Alicia Saccomanno

Building Inquiry Capacity in Social Studies: Small Steps Toward Big Thinking

Engaging with inquiry in the social studies classroom can feel like stepping onto a tightrope—balancing time, standards, and student needs all at once. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to dive headfirst into a full-scale investigation to get students curious and thinking critically. Small, manageable inquiry moments can transform

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Alicia Saccomanno December 12, 2024

When Inquiring Minds Meet: Collaborative Learning for Deeper Engagement

Student engagement is the cornerstone of effective teaching, particularly in inquiry-based classrooms where curiosity and critical thinking take center stage. The principles of inquiry tell us that the more students are invested in exploring big ideas through meaningful conversations, the more authentic their learning experiences become. Successful inquiry thrives on

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Alicia Saccomanno August 25, 2024

World History 1

These are inquiries that fit in the 9th grade World History 1 course (ONLY 1 SEMESTER)

World History

Possible inquiries for World History. Will need to be broken down into units or concepts– this is just the first glance.

The American Civil War

A collection of inquires related to the American Civil War

Extremism in American History

This Building Block Inquiry stack will look at examples of extremism both left wing and right wing throughout American History.

The AWEsome stack

These four inquiries explore profound aspects of the human experience—from historical suffering and political ethics to fundamental economics and the nature of the American identity—all of which can evoke a sense of Awe.

Photographic Perspectives

Photography serves as a poignant story of the past, offering visual narratives that transcend time and space. Through the lens of historical photographs, we gain intimate glimpses into pivotal moments, societal shifts, and individual experiences frozen in time. These images capture the essence of historical events, from wars and revolutions to everyday life, allowing students to empathize with the people and their stories.

Activisim

Activism as a focus for inquiry invites students to explore how individuals and groups take action to promote change in their communities, nations, and the world. Through examining historical and contemporary examples of activism, students can engage with questions of justice, citizenship, and the responsibilities of participation in democratic life. Inquiries centered on activism encourage learners to consider both the motivations behind civic action and the strategies used to influence public policy and opinion.