B.C. Gold Rushes

This website provides fictional first-hand styled diary entries. The diaries are written from the perspective of a gold miner during the Cariboo Gold Rush. There are 14 journal entries which cover events from June through October in 1862. This resource can be valuable for students who have a hard time engaging in learning about historical events; A diary-style can help students connect to the people who experienced the gold rush. 

This website provides a collection of 12 authentic letters written by a man during the Cariboo Gold Rush. The letters were discovered by a woman, Sharlene Shipman Baker, in her deceased family member's belongings. Aside from minor adjustments to make the letters easier to read (e.g. punctuation and spelling), they are exactly as originally written. Because these letters are authentic, I believe students can become really engaged with them. It will also expose students to how language sounded back in the 1800's and to just how difficult it must have been to be separated from loved ones.

This website is a resource provided by B.C.'s Ministry of Education. The section "Getting to the Goldfields" is about the Cariboo Gold Rush. It provides a fictional account of Jack Cooper's journey to Barkerville using a voiceover, photographs, and a map. It also has the non-audio version as an option. Here you can also find a photo gallery that includes photos from a miner's journey to and experience at Bakerville. This website also has 4 historical readings: "Race for Gold - 1858"; "Willie Gray"; "Struggle for Gold"; and "Finding the Gold". These stories are engaging and provide rich information

B.C. Gold Rushes: Digital Resources

Below are resources about the B.C. Gold Rushes that are available online for teachers to use. Together, these resources embody multiple means of representation to help engage learners. The resources provide a wealth of information around the gold rushes and focus on different aspects involved. Some of the topics covered are machines, key personnel, and transportation, all while providing different methods of obtaining that information (e.g. story, audio book, diary, etc.). Some of websites these resources were obtained from also include lesson plans and other teacher supports. Providing choice in how students obtain their information will increase autonomy and feelings of competence, therefore motivating and engaging learners. 

 

The B.C. Archives Time Machine website aims to teach students about the Cariboo Gold Rush through story. The story has 9 sections that can be read informally over many days. The sections range from "striking it rich" to "the machines", providing a comprehensive view of many aspects involved during the Cariboo Gold Rush. If the teacher reads with fluency and prosody, and shows the students the photos along the way, this resource has the potential to reach many auditory learners and those who learn best through following a story. This website also provides ideas for activities as well as book titles.