California State History

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Course Overview

The Acellus California State History course examines the landforms, climates, and natural resources of California and the rest of the United States. It will discuss America’s history, industries and peoples with a special emphasis on California and its unique characteristics. As the course closes, notable Californians and other important people and landmarks will be explored and how their contributions have shaped the state and the country into what they are today.

The Acellus California State History course is taught by Acellus Instructor Todd Edmond.

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Sample Lesson - The California Gold Rush

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This course was developed by the International Academy of Science. Learn More

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Scope and Sequence

Unit 1 In this unit students are introduced to the course and discover where California is. Then they will explore the geography and landscape of the United States as a whole and then briefly touch on the country’s various regions. Following this, learners will examine climate, America’s resources, and the American and Californian people. Unit 2 In the second unit of Exploring the United States, learners will examine the American government, its branches, and the role citizens play in it. Next, they will cover America’s economy, California’s and America’s regions, and the different government services. Lastly, students will discover what the United States has in common with neighbors such as Mexico and Greenland. Unit 3 After learning about the different qualities that make up the United States, students will take a closer look at the American Northeast. They will cover the geography and climate of that region more fully, as well as exploring the history and its impact on the country. Finally, learners will study what New England is like today and explore the cities and other landmarks in this region. Unit 4 In unit 4 students will dive deeper into the American Southeast. They will start out with the geography, climate, and resources of this region. Finally, they will cover the region’s history before, during, and after the Civil War and the importance of shipping in the Southeast. Unit 5 In the next unit covering the Southeast learners will discover what life in the Southeast is like today. They will go over the different areas within the region as well as tourism and industry. Finally, students will finish up with the islands, mountains, and highlands that make up the region. Unit 6 In this unit, learners will more closely examine the Midwest region of the United States. The first few lessons will explore the geography and climate, as well as the resources from the Midwest. Next, students will cover the history and travel means in this region, after which they will learn about the industry important to the Midwest. Finally, they will discover what life is like in the American Midwest today. Unit 7 In this unit students will discover the American Southwest in greater detail, starting with the landscape, the climate, and the challenges it brings. After this, students will study Europe’s impact on California and its Native Americans through mission work. Next, they will cover the people, culture, and resources of this particular region. Learners will finish by exploring what it is like in the Southwest today and how people are thriving in harsh environments. Unit 8 In unit 8 learners will explore the American West and its geography. Next, they will learn about the climate and resources, followed by the history and people of the West. After this, the students will examine landmarks and cities in the modern West, followed by life in the different regions of the American West and California. Finally, students will explore California more deeply by studying the gold rush, immigration, industry, the economy and government systems in the state, to name a few. Unit 9 In this unit students will examine some of the notable people that impacted the United States and California. Some of the figures that will be explored are Elsie Allen, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Harvey Milk, Frances Scott Key, writer of the national anthem, Theodor Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, and Wilma Mankiller, the first female Cherokee Chief. Unit 10 As students close out the lessons, they will explore several famous landmarks all across the United States. They will view the Crazy Horse Memorial, Yellowstone National Park, Ellis Island, and Walt Disney World to name a few.