Are you searching for an interactive way to teach your students about the history and cultural significance of the California Missions? If so, I've got you covered with this virtual field trip! All the prep work is done to provide an interactive learning experience that includes an overview of all 21 missions!
The California Missions date back to 1769 when the Spanish built a chain of 21 missions spanning from San Diego to Sonoma, California. Each mission is about 30 miles apart, which by horseback was about a day's journey.
The virtual field trip takes advantage of Google Earth to transport students to each mission location. This virtual field is set up in Google Slides with all of the content done for you. The Google Earth links and features have been meticulously curated for each of the 21 missions. These placemarks provide valuable information and insights about the history, architecture, and cultural significance of each mission. This virtual field trip has been carefully designed to provide the entire story, with the indigenous perspective that often gets overlooked.
Students begin their virtual journey at the southernmost mission, San Diego de Alcalá, and progress northward, visiting each mission in chronological order. As they explore the missions, students can view 360-degree images, and discover captivating stories about the challenges faced by the indigenous communities.
The virtual field trip also offers additional features to enrich the learning experience. Students can access detailed maps that showcase the geographical layout of each mission, allowing them to understand the strategic placement and design considerations. Furthermore, historical thinking response questions are incorporated throughout the virtual tour. All of the response questions are editable so they can be tailored to fit your classroom curriculum or student needs.
By embarking on this California Missions Virtual Field Trip, you will provide your students with an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural significance of the missions. The immersive nature of the experience allows students to visualize the architecture, explore the grounds, and grasp the complex interactions between the missionaries and the Native American communities.
Whether you are teaching California history, social studies, or cultural studies, this virtual field trip offers an invaluable resource to enhance your curriculum. It engages students with its interactive features, promotes critical thinking, and fosters a sense of curiosity and exploration.
This ready-to-go activity enables you to bring the rich history and cultural heritage of the California Missions directly into your classroom. Through the power of Google Earth and interactive elements, your students will embark on an unforgettable educational journey, deepening their understanding of this significant chapter in American history.
What Teachers are Saying:
"We learn about missions in CA social studies. This resource was more engaging than a textbook, but also didn't step on 4th grade's mission project. Perfect!" - A.O.
"This is an excellent resource to use when teaching about the Mission Period of California history. Thank You!" - W.I.S.
Grab this virtual field trip for your classroom:
