Skills of Study:

Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.

• Introduce a topic clearly and group related information in paragraphs and sections

• Develop the topic with facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples related to the topic.

• Link ideas within categories of information using words and phrases (e.g., another, for example, also, because).

• Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.

• Provide a concluding statement or section related to the information or explanation presented.

Standards of Focus: W.4.2.a, W.4.2.b, W.4.2.c, W.4.2.d, W.4.2e

Topics of Study:

The Social, Political, Cultural, and Economic Life and Interactions Among People of California from Pre-Columbian Societies

• Discuss the major nations of California Indians, including their geographic distribution, economic activities, legends, and religious beliefs; and describe how they depended on, adapted to, and modified the physical environment by cultivation of land and use of sea resources.

• Identify the early land and sea routes to, and European settlements in, California with a focus on the exploration of the North Pacific (e.g., by Captain James Cook, Vitus Bering, Juan Cabrillo), noting especially the importance of mountains, deserts, ocean currents, and wind patterns.

• Describe the Spanish exploration and colonization of California, including the relationships among soldiers, missionaries, and Indians (e.g., Juan Crespi, Junipero Serra, Gaspar de Portola).

Standards of Focus: 4.HSS.2.1, 4.HSS.2.2, 4.HSS.2.3