Protecting California's Environment — Reading Comprehension

Premium Resource

Grades

Standards

D2.HIS.2.3-5
D2.HIS.14.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

About This Reader

This engaging U.S. history reading passage explores the story of how California has worked to protect its unique environment from pollution and damage. Students will learn about the rise of environmental movements, the important role of leaders like Cesar Chavez, and how new laws were passed to keep California's air, water, and land clean. Through a clear, chronological narrative, the passage highlights key events and the bravery of people who spoke up for the land. Activities include a multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, a timeline, and a graphic organizer. The passage is written for upper elementary students and aligns with C3 Framework and Common Core standards. A glossary helps build vocabulary, and a Spanish translation is included for accessibility. This resource is perfect for building literacy skills while teaching about California's modern history, diversity, and the importance of working together to solve problems. Includes read aloud audio and supports multilingual learners.

CONTENT PREVIEW

California, Santa Barbara. Pumping oil out of the Pacific Ocean at Summerland, California
Source: Library of Congress

California has some of the most beautiful land in the United States. But as cities grew, the state faced many challenges. Factories and cars filled the air with pollution. Rivers and beaches became dirty. People worried about the land, water, and air.

In the 1960s and 1970s, people started to work together to fix these problems. They joined the new environmental movement. Groups like the Sierra Club spoke out. They wanted to stop oil from spilling into the ocean. They wanted to keep the air clean. In 1969, a big oil spill near Santa Barbara shocked people. Many said, “We must protect our coast!”

California leaders listened. The state passed new laws to stop pollution. These laws set rules for factories and cars. The state also created parks to save land for everyone. People started recycling and planting trees. They taught others to care for the earth.

One important leader was Cesar Chavez. He helped farm workers speak up for better homes and safe water. He said, “We have the power to build a better future.” Farm workers marched and told their stories. Their work helped pass laws to keep their homes and fields clean.

Over time, California became known for its strong conservation efforts. The state worked to save endangered animals and plants. It set up recycling centers and taught schools about the environment. People from many backgrounds joined these efforts. California’s diversity made the movement stronger.

Today, California still faces problems like wildfires and drought. But people keep working together. They use new ideas and science to protect the land. They plant trees and clean up beaches. They teach the next generation to care for the earth.

Interesting Fact: California was the first state to set rules for car pollution in the United States!

Who was Cesar Chavez?

A farm worker leaderA movie starA scientistA governor

What happened near Santa Barbara in 1969?

A large oil spillA big paradeAn earthquakeA new school opened

What did California do to help the environment?

Made new lawsBuilt more factoriesCut down treesBanned recycling

Why did people start the environmental movement?

To fix pollutionTo build more roadsTo sell landTo make new cars

How did California's diversity help conservation?

Made movement strongerIt caused pollutionIt stopped recyclingIt slowed change

What is one effect of new laws?