In the middle of the 1970s, the city of Boston entered a period of intense racial conflict when the city’s public schools were ordered to integrate through mandatory busing. The order sparked significant protest, particularly from parents of South Boston high, a poor white school whose kids would be bused to Roxbury, a poor black school. In this inquiry, students will investigate the compelling question, “What is the legacy of using busing to integrate schools?”
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The Heart of Social Studies
Inquiries
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In the middle of the 1970s, the city of Boston entered a period of intense racial conflict when the city’s public schools were ordered to integrate through mandatory busing. The order sparked significant protest, particularly from parents of South Boston high, a poor white school whose kids would be bused to Roxbury, a poor black…
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In the middle of the 1980s, a government scandal came to light when a Lebanese newspaper began writing about U.S. weapons being sold to Iran. The U.S. was selling arms through Israel to Iran in exchange for the release of hostages. The funds from those sales were being used to fund the Contras in Nicaragua,…
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On August 3, 1981, almost 12,000 members of the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO) went on strike. The union, which represented the workers who direct airplanes to ensure flight safety, demanded higher wages and better working conditions. President Reagan ordered PATCO members to return to work, and when they did not, he fired them….
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In 1972, five men were arrested for breaking into the Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington D.C., while trying to bug the offices and collect information about the upcoming election. The break-in led to a series of investigations that revealed a pattern of similar illegal activity. Then, officials in the Nixon administration were accused of…
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This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the ways in which people resisted the Nazi’s during the Holocaust. Students analyze two sources to understand different ways people showed courage by resisting the Nazis themselves or in groups and the strategies they use. Overall, students will be challenged to think about the role people play…
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This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the ways in which artists of the Harlem Renaissance shared their voices and how they felt empowered to do so. Students analyze different types of art produced during the Harlem Renaissance. Students start to think about the role artists can play in shaping a decade and their…
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Since World War II, women’s enrollment in the military has been slowly rising yet women are still a disproportionate minority in the military, particularly in leadership positions. This inquiry asks students to engage with the compelling question: Why can’t women move up the ranks?
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Even with all the pop culture excess of the 1980s, musicians found ways to use their influence to help others. The famine in Africa during the mid-80s is a perfect example of how artists turned their popularity into a force for good. British and American musicians came together to record songs, create music videos, and…
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The 1980s brought a mix of bold and unforgettable fashion trends, from preppy styles and neon windsuits to color-block outfits and sharp power suits. A lot of these trends were driven by the rise of MTV, where musicians weren’t just making hits—they were setting fashion standards. People started to move away from traditional styles, using…
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The 1980s brought a fresh wave of creativity and change to the music scene. After the protest songs of the 60s and 70s that challenged the Vietnam War, the 80s arrived with a bold and sometimes unexpected counterculture that left a lasting mark. New musical genres exploded in popularity, and the launch of Music Television…