Inquiry is wise
Check out our Building Blocks Inquiry Project
The Heart of Social Studies
Featured Inquiries
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This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the impact of English on their daily lives. By investigating the compelling question, students examine the different skills English Class can strengthen, including grammar, vocabulary, and critical thinking, and the ways in which these skills are applied in a real world context....
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Written for an English class reading 1984, this inquiry is meant to be investigated by students after reading the novel. This inquiry challenges students to evaluate Orwell’s description of surveillance and determine if it is becoming a reality.
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The Great Migration reshaped Black communities as millions sought more—more economic opportunity, more cultural expression, and deeper connections to their heritage. Above all, Black Americans aimed to define themselves as both a powerful, unified community: distinctly Black and undeniably American. The art of the Harlem Renaissance became a bold declaration...
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In 1972, five men were arrested for breaking into the Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington D.C. while trying to bug the offices and collect information about the upcoming election. The break-in led to a series of investigations that revealed a pattern of similar illegal activity. Then, officials in the...
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This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the causes of the Cold War by examining events through the perspective of both the Soviet Union and the United States. By investigating the compelling question “Who’s to blame for the Cold War?” students evaluate these events in consideration of the historiography,...
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This 2016 Inquiry Challenge winner inquiry leads students through an investigation of water access in the Middle East using various sources that consider geographical, political and economic issues. By investigating the compelling question, students examine the geography of the region, including environmental and demographic relationships, the ecological impact of accessing...
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Hubs
State Hubs
C3 Teacher State Hubs bring together teachers, instructional materials, and professional development opportunities as they learn more about teaching with inquiry. Hit the road ›
Organizational Hubs
C3 Teacher Organizational Hubs bring together amazing sources from leading cultural institutions and educators interested in using those materials to support inquiry in social studies classrooms. Fall in ›
THE VOICES OF C3
Blogs
Authored by Katie Hart and Chloe Baum Katie Hart and Chloe Baum are both students at the University of Kentucky. They both graduated in December 2025 with their Bachelor of Arts in Education for Secondary English Education. Now, they are working towards their Master’s degree in the Master’s with Initial Certification program with a specialization […]
Authored by Katherine Oliver What is the biggest fear incoming teachers have when preparing for their first classroom? While there may seem to be a myriad of options from poor classroom management to a student uprising, at the heart of every worry is the ability to get student buy-in. Student engagement, behavior, and work ethic […]
INVALUABLE RESOURCES
Publications
C3 Teachers is proud to bring you a wide range of topics related to using inquiry in social studies. Here you’ll find books, articles, essays, papers, and more covering inquiry-based learning.
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Find Professional Learning opportunities that focus on inquiry-based teaching and learning, and other strategies that promote quality teaching and learning.