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The Road to California - A Journey to Freedom

For Teachers K - 5th
Students complete a Web quest about Biddy Mason's journey Westward to California as a slave and her ultimate rise to one of the wealthiest and generous woman of the Westward Movement. They present an exhibit of their research.
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Opportunity and Discrimination, A Dream of Gold

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Pupils focus on what it means to be a citizen of the United States and why the Chinese Exclusion Act is important when considering the concept of racism.
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The Legend of Freedom Hill

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders complete pre reading, writing, during reading, and interdisciplinary activities for the book The Legend of Freedom Hill. In this reading lesson plan, 3rd graders complete journal entries, go over vocabulary, answer short...
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Geography: Why Is the Sacremento Valley a Good Place to Grow Rice?

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders locate the Sacramento Valley in California where rice is grown. In this rice growing location lesson, 3rd graders locate the Sacremento Valley, California on a map, and color the mountain ranges and terrain that is around...
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Pushing the Boundaries: The Pioneer Spirit

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders recognize how social reform occurred at the turn of the century. Through a debate, 11th graders determine advantages and drawbacks of traveling west using original sources and descriptions of the attitudes, beliefs, and...
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We Accuse Colored Peoples of California V. State of California

For Teachers 10th - 11th
Pupils participate in a WebQuest to investigate discrimination of African Americans, Chinese and Californio/Latino during the Gold Rush era. They act as law clerks to write a letter to their clients about a potential trial.
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The Embodied Presidency

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders discover details about Thomas Jefferson's life. In this early American history lesson, 8th graders view a PowerPoint presentation that outlines some aspects of Jefferson's life. Students research the life of slaves at...
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Debate: Whose Land Is It?

For Teachers 10th - 11th
Young scholars identify the main factors involved in determining who was able to claim the land of California as their own. They determine the factors of unjustness in the Gold Rush times. Students reflect on what they learned from the...
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A Biblical Perspective

For Teachers 9th - 11th
Learners analyze money using a Biblical and business perspective. In this algebra lesson, students define their money relationship biblically and in a business fashion. They compare their view with the view of someone in the Gold Rush days.
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BEGINNER LEVEL LESSON PLAN

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students are be able to analyze primary sources (photographs) for evidence of Native American culture and construct a cultural symbol. They are explained what the stars and stripes stand for on the American flag. Students work as...
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The Industrial Revolution

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders examine the time period of the Industrial revolution in American history.  In this American History lesson, 8th graders read the chapter on this time period.  Students create a presentation on this time period to...
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Intermediate Level Lesson Plan THEMATIC ESSAY

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students identify three reasons why conflict arose in the Western United States during the late 1800s. Using specific examples, discuss how the United States government attempted to resolve these conflicts. Evaluate whether these...
Worksheet
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The American West-Knowledge Test

For Students 4th - 5th
In this American West worksheet, students complete a 24 questions test about the American West. Answers are included beneath questions on worksheet.
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Savvy in Sacramento

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Young scholars take a field trip to the state capital, Sacramento. Using the Internet, they explain the physical and human geographic features of the area and discuss interactions between the people of California between the time of...
Worksheet
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Grew to the West

For Students 3rd - 4th
In this westward growth activity, students use lyrics given to follow along with the song "Grew to the West," filling in blanks to answer simple questions throughout. Students then answer 10 additional questions about the song. Song link...
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Lesson 6: Native Americans in the West

For Teachers 6th - 10th
Young scholars recall their knowledge of Native American people who lived in the West and reflect on how their perspectives differed from pioneers and argonauts of the 19th century.
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Westward Expansion

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders explore the components of the Westward Movement in the United States. Understanding the past and the linkages it has to the present is the intended goal of this seventeen day unit.
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Reading Comprehension

For Students 3rd - 5th
In this reading comprehension worksheet, students read facts about the origin of blue jeans and assess reading and vocabulary comprehension. Students answer nine multiple choice questions.
Worksheet
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Reading: Blue Jeans

For Students 3rd - 4th
In this reading for information worksheet, students read a passage about the origin of blue jeans. Students answer 9 multiple choice questions about the text.
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Gold Mountain

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students read primary and secondary sources to find jobs as a Chinese immigrant. In groups they create a chart listing jobs for Chinese and write a letter about employment and living conditions to a Chinese friend.
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Sail Through History: American West and History of Medicine

For Students 5th - 6th
In these reading strategies worksheets, students learn reading hints, tips and the S.A.I.L. reading strategy. Students use the methods to learn about American history and the history of medicine.
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Those Golden Jeans - Demand Schedule

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students build a demand schedule, and analyze a supply schedule for slices of cheese pizza, and then determine the market clearing price. They analyze the market if prices are set above or below the market clearing price.
Worksheet
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US History

For Students 6th - 10th
In this US History worksheet, learners complete the crossword puzzle using the clues at the bottom of the page. There are 34 clues in total on this worksheet.
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Writing Lyrics

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students examine the themes and structure of a bluegrass song and identify the common themes in bluegrass music. They practice songwriting by rewriting the lyrics of "Oh! Susanna" as a bluegrass tune.