Social Studies Worksheet · Grades 4–6
The Gold Rush Worksheet
A printable social studies worksheet for grades 4-6 on the California Gold Rush. Students match clues to forty-niners, prospectors, panning, claims, and boomtowns, then answer four short-response questions about how the Gold Rush changed California. A complete answer key is included.
Subject
Social Studies
Grades
Grades 4–6
Skill Focus
The Gold Rush, united states history
Lesson Length
20 minutes
Lesson Overview
About this worksheet
The California Gold Rush began in 1848 when gold was discovered at Sutter’s Mill. News spread quickly, and in 1849 thousands of people – the forty-niners – rushed west hoping to strike it rich. Miners panned for gold, staked claims, and small camps grew into boomtowns almost overnight. This worksheet helps students name the people, tools, and places of the Gold Rush.
Section A on page 1 gives eight clues, and students write the term each one describes. The reference box explains the forty-niners, prospectors, panning, claims, boomtowns, and Sutter’s Mill.
Section B on page 2 asks what started the Gold Rush, who the forty-niners were, how towns grew so fast, and how the Gold Rush changed California. Page 3 is a complete answer key with sample answers. The worksheet pairs well with the Westward Expansion and Transportation History worksheets.
How to Use This Lesson
Read the reference box aloud and find California on a map of the United States.
Complete Section A independently – have students match each clue to one term.
Discuss why so many people were willing to travel far for a chance at gold.
Use the answer key on page 3 for self-check.
Pair with the Westward Expansion Worksheet or the Transportation History Worksheet.
Printable Resource
A classroom-ready PDF with everything in one printable resource.
Full Member Resource · Printable PDF · 3 pages · Answer Key
The Gold Rush Worksheet
A printable social studies worksheet for grades 4-6 on the California Gold Rush. Students match clues to forty-niners, prospectors, panning, claims, and boomtowns, then answer four short-response questions about how the Gold Rush changed California. A complete answer key is included.
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