversion of the California missions into ranchos. They develop a pros and cons chart, write a first person narrative describing the changing life from the missions to the ranchos, and create a poster of...
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Oh My Darling
Students discuss human interaction with the environment and sing "Clementine" with historical fiction lyrics. They create a map or model of a mining camp in which Clementine may have lived. They discuss what might happen to their...
Humanities Texas
Primary Source Worksheet: Excerpt from Reagan's Speech to the National Association of Evangelicals
Ronald Reagan's 1983 speech to the National Association of Evangelicals (also know as the "Evil Empire Speech") offers readers with an opportunity to practice their skills at reading informational text, specifically primary source...
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Early Explorers
Fourth graders examine how the early explorers from Spain and England competed in their search for riches and new lands. They read and discuss text from their book, participate in a debate, and create a poster.
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Problems Facing Agriculture
Fourth graders examine the conflicts over land ownership and water in the second half of the 1800s in California. They write a criticism about the problems that farmers faced, and work in pairs to define key vocabulary terms.
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The New Californians
Students identify the groups of immigrants who came to California. They trace the route they possibly took to American on a world map. They discuss the reasons why they left their homeland and what challenges they faced once they arrived.
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Conflicts Between Cultures
Fourth graders examine the issue of discrimination against new immigrants to California. They develop a class word web, read and discuss text, create a poster, and write a picture poem.
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People Take Action
Students locate landforms of California on a map. They discuss the problems and solutions that were used to save the lizard from extinction. They discuss how working together to solve problems is useful.