Young children have a keen awareness of what is fair. Statements like, “she got more ice cream than me!” or “I should get to stay up as late as he does!” signify their observations of and disdain for how people are treated differently. Educators can bring content into the classroom that capitalizes on this predilection for justice. The trade book Speak Up (2020) written by Miranda Paul and illustrated by Ebony Greenby takes students through a collection of relatable scenarios that offer opportunities for children to “speak up” to make things better. In this K-1 inquiry, we use the trade book to consider the compelling question, “When should I speak up?” Students learn how fictional children speak up in the story and then learn the stories of actual child activists who have spoken up in big ways. Students then apply this learning to their lives and decide, as a class, how to speak up about a school problem.
Tier 1
The Heart of Social Studies
Inquiries
Young children have a keen awareness of what is fair. Statements like, “she got more ice cream than me!” or “I should get to stay up as late as he does!” signify their observations of and disdain for how people are treated differently. Educators can bring content into the classroom that capitalizes on this predilection…
A notable phenomenon in US schools is the recent increase in book bans. Between 2021-2023, book bans rose 33% in K-12 public schools. The most consistently challenged books are those that center the lives, histories, and perspectives of people of color and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. The Great Banned-Books Bake Sale is a trade…
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This inquiry leads students through an investigation about International Brigade volunteers during the Spanish Civil War. To do so, it relies on the digital history exhibit Stories from the Spanish Civil War, created by the Northern Arizona University (NAU) Martin-Springer Institute (MSI). Teachers can use this lesson in a middle or high school World History…
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This inquiry leads students through an investigation of how the Gutenberg Press allowed for the Bible to be spread geographically, linguistically, and socially (who in society could access the Bible). Students will learn what materials and utensils were used to write the Bible before the Gutenberg Press, how the Gutenberg Press allowed for greater access…
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This inquiry leads students through an investigation of archaeology and how it contributes to our current understanding of the Bible. It is important to note that this inquiry requires prerequisite basic knowledge of world history, geography, and religion. Developing students’ background knowledge on these topics can be part of the inquiry or from previous learning.
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This inquiry leads 2nd and 3rd grade students through an investigation of their community and the impact of their actions on their community. The compelling question, “How do my actions matter to my community?” gives students the opportunity to think deeper about the roles and responsibilities of every member in the community, from everyday people…
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This inquiry approaches the relationship between the Bible and the natural sciences using the theme of “wonder,” looking specifically at the “big questions” that emerge out of our sense of awe and curiosity with the natural world. It will also include important figures and events that preceded and followed that moment, ranging from ancient to…
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The goal of this inquiry is to present the social movements of the 1960s as an interconnected whole, not just isolated causes. Doing so helps students understand the significance of the era and the mindset of people at the time. 1960s activists– and their critics– often spoke about change as a revolution.
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Out of the Shadows seeks to guide students to an understanding of the experiences of underrepresented groups of servicemen and servicewomen. In particular, the focus is placed on underrepresented groups of Korean War Veterans, including Hispanics, African Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, and women. Listening to the voices of select veterans, students will gain new…
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This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the conflict between the institution of slavery and the new nation’s founding ideals. Black voices are noticeably absent in the early United States’ narrative, but by investigating Black geniuses such as John Parker, Charlotte Dupuy and Lewis, and Harriett Hayden we can honor their resistance, perseverance and…