Process

Starting Your Journey to the Gold Fields:

You will need to choose a method of transportation and the route that you will take to get to California. In your Miner's Journal, write an entry in your own words what the journey was like. Your Entire Journal will be graded as outlined in the Evaluation.

This is to be written as a narrative, historical fiction style story including plot, setting, and characters. Make the reader actually feel if they were there with you! Don't forget to use the "W's" (who, what, where, when, why, and how) when you write your entry.

Journey by Land, Across the Plains & Over the Mountains, Hills, & Valleys of Our Great Country:

Journey by Sea, Either "Around the Horn," or "Across the Isthmus," the choice is yours:

Now that You're There, You Need to Know the Key Figures of the Gold Rush:

Who were John Sutter and James Marshall? How did they effect the events that unfolded in California?

Look for details about John Sutter & James Marshall. In a non-fiction report, discuss why were they significant figures in the Gold Rush. Add other related significant events to your report. Once again, remember to use the "W's" when you make this entry.

John Sutter                   James Marshall

History Aside, It's Now time to MINE!

Next, you'll learn about the various method types of mining including panning, sluice box, long tom, rocker, hydraulic, and undergaround mining. Then decide what type you would want to do and why. Like your first entry, this will be a historical based narrative story (historical fiction), using plot, setting, and characters. Be sure to list the pros and cons of the type of mining you choose! As always, use the "W's" to help the reader learn along with you.

 

 

Now that you've struck it RICH, what's next? What were the impacts on the State of California?

In your journal, discuss at least three results of the gold rush on California. Be sure to include details regarding how it effected the state's economy, environmental consequences, population growth, and what life was like in the mid to late 1800's.

Now that you are done, it's time to proofread, making sure your journal is just the way you want it. Read your findings & entries from cover to cover and listen to your "voice." Does it sound right, or does something need to be changed? Please see that there are no spelling or grammar errors. Lastly, you need to add some illustrations related to your journal. For instance, you can draw pictures and label various types of mining equipment, a map of the route you took to the gold fields, what your mining camp was like, or use your imagination.

To see exactly what your teacher expects, click here for the "Evaluation."