Tier 1

This inquiry guides students through an investigation of the actions of Ruby Bridges during the Civil Rights Movement. By investigating the compelling question, students examine: how Ruby Bridges participated in the Civil Rights Movement, what issues and problems led to the integration of public schools, and the dangers that Ruby Bridges faced.

By completing this inquiry, students begin to understand that students/children can engage in civic participation.  Specifically, it shows the actions of a child in bringing meaningful change to her community.

This is focused inquiry. By design, the inquiry does not include a Taking Informed Action task.

The Heart of Social Studies

Inquiries

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Ruby Bridges

This inquiry guides students through an investigation of the actions of Ruby Bridges during the Civil Rights Movement. By investigating the compelling question, students examine: how Ruby Bridges participated in the Civil Rights Movement, what issues and problems led to the integration of public schools, and the dangers that Ruby Bridges faced. By completing this…

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Civics Test

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the civics test, a current graduation requirement for Kentucky students, in order to consider the ways in which the test addresses needed knowledge and skills to prepare students for active engagement in civic life. The compelling question for the inquiry—can the civics test make you a good…

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Imperialism in the Philippines

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of geopolitical relationships, particularly through an imperialistic lens. Focusing on the Philippines, students investigate the compelling question—how should we remember Emilio Aguinaldo?—in order to examine questions of foreign intervention, self-determination, and national sovereignty. By investigating the compelling question, students will examine the United States’ relationship with the Philippines…

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LGBTQ+ Rights Movement

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the LGBTQ+ movement, primarily driven by the history of the movement through various accounts and perspectives. The compelling question—What makes a movement successful?—does not address whether or not the movement was successful, but instead assesses the components of a movement and whether the movement is in a…

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2020 Protest

This inquiry leads students through a comparison of protest marches. The compelling question for this inquiry calls on students to examine primary source photographs of protest marches that attempt to restrict the rights of citizens and protest marches that attempt to protect civil rights. By completing this inquiry, students begin to understand the similarities and…

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Street Art

This inquiry leads students through an investigation that assesses the extent to which street art benefits communities. In doing so, it provides students with the opportunity to explore the history and tradition of Latinx street murals, the multiple reasons why street art is created, and the various ways that individuals react to street art. Although…

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Celebrity Social Responsibility

This inquiry leads students through an investigation that assesses the extent to which celebrities and public figures have a social responsibility to give back to the communities and take stances on controversial issues. The inquiry provides students with the chance to explore the current ways celebrities influence society and the risks those celebrities face when…

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Gun Rights

This inquiry leads students through an investigation that examines the purpose and effects of gun legislation in the United States. In doing so, it provides students with the opportunity to critically examine the motives behind gun laws and the disproportionate impact of gun violence on Black and Latinx communities. Although this compelling question seems straightforward,…

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History of Power

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the ways in which people gain and exercise power. Power is a social phenomenon that comes in many forms. However, it is often the case that the ways that people achieve power helps to determine how that power is used. Although this compelling question is broad, the…

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School Desegregation

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the education system in the United States, focusing on the extent to which systemic racism continues to plague modern schooling. Students investigate schooling before and after the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case in order to evaluate the impact and effectiveness, or “success,” of school…

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