Description
Our Gold Rush lesson plan introduces students to the Gold Rush, which was part of the westward movement in the United States. Many students may have heard of the term “gold rush” but most likely do not know of its origins. During this lesson, students are asked to work creatively with a partner to write two separate stories from the perspective of a visitor to California during the Gold Rush between 1849 and 1855, utilizing lesson material to write an accurate story and their creative writing skills to make them interesting; they then present the finished stories to the class, sharpening their presentation and public speaking skills. Students are also asked to match terms with their correct descriptors, demonstrating their understanding of the lesson vocabulary.
At the end of the lesson, students will be able to define the Gold Rush, and list reasons for its occurrence in America.
Common Core State Standards: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.3, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.5.3, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.6.3
