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California Gold Rush

WE ARE BOOKED FOR THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR! 

Thank you to all who inquired or booked your time with us. We appreciate you!!

fieldtrips@lcer.org


Tuesdays & Fridays, January-May

4th grade
Tuesdays & Fridays, January-May

Fourth grade students spend the morning in 1849 when they visit the Lewis Center for a 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'? What effects did the Gold Rush have on our current environment? These are the questions that are answered as students make their way from Sam's Dry Goods store in Mineral City to pan for gold during their trip to Gold Rush country. While back in town, students help out by doing chores! They each get to take home what they made! Chores may include:
  • Soap Carving
  • Corn Husk Doll Making
  • 'Ole time school lesson with quill and ink writing
  • Leather Stamping
 
Be sure to come dressed as miner, pioneer, or someone from the Old West!!!

Gold Rush Photos

Prior to arrival in Mineral CIty, students earn Miner Bucks in their home classrooms through a number of Lewis Center provided activities which align with the 4th grade content standards (language arts, math, geography, etc.). Once they arrive, they must purchase supplies with their Miner Bucks they need for finding gold, which is an economics lesson in itself! While loaded down with supplies, students get to try their hand panning for gold with hopes of 'striking it rich'!  After their mining adventure and chores are completed, students learn a lesson about credit as 'Sam' the storekeeper buys back their supplies. Students may also visit the Assay Office where they find out if they struck it rich with the gold they found!


$10 per student, chaperones free
Souvenir Bandana included!
Max 65 students

2 1/2 hour field trip
$10 per student, chaperones free
Souvenir Bandana included!
Max 65 students

  • All attendees are encouraged to dress like a miner, pioneer, or Old West cowboy for the day!
  • Presale items are available before starting so students can "look the part"
           Cowboy hats/bonnets $5, Mustaches $1, Water bottles $1
  • This is an outdoor field trip, please dress accordingly.  Closed-toed shoes recommended, but not required.
  • Eating lunch in Mineral CIty is available upon request.  Prior approval required.
 
Students shop in Johnson's Emporium for ole' time merchandise!  Prices range from $1 - $10. Mineral City t-shirts are $15.  All proceeds support Mineral City.
 

To schedule a field trip, contact the Lewis Center
760-946-5414 ext. 276