“Eureka, we found it!” The fourth graders have wrapped up the exciting Gold Rush Unit of our Studies Weekly curriculum, immersing themselves in this fascinating era of California history. They explored the diverse influx of immigrants who flocked to California in the late 1840s, the establishment of major cities, the various mining techniques that miners used to search for gold, and the adverse effects these techniques had on California’s landscape. Fourth graders also learned about some notable figures of the era such as Levi Strauss, Domenico Ghirardelli, Biddy Mason, and Charley Parkhurst. To conclude the unit, the students enjoyed a Gold Rush party, where they panned for gold, embarked on a treasure hunt for gold and silver, played Gold Rush Bingo, and savored the hearty foods that miners enjoyed after a long day of searching for fortune. The enthusiasm and engagement of the kids truly highlighted their enjoyment of this pivotal chapter in California's history!