4th Grade California History Virtual Education Program
Our virtual 4th Grade California History Education Program is available for rent. Travel back in time to the 1850s with this program that highlights what it was like to live, travel, and work during the California Gold Rush. This program meets CA state standards and was created for teachers, by teachers.
The program takes students on a tour through seven different stations. Students will get a unique perspective by each docent as each describes their experience during the California Gold Rush.
The 4th Grade California History Education Program can be purchased on Uscreen by clicking HERE.
The cost is $199 and lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Once purchased, the program can be viewed for 24 hours.
This program and all content is copyright of Irvine Park Railroad © Irvine Park Railroad 2025. All rights reserved.
Any redistribution, reproduction, or use of this material in any way other than the use for which it is intended is strictly prohibited. No part of this video may be reproduced, transmitted, or recorded in any form or by any means.
If you would like assistance with purchasing the program or viewing the program, please contact us by email at info@irvineparkrailroad.com. We are also happy to answer any questions that you may have.
Seven Stations
Train Rides
Fulfills CA Standards: Section 4.2 #3 & 7; 4.3 #1 & 5; Section 4.4 #1
Presented by one of our Conductors in front of our 1/3 scale C.P. Huntington Locomotive. Students will learn about the history of building the Transcontinental Railroad, immigrants, California’s missions, Native Americans and natural resources.
Mine Shaft
Fulfills CA Standards: Section 4.3 #1 & #3, Section 4.4 #2
Meet with our Master Miner and explore the depths of our replica mine shaft. Students will learn about the types of tools used to dig and navigate through the mines.
Panning For Gold
Fulfills CA Standards: Section 4.3 #3, #4, & #5, Section 4.4 #2
Stake your claim and learn about panning for gold in our sluice box. Students will learn about different ways to pan for gold, the rush in economy, population growth, and Sam Brannon, one of California’s first millionaires.
Miner’s Camp
Fulfills CA Standards: Section 4.4 #2, #3 & #4
Watch as a Forty-Niner explains his journey to California in 1849 and discovering that most of the gold had already been found! Students will also learn about the foods miners would eat, and the games they would play when it was time to have fun after a long day of mining.
Water Wheel & Inventions
Fulfills CA Standards: Section 4.4 #1 #6 & #7
Presented in front of our true-to-life replica water wheel, students will learn about technology using power such as Lester Pelton’s Undershot Waterwheel, and technology using communication like the Pony Express, morse code, and the Telegraph.
Wagons, Buggies & Transportation
Fulfills CA Standards: 4.3 #2 & #4, Section 4.4 #3
In this portion of the program, students will learn about the trails settlers took to get to California and the lives they lead while making the cross-country journey. This presentation includes important California history leaders including James Beckwourth, John Bidwell, and John C. Fremont.
Old West Boom Town & Women of the West
Fulfills CA Standards: 4.3 #4 & #5, Section 4.4 #2
Students will explore the different businesses and buildings that would have been built in the mining towns. Students will also learn about some important Women of the West, which include Mary Tape, Bridget “Biddy” Mason, and Helen Hunt Jackson.
All prices and information are subject to change without notice.
Testimonials
“The best field trip in my 14 years of teaching! Very organized, lots of information was effectively taught and the staff is very kind and made it fun. Thank you!”
Hansen Elementary School, Anaheim
“This is one of the best field trips that I have taken students on. Very informative. Excellent job!
Logden Elementary School, Temple City
“Everything about the experience was wonderful, thank you.”
Del Cerro Elementary School, Mission Viejo
“Amazing! You brought history to life. It was my very favorite field trip in 11 years of teaching”.
Hansen Elementary School, Anaheim
“I want to let you know that I was very impressed with the planning and effort you put into this great Gold Rush field trip. You did a marvelous job. The docents were all adept at keeping the students engaged and focused on each particular station. My students got more out of these two hours than from the textbook studying”.
Estock Elementary School, Tustin