Fourth grade students spend the morning in 1849 when they visit the Lewis Center for the Gold Rush Adventure!
What was life like in California in 1849? How much did supplies cost to
'hunt gold'? What kind of people came to the Gold Rush? What is 'Gold
Fever'? Did anyone 'strike it rich'? These are the questions that are
answered as students make their way from Sam's Dry Goods store in
Mineral City to our special mining claim to pan for gold during their trip to Gold Rush
country.
Students earn 'miner bucks' in their classroom through a number of
activities which align with the 4th grade content standards (language
arts, math, geography, etc.). Once they arrive at the Lewis Center, they
must 'purchase' supplies they need for finding gold, which is an
economics lesson in itself! While loaded down with supplies, students
hike their way to the river with hopes of 'striking it rich'!
Students also must do chores to earn their keep. Chores include making
corn husk dolls, stamping leather, soap carving and planting. Once back
at the store, students learn a lesson about credit as 'Sam', the
storekeeper buys back their supplies. Students also visit the Assay
Office where they find out if they struck it rich with the gold they
found!
Lewis Center volunteers who participate in this field trip program dress
in mining outfits and the role-playing makes for a fun time for all!
Click here for a printable flyer about this program.
To schedule a field trip program, contact the Lewis Center at 760-946-5414 ext. 277 or email fieldtrips@lcer.org.
To become a volunteer for this adventure, email Laura Unferdorfer or call 760-946-5414 ext. 277.
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