Becoming California

Becoming California discusses various aspects of California growth, development and consequences in three parts.  Act one, Assembling California, discusses the creation of California over time.  It shows the geologic evolution of California over the last hundreds of millions of years.  Act two,Reinventing California, discusses human impact on California.  It shows how the gold rush, development of LA and the development of California as one of the most populated states have impacted California ecosystems.  Act three, Reconciling California, discusses various ways to ensure longevity of native California ecosystems while continuing the populous.  

This is a longer video that needs to be shown in parts.  I would utilize this video as a continuing theme within my classroom.  Teaching with students who are living in California, it is important to understand the growth and development of the environment that surrounds them. This video would enhance a unit on ecology.  The video also touches on human impact  on California's environment and various ways one can lessen that impact.  By showing, discussing and reflecting on act two and three students will meet Next Generation Science Standards for Earth and Space Sciences Human Impact and Human Sustainability.