Karina Ledesma

LBS 400
History/Social Science Framework
In order to teach History/Social Science in a classroom, I would need to understand what
is important and unimportant to the nation, the world and the state we live in. I would also need
to know the rights we have as American citizens and how to take the role of American citizens.
As an educator in History, I would also need to know the process to make a difference in this
democratic society. History 301: Individual, Family & Community History Perspective and
Liberal Studies 375: The California Experience is courses I have taken at Dominguez Hills that
are connected to the knowledge I must have to teach in an elementary class. Both of those classes
have prepared me to teach and implement in-depth of important events in the world, nation and
state.
The first artifact I have to highlight my learning and understanding in History/ Social
Science is a Historical Monument paper I had to do in History 301: Individual, Family &
Community History Perspective. In order to write this paper, I had to go out to a historical
monument around the city and make a plan as to what I can teach students when on a field trip to
that historical monument. I chose to go to the Griffith Observatory. It helps students understand
who the important people are in astronomy, and also the people who have altered technology to
be able to make connections with the universe. This paper also allowed me to use the resources
around the city to teach children that a simple trip around town can lead to knowledge.
The second artifact I chose is from Liberal Studies 375 which was a Document Based
Question about the Gold Rush. I had to read primary sources and explain how the Gold Rush
brought California to life and the gender roles that made a difference to the state. This

assignment highlights the knowledge I have gained from such an important event in California
history. This prepares me to teach in-depth about the Gold Rush rather than just giving them the
facts. It also prepares me to teach students how the miners and people all around felt during the
gold rush and why students should feel proud of living in an abundant state.