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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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