Chances are if you’re reading this you are already an inquiry teacher who trusts IDM as a process for student engagement and learning. A series of past posts has already detailed the use of questions, tasks, and sources in specific blueprints for lowering barriers to entry for student engagement. But,
Many social studies teachers get lost in source selection. We can’t be blamed for it. It’s a hazard of the job. Our passion for learning and for social studies instruction leads us down rabbit holes that force us to make difficult instructional choices about what to share with students and
Oftentimes the best learning happens in the most organic and natural ways. Learning happens when we are genuine. Too often it is easy to let complicated procedures or a set of rules get in the way of that. We see a really cool activity that involves setting up a crime
Student engagement fluctuates for a variety of reasons, some of the most difficult to control being personal, which often leads to greater barriers to entry. We can think about personal barriers to entry as any internal or external factor impacting a student’s access to a lesson, often beyond the teacher’s
Long gone are the days of the “sage on the stage” social studies teacher who delivered instruction through lecture and asked students to recall content on multiple choice tests. A surge pushing teachers to engage students in social studies skills that social scientists use on a daily basis (asking questions,
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.
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.
