Gold Rush: Mother Lode History

This course explores the rich history of the Southern Mother Lode during the California Gold Rush, focusing on key locations such as Mariposa, Agua Fria, Hornitos, and La Grange. Designed for educators, the course enhances social science teaching skills by integrating historical content with digital tools, including Weebly, TimeGraphics, Pinterest, Diigo, and Google Earth.

Through oral history interviews, historical photographs, and immersive digital experiences, participants will examine the lives of ordinary and extraordinary individuals who shaped the Gold Rush era. Topics include the economic and geographic impact of gold mining, immigration, interactions with Native Americans, and the evolution of mining techniques such as placer and hydraulic mining.

Students will engage with multimedia resources, including online videos, guided virtual tours of historic sites, and interactive mapping tools. Readings, including Mariposa County: Images of America and scholarly articles, will deepen historical understanding. Assignments will encourage the development of digital teaching resources, helping educators bring the story of the Mother Lode to life in their classrooms.

NOTE: Required book must be acquired separately.

This course is applicable towards the California History Certificate.