Why does Crystal Cove Matter for Understanding California’s Past, Present, and Future?

In this three-part interdisciplinary lesson, students will learn about the site of Crystal Cove State Park. The lessons will include a study of the history of the Japanese-American community, the science of this Marine Protected Areas, and the ways students can be global citizens while learning about local geography.

Learning Outcomes

Students will…

• Learn about the Japanese American community in Crystal Cove in the 1930-40s and how their lives changed due to the WW2 Internment through primary sources (Lesson 1)

• Explain the importance of fish and sustainability to Japanese culture as well as the world. Determine the importance of Marine Protected Areas, like Crystal Cove to protect marine life at Crystal Cove. Create an infographic as their call of action to share what they have learned (Lesson 2).

• Learn how Global Competence helps us explore our local environments and how the geography of Crystal Cove affected how people used this space. Develop ideas for further exploring Crystal Cove and taking action to support its future. (Lesson 3)