California Dreamin’: A Fun-Filled State Tour

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

Time to explore California!

Look at the key regions that make California so amazing.

Coastal Region: Where Land Meets Ocean

• What’s cool here?

Beaches like those in Los Angeles and San Francisco

Imagine running on the beach, splashing in waves, and finding shiny seashells.

The Golden Gate Bridge

It’s a bright orange bridge that stretches over the water like a giant ribbon. On foggy days, it looks like it’s playing hide-and-seek with the clouds!

Fun fact: It’s called the Golden Gate Bridge not because of its color, but because it stretches over the Golden Gate Strait!

• Wouldn't it be fun to see the bridge disappear in the clouds?

Mountain Region: Adventure Awaits!

Welcome to the Mountain Region!

• What's exciting here?

Yosemite National Park

This park has giant trees called Sequoias. They are so big they make other trees look tiny!

Yosemite also has giant rock formations like El Capitan, a famous challenge for rock climbers.

Mount Whitney

The tallest mountain in the U.S. Climbing it feels like being on top of the world!

• How high do you think you could climb?

Desert Region: Hot and Full of Life

The desert may seem empty, but it’s full of cool surprises!

Cacti are special plants that store water like giant water bottles. But watch out! They have sharp spines, so don’t touch!

Death Valley holds the record for the hottest temperature ever recorded on the earth—134°F!

Central Valley: California’s Farming Heart

• What’s amazing here?

The Central Valley is like a huge picnic basket, helping feed people all over the country! More than 80% of the world’s almonds come from here!

Farmers grow tons of yummy food like grapes, almonds, tomatoes, oranges, and lettuce.

Water from rivers and canals helps farms stay green and healthy, even when the sun is super hot.

• What’s your favorite fruit or veggie?

That's right! Great job.

• Are you ready to travel back in time to see how California became the amazing state that it is today?

California’s History: Gold, Missions, and More

Spanish Missions

In the 1700s, Spanish workers built churches and small towns along California’s coast. Some of these buildings are still there today!

The Gold Rush

In 1848, James Marshall found gold at Sutter’s Mill. By 1849, thousands of people had rushed to California, hoping to find gold and get rich.

Watch this video to see how it all started and what happened next!

Statehood

In 1850, California became the 31^st state. That was a big moment for the state!

California’s history is so exciting, but there’s more to see!

California’s Key Landmarks: Famous Places to See!

Hollywood

This is where movies come to life! It’s the land of movie stars, and you can even find a famous star right on the ground.

Disneyland

It is known as the happiest place on the earth! Meet Mickey, ride cool roller coasters, and live the magic!

Lake Tahoe

A giant, clear lake high up in the mountains, Lake Tahoe is perfect for swimming in summer and skiing in winter!

Great work!

Now, dive into the Got It? section to learn what makes life in California so fun!