Colorado History - Gold Rush Simulation and Social Studies End of Year Review

This lesson was created in memory of my dear friend, Kristin Bialick who started this project.

My favorite lessons are those that are fun, engaging and purposeful. Sometimes this is a struggle with Social Studies- keeping kids engaged in the content can at times be a stretch. So- I chose one of the most engaging bits of Colorado history- the Colorado Gold Rush- and intertwined various Civics and Economic Standards. I also turned it into a cooperative game. Students  get to travel through time as a 59er, earn gold AND test their knowledge of Colorado History!

This year, we were chosen to take the Colorado 4th Grade Social Studies State Test (I know, lucky us!) I am not one to focus the day on test prep, but I also do not want to leave my students unprepared. So, I created this lesson series to make learning and review fun. It typically takes me at least a week- but usually two, to complete all of the activities. On years that we aren't lucky enough to spend an extra week on state tests (cue sarcasm) I use this as an exciting way to end our Social Studies year with a fun and exciting review!

I will post pictures here as we go along through the experience this year. Until then, check out the resource!

As far as test preparation and review for CMAS - valuable learning activities like this far out weigh traditional drill and kill test prep. Students will remember this activity and the contents for years to come. They will be excited to engage in this every day instead of moaning upon hearing what's up next in their day.

​https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Colorado-Gold-Rush-Gold-Rush-Simulation-and-Colorado-History-Review-4476427

This is a seven day adventure through the 1859 Gold Rush! Student's will experience life as a 59er while learning about Colorado History.

Key standards addressed

• Colorado History with a primary focus on The Gold Rush
• Economics
• Civics

Students will compare primary sources, read about various topics, make decisions as a team, answer questions covering a wide range of 4th Grade Social Studies Standards, and participate in fun activities to earn (and sometimes lose) Gold Nuggets.

This packet gives students a chance to answer questions in both written response and fill in the blank form. It will assess their ability to recall vital facts from CO Social Studies Standards and will also give them a chance to analyze information given to them through primary sources.

This is currently only available as a PDF file but will soon be available in other forms to allow students to answer questions digitally.

After completing this unit, celebrate with a Colorado Gold Rush Day!

"Eureka! Gold Discovered in Colorado!

The time? 1859.

The place? The Front Range of Colorado.

Gold has been discovered near Pike's Peak and gold fever is quickly spreading across the the United States. As a local resident of Missouri, you cannot wait to head west and try your luck in the gold fields. Fortune surely awaits, but you will have to risk your life on the quest to find it.

In this project, you will review all that you have learned about our great state! You will also experience what life was like for those who traveled west during the late 1850s. Do you have what it takes to survive this journey?

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