The Big Idea Activity

What causes a society to grow?

Make News!

Student working on activity

Students work on a newscast.

Work with a partner to co-anchor a news program. Report on the changes that have made California what it is today. Be sure to discuss the causes of each change. You might want to give an opinion about whether a change has been good or bad for California. Be sure to make it clear to your listeners that what you are saying is an opinion. 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.

Research RoadmapPrint the Research Roadmap. Use it to take notes and hand it in to your teacher when you make your presentation.

 

Topic Finder

Need help finding a topic? Explore these ideas for research...Women History.

Case Study

Here's an example of a topic you could choose for the Big Idea Activity: You know that the car changed life in many ways. You might want to talk in your broadcast about changes that motor vehicles have brought to California. The truck quickly drives products across the country. The car allows tourists to drive to California. Clearly, the motor vehicle has helped California’s economy. Cars and trucks, however, also cause traffic jams in California. They also cause some pollution. If you talk about how the car has changed California, present both the good and the bad effects.

Fun FactsThere are about 1,000 miles of carpool lanes in Southern California.

 
 

How has technology changed the lives of Californians during the 1900s? Read what life was like before the car. Then, compare that with how life is for you.

Car Has Been King

1900s Fun

 
 

The Growth of California

Education for All

Read what Robert Semple said in 1849 about why California must create a good system of education for all children.

Working for Change

Learn more about César Chávez, who dreamed of and worked for justice. Click on "Life in the Fields" to read more about Cesar’s life.

California’s Economy

In a television interview, read about how technology has helped the movies. Find out how that helps California’s economy. How do you think these changes have changed California?

Arts and Entertainment

Take a tour of the Orange County Performing Arts Center. Why are the arts important in California today?

A Multicultural State

Find pictures of an exhibit at the Oakland Museum of California. The exhibit title was "La Flor y la Calavera: Altars and Offerings for the Days of the Dead."

Government

Tour the White House

Visit the White House online. Click on photos to see important rooms and people.

California’s Legislators

Read about the legislative branch of California’s government. This branch holds the most power to make laws in the state.

Local Government

Learn about California Community local governments.