In this Grade 3 lesson from California myWorld Interactive, Chapter 2, students learn how the first people arrived in California over 10,000 years ago and lived as hunter-gatherers who adapted to diverse regions including forests, deserts, mountains, and coastlines. Students explore specific California Indian groups such as the Yurok, Hupa, Modoc, Washoe, Miwok, Yokuts, and Pomo, examining how each group modified their environment and used natural resources for food, shelter, and clothing. Key vocabulary includes settle and hunter-gatherer, with a focus on how physical geography shaped the distinct ways of life across nearly 300,000 California Indians.
Section 1
First People Settle California
The first people arrived in California a very long time ago, more than 10,000 years. They likely traveled from Asia and were the first to live on this land.
These early people were hunter-gatherers. They moved with the seasons to find food. They hunted animals for meat and gathered nuts, berries, and plants. This way of life helped them survive in their new home.
Section 2
California Indians Used Nature to Survive
To live, the first people in California used things they found in the world around them. These gifts from the earth are called natural resources. California's different environments, from the sunny coast to the tall mountains, offered many kinds of resources.
Groups of people adapted to their own special region. People near the ocean used shells for tools and ate fish. In the valleys, people gathered acorns from oak trees to make flour for food. They built their lives using the resources that were close to home.
Section 3
Groups Build Unique Lives in California
California was home to many different groups of American Indians. Each group had its own name, language, and traditions. They were not all the same.
Where a group lived shaped their unique cultures. The Hupa lived near tall redwood trees and built strong wooden houses. The Chumash lived by the coast and were expert boat builders. The Miwok lived in the mountains and valleys, following animals to hunt.
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Section 1
First People Settle California
The first people arrived in California a very long time ago, more than 10,000 years. They likely traveled from Asia and were the first to live on this land.
These early people were hunter-gatherers. They moved with the seasons to find food. They hunted animals for meat and gathered nuts, berries, and plants. This way of life helped them survive in their new home.
Section 2
California Indians Used Nature to Survive
To live, the first people in California used things they found in the world around them. These gifts from the earth are called natural resources. California's different environments, from the sunny coast to the tall mountains, offered many kinds of resources.
Groups of people adapted to their own special region. People near the ocean used shells for tools and ate fish. In the valleys, people gathered acorns from oak trees to make flour for food. They built their lives using the resources that were close to home.
Section 3
Groups Build Unique Lives in California
California was home to many different groups of American Indians. Each group had its own name, language, and traditions. They were not all the same.
Where a group lived shaped their unique cultures. The Hupa lived near tall redwood trees and built strong wooden houses. The Chumash lived by the coast and were expert boat builders. The Miwok lived in the mountains and valleys, following animals to hunt.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter