The Arkansas Inquiry Toolkit
The Arkansas Inquiry Toolkit provides teachers with access to curriculum materials opportunities to learn more about using inquiry in Arkansas social studies classrooms. The instructional materials available here feature the Inquiry Design Model, an innovative approach to teaching and learning emphasizing teacher knowledge and expertise. The Toolkit project was funded by the Arkansas Department of Education. See our inquiries below.
Hunter-Dunbar Expedition
This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the Hunter-Dunbar expedition, commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson after the purchase of the Louisiana Territory from France.
Safety and Freedom
This inquiry leads students through an investigation of personal liberties vs. public safety. By investigating the compelling question “Should safety outweigh freedom?” students evaluate the
Social Media
This inquiry leads students through an investigation of rights and responsibilities involved when posting to social media. By investigating the compelling question “Social media, why
Our Relationship with Rivers
This inquiry leads students through an investigation of rivers. By investigating the compelling question “Is the relationship between people and rivers good or bad?” students
Nomadic Life
This inquiry leads students through an investigation of prehistoric nomadic life. By investigating the compelling question “How do we know the past without written evidence?”
Music and Change
This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the impact of music on the progression of cultural change. By investigating the compelling question “Can Music
South China Sea
This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the South China Sea dispute, in which several nations in East and Southeast Asia are claiming ownership
Electoral College
This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the Electoral College. By investigating the compelling question “Do we need the Electoral College?” students evaluate process
Promised Land
This inquiry leads students through an investigation of immigration experiences in the United States. By investigating the compelling question—“Is America the ‘Promised Land’ for the
Women’s Suffrage
This inquiry leads students through an investigation of voting rights in America. By investigating the compelling question “Was the vote enough?” students evaluate both sides
Betrayal
This inquiry leads students through an investigation of leaders during the American Revolution. By investigating the compelling question “Is betrayal always bad?” students evaluate the
Taxes: The Good and the Bad
This inquiry leads students through an investigation of taxation in the United States. By investigating the compelling question, “Do taxes help or hurt United States
Friendship
This inquiry leads students through an investigation of early social interactions and behaviors. By investigating the compelling question “Do I have to like everyone?” students evaluate
Murder of Emmett Till
This inquiry leads students through an examination of whether there is a time limit on pursuing justice in decades-old civil rights-era lynching cases. By investigating
Historical Preservation
This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the issue of preserving historic lands and the challenges that face preservation. By investigating the compelling question
Polls
This inquiry leads students through an investigation of whether polling can be trusted. By investigating the compelling question “Can Polls Be Trusted?” students evaluate what
Map Skills
This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the compelling question, “How do maps talk to us?” Students create symbols, use directional words and a
Population Growth
This inquiry leads students through an investigation of population growth and expansion in South Asia. By investigating the compelling question “How should South Asia respond
Fair Trade
This inquiry leads students through an investigation of fair trade. By investigating the compelling question “Is Fair Trade Fair?” students evaluate the rise of fair
Containment
This inquiry leads students through an investigation of Containment. By investigating the compelling question “Was Containment a Success?” students evaluate the need for and policies
Conflict Resolution
This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the conflict between the nation of Israel and the Palestinians. By investigating the compelling question “Why is
Cash Free Society
This inquiry leads students through an investigation of economics and the impact of new technologies on our world. By investigating the compelling question “Is the
Enlightenment and Revolutions
How did the Age of Reason writers influence the people of the 18th century to think differently about themselves and the world around them? How
Dust Bowl
This inquiry leads students through an investigation of The Dust Bowl. By investigating the compelling question “Was the Dust Bowl a Perfect Storm?” students gain
