California Standards for Dr. Whom & The Futureman

Primary alignment — History–Social Science (CA HSS)

  1. K–3 (Chronology & Comparing Past/Present): Build timelines; identify how daily life, tools, and jobs change over time; use artifacts as clues (historical inquiry).

  2. Grade 4 (California History): “Cowboy/Old West” fits westward expansion, ranching/frontier life, transportation & technology change, and cause/effect in CA history.

  3. Grade 6 (Ancient Civilizations): Ancient Egypt—geography of the Nile, roles/beliefs/technology, and interpreting cultural artifacts.

  4. Prehistoric/Early Humans (upper elem → Grade 6 bridge): Archaeology, environment & survival, evidence from objects.

Science tie-ins — NGSS (practices & crosscutting)

  1. Science & Engineering Practices: Asking Questions; Analyzing & Interpreting Data (from artifacts); Constructing Explanations; Engaging in Argument from Evidence.

  2. Crosscutting Concepts: Cause & Effect, Patterns, Structure & Function (what artifacts were for).

  3. Nature of Science/Engineering: How tools/technologies evolve across eras.

ELA (CCSS)

  1. Speaking & Listening: Collaborative discussions, asking/answering questions, presenting observations about artifacts and eras.

  2. Vocabulary/Informational Text (upper grades): Domain words (artifact, era, evidence), summarizing key details.

Arts (CA VAPA – Theatre)

  1. Responding/Connecting: Perceive & analyze a live performance; connect themes to classroom content.

  2. Presenting: Audience etiquette; reflecting on narrative, character, and design.

 

 

Sample learning objectives (teacher-friendly)

  1. Students place prehistoric, ancient Egypt, and Old West on a simple timeline and describe one cause/effect change in tools or daily life.

  2. Students observe artifacts from each era and make evidence-based claims about their use (SEP: Analyzing & Interpreting Data).

  3. Students compare past vs. present technologies and explain how needs shape invention (Crosscutting: Structure/Function).

Easy extensions

  1. Quick-write: “Which artifact surprised you and why?” (SL/RI)

  2. Sort & label picture cards by era (HSS chronology).

  3. Build a mini “museum table” display with student captions (VAPA/ELA).