Understanding the geography of the state is the key to understanding the history of California. From the beginnings of the first early settlements of indigenous peoples, the terrain and resources of California have always influenced how people arrived and where they settled in the state. Having a knowledge of the physical setting of California is a vital beginning to the fourth grade history-social science curriculum. Developing an appreciation of the varied geographic features of California helps students understand the desires of many people to settle in the area over tens of thousands of years. Students identify California's mountain ranges, major coastal bays, natural harbors, expansive river valleys, delta regions, and deserts. They investigate the advantages and disadvantages of California's physical geography in its development as a prominent and powerful state. Suggested implementation time is 10 class periods. The lesson plan discusses the significance of the topic; lists focus questions; features literacy links; and provides information and student activities, dividing the topic into: "Beginning the Topic,""Developing the Topic," and "Culminating the Topic." The lesson assessment is integrated with the instruction and occurs throughout the lesson; the focus questions provide a framework for the evaluation of the unit. Extended/correlated activities are suggested. Resources for the sample topic are listed. Appended is additional information. (BT)