Social Studies

Fourth Graders are immersed in a rich California experience.  

 Students will become familiar with California's diverse geography and regions, while also building map skills, at the beginning of the year. Multiple perspectives regarding Native American cultures and traditions are examined and contrasted with the fast-paced changes that occurred with the arrival of European explorers and Westward Expansion into California.

Fourth Graders live as a Mexican ranchero of the early 1800s by taking part in Rancho activities in February. They also travel on an overnight adventure to Sacramento and into California's historic gold country in the spring. 

Then they learn about the building of the railroad with its many hurdles and the quick changes in California's population after the gold rush. Finally, fourth graders explore California's changes up to modern days.