Fourth Grade History Curriculum
CALIFORNIA: A CHANGING STATE
The history of California is rich with ethnic, social, and cultural diversity, economic energy, geographic variety, and growing civic community.
The study of California history in the fourth grade provides students with foundational opportunities to learn in depth about their state, including the people who live here, and how to become engaged and responsible citizens.
In the grade four History curriculum, emphasis is also placed on the regional geography of California. Students analyze how the different regions of the state have developed through the interaction of physical characteristics, cultural forces, and economic activity and how the landscape of California has provided different resources to different people at different times, from the earliest era to the present.
Through an understanding of maps, geographic information, and quantitative analysis, students should come away from their California history course with an understanding of the important interactions between people and their environment.
Empire Mine State Historic Park
Since California’s educational requirements for 4th graders include California history, Empire Mine State Historic Park welcomes many school tours. The Mine Yard Tours feature as many “hands-on” experiences as possible to combine education, entertainment, and fun.
Reservations will enhance your group’s experience – and are highly recommended. Just call the Park’s Visitor Center at (530) 273-8522
Malakoff Diggins Historic Park
Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park offers hands-on opportunities for school children who wish to experience the California Gold Rush history by visiting the historic town of North Bloomfield, site of California’s largest hydraulic mine.
The park offers teachers the opportunity for up to 40 students and up to 15 chaperones to stay overnight and participate in our Environmental Living Program (ELP). Students learn period crafts and experience life in a manner similar to the Gold Rush period. The curriculum is tailored to 4th grade students. Students can also experience the park just for the day by participating in a scavenger hunt in historic buildings and/or pan for gold in nearby Humbug Creek.
Call (530) 265-2740 for available dates to schedule a class visit to the park.
Download the Environmental Living Program Manual here.
South Yuba River State Park
GUIDED SCHOOL TOURS
Due to reconstruction of the historic Bridgeport covered bridge, guided school tours are not available this year. We apologize for the inconvenience and look forward to welcoming school groups back to the park upon completion of the construction/rehabilitation project.
Information about school tours can be found here.
