US History

This inquiry focuses on the relationship between President Abraham Lincoln and his commanding General George McClellan and the impact of their relationship on the Civil War. President Lincoln and General McClellan knew each other long before the Civil War having worked together on the Illinois Central Railroad in the late 1850s, where McClellan was the general superintendent and Lincoln an attorney. When the American Civil War began in 1861, Lincoln held McClellan in high regard. Lincoln was not alone in his admiration of McClellan as evidenced by the “Young Napoleon” moniker given him by his fellow officers.

 

The Heart of Social Studies

Inquiries

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Lincoln and McClellan

This inquiry focuses on the relationship between President Abraham Lincoln and his commanding General George McClellan and the impact of their relationship on the Civil War. President Lincoln and General McClellan knew each other long before the Civil War having worked together on the Illinois Central Railroad in the late 1850s, where McClellan was the…

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Anna: One Woman’s Quest for Freedom

In November of 1815, an enslaved woman known only as Anna jumped out of a third floor window in Washington DC in what was assumed to be a suicide attempt. Presumed dead, abolitionists used her story to expose the harsh realities of slavery and advocate for better treatment of slaves. In 2015, the Oh Say…

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Historical Preservation

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the issue of preserving historic lands and the challenges that face preservation. By investigating the compelling question “Is Progress More Important than Preservation?” students evaluate whether preservation is always the most important consideration, or if there are times when progress must become a priority. The formative performance…

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Murder of Emmett Till

This inquiry leads students through an examination of whether there is a time limit on pursuing justice in decades-old civil rights-era lynching cases. By investigating the compelling question “Is it ever too late for justice?” students evaluate primary sources about the murder of Emmett Till and address the issue of whether the passage of time…

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Betrayal

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of leaders during the American Revolution. By investigating the compelling question “Is betrayal always bad?” students evaluate the actions of King George III and George Washington. The formative performance tasks build on knowledge and skills through the course of the inquiry and help students understand the motives of…

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Women’s Suffrage

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of voting rights in America. By investigating the compelling question “Was the vote enough?” students evaluate both sides of the early twentieth century quest to expand suffrage to women. The formative performance tasks build on knowledge and skills through the course of the inquiry and help students determine…

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Promised Land

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of immigration experiences in the United States. By investigating the compelling question—“Is America the ‘Promised Land’ for the world’s immigrants?”—students evaluate the motivating factors and deterrents for immigration to the United States both in the past and present. The formative performance tasks help students build on knowledge and…

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Electoral College

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the Electoral College. By investigating the compelling question “Do we need the Electoral College?” students evaluate process the United States uses to select the president. The formative performance tasks help students build knowledge and practice skills through the course of the inquiry and support students as they…

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Slavery in Kentucky

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the influence of slavery on the history of individual states, particularly highlighting Kentucky. (The blueprint for this inquiry was purposefully written so as to allow for other states or regions to adapt it to their local particulars.) By investigating the compelling question–How did slavery shape my state?–students…

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Music and Change

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the impact of music on the progression of cultural change. By investigating the compelling question “Can Music Cause Cultural Change??” students evaluate the effect of music on social issues. The formative performance tasks build on knowledge and skills through the course of the inquiry and help students…

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