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The Big Idea Activity

What causes a society to grow?

Make News!

  California Standard 4.4  Students explain how California became an agricultural and industrial power, tracing the transformation of the California economy and its political and cultural development since the 1850s. California Standard 4.5  Students understand the structures, functions, and powers of the local, state, and federal governments as described in the U.S. Constitution.

Student working on activity

Teaching Tips

Discuss with students the ways in which most changes have both good and bad effects. Emphasize the importance of including both kinds of effects in their newscasts to present as many sides of the issues as possible.

Additional Links

You can explore many resources dealing with changes and trends at the California State University at Fullerton Web site.


Dolores Huerta

  California Standard 4.4  Students explain how California became an agricultural and industrial power, tracing the transformation of the California economy and its political and cultural development since the 1850s.

Grapes

Teaching Tips

Information about Dolores Huerta and her co-founding a labor union for farm workers.

Additional Links

The California Department of Education site has resources about Huerta and César Chávez.


Isamu Noguchi

  California Standard 4.4  Students explain how California became an agricultural and industrial power, tracing the transformation of the California economy and its political and cultural development since the 1850s.

Isamu Noguchi stamp

Teaching Tips

Explain to students that many 20th century artists have contributed to the multicultural form that the arts take. Sculptor Isamu Noguchi built a name as one of America's and Japan's most important artists.

 

Sacramento

  California Standard 4.4  Students explain how California became an agricultural and industrial power, tracing the transformation of the California economy and its political and cultural development since the 1850s.

Railroad

Teaching Tips

You may want to explain to students that Sacramento, the state capitol, is home to several museums that appeal to different kinds of people. The Towe Auto Museum features classic automobiles.



 

Heather Fong

  California Standard 4.5.5  Describe the components of California's governance structure (e.g., cities and towns, Indian rancherias and reservations, counties, school districts).

Heather Fong

Teaching Tips

Explain that Heather Fong's Chinese American heritage and her knowledge of Chinese dialects have helped her serve the people of San Francisco. A photograph of Fong marching in the Cherry Blossom Festival grand parade in Japantown, San Francisco is at a commercial site, but you may want to print the photograph and show it to students.