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Part I: Historical
Overview of the Journey - A Ripping Trip (continued)
Overview of Lessons in A Ripping Trip
Through journal writing, students become imaginary Gold Rush argonauts
on a "Ripping Trip" aboard ships bound for California. In the process,
they learn of the diversity of the miners, where they came from and what
impelled them to make the trip. These materials focus on the international
character of the event; they connect students with the period's actual
words and images. Activities outlined provide opportunities for students
to learn through geography, literature and writing, visual sources and
role-playing experiences as well as suggestions for integrated study.
BEGINNING THE TOPIC:
Lesson 1:
Activities:
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Crying the News!
Students role-play spreading the news of the finding of gold in California.
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Time: |
One hour |
Lesson 2:
Activities:
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A Moment in Time (California Before Gold)
Students recall California on the eve of the Gold Rush.
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Time: |
One hour |
Lesson 3:
Activities:
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Keeping a Journal
Students make their "argonaut journals" to keep along the
way.
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Time: |
Three hours |
Lesson 4:
Activities:
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Mapping the Route
Students create a wall map of the world on which to mark their routes.
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Time: |
Three hours |
DEVELOPING THE TOPIC:
Students simulate a sea voyage through writing a journal. The writing
may be done at a language arts period.) The five journal entries suggested
are:
Lesson 5:
Lesson 6:
Lesson 7:
Lesson 8:
Lesson 9:
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Hoist Sail (on packing and saying goodbye)
Argonauts All (on life aboard ship)
Astonishing Sights (on new sights and new lands)
Tragedy Strikes (on catastrophe at sea)
Food, Water and Wind (on bad food and not enough of
it)
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Time: |
Two hours--one for study of the sources and one for
journal writing
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CULMINATING THE TOPIC:
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Lesson 10:
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San Francisco, Ahoy!
(on arriving, picking up mail, and celebrating in San Francisco)
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Time: |
Four Hours |
EXTENDING THE TOPIC:
Lesson 11:
Activities:
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California by Land or by Sea?
Students compare the overland and the sea journeys.
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Time: |
One hour |
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