For Teachers

The story of California’s San Joaquin Valley is a fascinating one, rooted in the history of the American West. And, like the story of the West it’s tied to the history of the land and culturally rich and diverse. Six lessons have been created to help teach aspects of Valley history ---- using the topics of immigration, Valley agriculture and regional pioneers and pioneer life.   Primary source material from the Historical Society's Archives is featured in the lesson plans including photographs and documents such as census pages, posters and brochures.  We hope your students enjoy exploring the Valley story!

Grade levels and curriculum standards addressed are:

Third grade:                             Lesson #2        3.3  (1, 3)

                                                    Lesson #5        3.5  (1, 2)

Third & Fourth Grades:         Lesson #1        3.3  (1)          4.4 (3)

                                                    Lesson #4        3.3  (1)          4.3 (2, 3)    4.4 (1, 3, 4)

                                                    Lesson #6        3.3  (1, 3)      4.3 (2)        4.4 (3)

Eighth Grade:                           Lesson #3        8.12  (1, 5)

Society staff welcomes teacher feedback regarding these lesson plans.  Please don't hesitate to be in touch with Curator Sharon Hiigel at 441-0862 or edudir@aol.com. with your comments.

Lesson Plans:

Lesson Plan 1
Immigrants 

Lesson Plan 2
Immigration

Lesson Plan 3
California’s Central Valley:
How We Shaped the Land

Lesson Plan 4
Immigration

Lesson Plan 5
Home Grown:
What food is produced in our own backyard?

Lesson Plan 6
Pioneers