Grade 4 Lesson at a Glance: Chapter 6, Lesson 1

Houghton Mifflin Social Studies
Oh, California

Lesson at a Glance
Chapter 6, Lesson 1: After the Gold Rush (pp. 134-137)

The Big Idea
Framework Concept: Change The California gold rush changed California in many ways.

Have students help you construct a cause-effect chart on the board that shows what caused the changes that occurred during this time and their effects. Students can consider the overall cause (the gold rush), but also the causes for growth in the cities and towns (need for supplies, housing) and the effect of this growth (lack of law and order, desire for statehood).

Lesson Outline
Use the Lesson Outline to preview the content of the lesson. You may wish to print it for your students as a guide during reading.

Check for Understanding

Have students debate the two opposing sides: the Californios' view and the Americanos' (or American) view about the changes in California and the future of their home.
Invite students to draw a scene depicting what life was like in one of the big cities or in a mining town during the 1850s. If they choose a mining town, have them make up a name for the camp.

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