In this Grade 4 lesson from California myWorld Interactive Chapter 7, students learn how California became the center of American popular culture, including the history of Hollywood filmmaking, the rise of television, and the spread of trends like skateboarding across the country. Students explore key vocabulary such as popular culture, trend, and Hollywood while examining the contributions of figures like Louis B. Mayer, Walt Disney, and George Lucas to California's entertainment industry. The lesson also covers California's world-renowned art museums and its cultural influence both nationally and globally.
Section 1
California Sets Cultural Trends
For a long time, California has been a place where new ideas begin. This includes popular culture, which is the music, movies, and styles that many people enjoy.
Ideas and trends that started in California often spread far beyond the state. Movies made there were shown in theaters all over the country. Music recorded in California was played on the radio for everyone to hear.
Section 2
California Builds an Entertainment Industry
In the early 1900s, filmmakers began moving from the East Coast to Southern California. They were drawn by the region's sunny weather, which allowed for year-round filming, and its varied landscapes that could stand in for locations all over the world. A suburb of Los Angeles named Hollywood soon became the center of the American movie industry, with major studios producing films that were seen across the country.
Following World War II, the rise of television created new opportunities. The established movie studios and skilled workforce in California were perfectly positioned to produce content for the new medium, and the television industry boomed. Around the same time, Los Angeles also grew into a major hub for the recording industry, attracting musicians and record labels.
Section 3
Creative People Shape Hollywood
Creative leaders helped turn Hollywood into the movie capital of the world. People like Louis B. Mayer built large movie studios. These studios made hundreds of films that people all over the country wanted to see.
Other leaders brought new ideas and technology to filmmaking. Walt Disney created new ways to make cartoons, bringing characters like Mickey Mouse to life. Later, filmmakers like George Lucas used computers to create amazing new worlds and special effects. These innovators changed how movies were made and what stories they could tell.
Section 4
Entertainment Industries Grow in California
After World War II, a new form of entertainment appeared in people's homes: television. California was the perfect place to make TV shows because it already had movie studios, actors, and writers. Soon, many popular shows were being filmed there.
At the same time, Los Angeles became a major center for the music industry. Famous singers and bands came to California to record their albums. This helped the state become a leader in creating popular music that was heard around the world.
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Section 1
California Sets Cultural Trends
For a long time, California has been a place where new ideas begin. This includes popular culture, which is the music, movies, and styles that many people enjoy.
Ideas and trends that started in California often spread far beyond the state. Movies made there were shown in theaters all over the country. Music recorded in California was played on the radio for everyone to hear.
Section 2
California Builds an Entertainment Industry
In the early 1900s, filmmakers began moving from the East Coast to Southern California. They were drawn by the region's sunny weather, which allowed for year-round filming, and its varied landscapes that could stand in for locations all over the world. A suburb of Los Angeles named Hollywood soon became the center of the American movie industry, with major studios producing films that were seen across the country.
Following World War II, the rise of television created new opportunities. The established movie studios and skilled workforce in California were perfectly positioned to produce content for the new medium, and the television industry boomed. Around the same time, Los Angeles also grew into a major hub for the recording industry, attracting musicians and record labels.
Section 3
Creative People Shape Hollywood
Creative leaders helped turn Hollywood into the movie capital of the world. People like Louis B. Mayer built large movie studios. These studios made hundreds of films that people all over the country wanted to see.
Other leaders brought new ideas and technology to filmmaking. Walt Disney created new ways to make cartoons, bringing characters like Mickey Mouse to life. Later, filmmakers like George Lucas used computers to create amazing new worlds and special effects. These innovators changed how movies were made and what stories they could tell.
Section 4
Entertainment Industries Grow in California
After World War II, a new form of entertainment appeared in people's homes: television. California was the perfect place to make TV shows because it already had movie studios, actors, and writers. Soon, many popular shows were being filmed there.
At the same time, Los Angeles became a major center for the music industry. Famous singers and bands came to California to record their albums. This helped the state become a leader in creating popular music that was heard around the world.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter