Dean Kloss

Big Concepts, Young Minds: Testing C3 In A First Grade Class

By Dean Kloss February 3, 2015 Over the last four months, I’ve been part of a team of teachers who are helping to develop curriculum materials for teachers in New York State. The project will result in the publication of 84 C3 style inquiries. The inquiries will be open source

Read More »

I Think, This Year, I’ll Start With a Question

October 1, 2014 By Dean Kloss   When school started in early September, it marked my 26th first day as an elementary school teacher and my 12th year in in First Grade.  I’m sure that everyone believes that their grade and their subject area is different from anyone else’s, but

Read More »

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

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

A collection of inquires related to the American Civil War


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

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.

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.

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.