Rebekah Reed

I have been an educator in Hamilton County Schools in Chattanooga, Tennessee for 13 years and am currently the District’s K-5 Social Studies Content Lead. I have a Bachelor’s degree in History, as well as a Master’s in Leadership as a Reading Specialist, from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. I have worked extensively with the TN Department of Education providing resources and professional development for Social Studies and Civics across the state. I was a member of the Public Education Foundation’s Leadership Fellows (Cohort 22) and a Tennessee Educator Fellow with SCORE.

Hope for Elementary Inquiry

As a social studies educator I have heard all the excuses as to why social studies is not a priority within our elementary school classrooms.  “There isn’t enough time.”  “We need to focus on reading and math skills.”  “Social Studies isn’t tested so it really doesn’t matter.”  These excuses are

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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.