US History

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 abuse of power while attempting to cover up the break-in. As evidence, including audio recordings implicating Nixon in the cover-up, began to surface, impeachment proceedings began, which forced Nixon to resign from office in 1974.

The Heart of Social Studies

Inquiries

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…

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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This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the current state of the shrinking Great Salt Lake and evaluation of current proposals to mitigate further shrinking. This inquiry requires basic prerequisite knowledge of issues surrounding water scarcity and climate change. The Great Salt Lake is facing critical water shortages due to water diversion for agricultural…

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…

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…

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…

This lesson challenges students to choose a song to nominate for inclusion in the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry. They will explore the criteria for nominating a song and use reasoning and analysis skills to determine whether a song is relevant to the historical context of a given period. Students will then make a…

In this lesson, students will explore two songs that address major social and political issues of their time, both recognized as powerful protest anthems. By examining the historical events that inspired these songs and analyzing their tone, lyrics, and delivery, students will gain insight into how music can raise awareness, challenge injustice, and inspire social…