3-5

Stories are an integral part of human experience. Traditions of storytelling stretch back to the beginning of human existence and continue unto the present. We tell stories every day: to our parents about our day at school, to our best friends about our date at the mall over the weekend, as a way to remember people we miss, as a way to teach lessons, and so forth. We hear stories every day: through the news, from our grandparents, gossip from our neighbors, and so on.

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of stories and their importance. The students and teacher will seek to answer the compelling question, “Do stories matter?”. This investigation is aided through the examination of a variety of sources that tell us the how and why of storytelling and its connection to our history and culture.

The Heart of Social Studies

Inquiries

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Stories are an integral part of human experience. Traditions of storytelling stretch back to the beginning of human existence and continue unto the present. We tell stories every day: to our parents about our day at school, to our best friends about our date at the mall over the weekend, as a way to remember…

This lesson helps second graders understand why their voice is important in the classroom by exploring The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson. Through reading and discussion, students reflect on how sharing their unique stories fosters connection and inclusion. They participate in a creative activity to express their individuality by drawing or writing about something…

Words in poetry can make a difference in the world because they express powerful emotions, ideas, and experiences in a way that touches people’s hearts and minds. Through this approach, students will develop critical thinking and learn how people can continue to contribute to important causes in their schools, communities, and the world.

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This guided inquiry lesson teaches how art and music have historically been used to share important messages and inspire communities. Using primary sources, such as War Song Medley and Lyrics and the Liberty Arming the Patriot sculpture from the Library of Congress, students explore how these forms of expression evoke feelings and tell stories. Students…

Building on what students know about national symbols and monuments, in this inquiry students will choose one historical figure to investigate the character traits, contributions, fun facts, and opinions about. The goal of this inquiry is for students to recognize and explain the significance of the people who influenced our nation.

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In this inquiry, students study popular United States Memorials (Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial) in order to identify historical figures who have impacted our nation. Students will be able to recognize and explain the significance of national symbols and the people who influenced our nation.

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Everywhere we go we are surrounded by artifacts that memorialize aspects of United States history and values. In this inquiry, students will use photographs from the Library of Congress to learn about these national symbols, landmarks, and influential Americans and sort them into meaningful categories. Through this process students will recognize and explain the significance…

This inquiry leads students to investigate the history and present-day use of yerba mate to encourage multicultural communication, understanding and respect. Through this unit, students will learn about the history and cultural significance of yerba mate in South America, where it is commonly consumed, they will discuss the origins of this drink, as well as…

This inquiry leads 5th-grade students through an investigation of the American Revolution and the varying impacts of individuals who could be deemed heroes based on their impact. The compelling question, “What defines a hero?” allows students to consider all the actions of an individual and if they think that they are worthy of the title…

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the life, achievements, and mystery of Amelia Earhart and her disappearance. The compelling question, “Where did you go, Amelia Earhart?” engages students in discovering the legacy of Amelia Earhart from her youth to her disappearance. Students will use the sources provided by this inquiry to gather information…