Jennifer Ingold

Puzzling Pieces of History

No one ever said that it would be easy to help produce the next generation of civic-minded citizens especially considering, as educators, our job is also to help morally shape and ethically balance their young minds. I think that most of us never anticipated the complexities surrounding the true tests

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Putting the AIM back in CLAIMs: Building Historical Thinking

“You want to stand out, you want to make a difference? Rafe Katchadourian’s mother asks inquisitively, as he sits contemplating his next move in the trailer ”Middle School the Worst Years of My Life”, based on James Patterson’s best-selling book. “Think outside-the-box …,” she constructively advises him, as Flo Rida’s

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SPECulaTinG SPECulaToRs: Historical Thinking for ALL Learners

“RULE #26 … Written material deemed inappropriate will be destroyed?” inquisitively asks Rafe Katchadourian as he sits in Principal Dwight’s clutches, after his notebook of prize drawings, “that means everything” to him has been confiscated. “ Bring the yellow bucket …” (of toxic sludge) orders the ruthless Principal Dwight, as the

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Hacking the Middle School Social Studies Code

“EVERY single thing you have on flies in the face of rule #22 … Are you telling me you haven’t read our Code of Conduct?” the ruthless Principal Dwight tells middle schooler Rafe Khatchadorian in the hilarious comedy Middle School the Worst Years of My Life, based on James Patterson’s

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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.