This inquiry is an exploration into the roots of our modern democracy. It uncovers the idea that a deep influence of Greek architecture (columns on the Parthenon, U. S. Supreme Court building), law, and the Olympic Games impacts the present. It also compares and contrasts Athens as a direct democracy and the United States as a representative democracy, finally leading into deep discussion about how ancient Athenians’ idea that a community should choose its own leaders is deeply rooted in our present form of electing officials.
World History
The Heart of Social Studies
Inquiries
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This inquiry is an exploration into the roots of our modern democracy. It uncovers the idea that a deep influence of Greek architecture (columns on the Parthenon, U. S. Supreme Court building), law, and the Olympic Games impacts the present. It also compares and contrasts Athens as a direct democracy and the United States as…
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This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the use of atomic weapons and lasting effects of the United States’ nuclear attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. By investigating the compelling question, students examine the reasons why the United States dropped the weapons. By completing this inquiry, students begin to understand the effects of nuclear weapons…
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This inquiry leads students through an investigation of how music was weaponized during the Cold War. By investigating the compelling question, students examine the U.S.’s policy of cultural containment through “Jazz Diplomacy”, American popular protest music and the messages of protest music, and the role of American popular music in the Soviet Union in the…
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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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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 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 total war tactics, rationale, and consequences during World War II. Source material covers total war elements including the targeting of civilians, the Holocaust, the racism encountered by Japanese Americans, the effect of atomic warfare, and the military decision-making behind these practices. In addressing the compelling question “Is…
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This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the Mexican Revolution. By investigating the compelling question, students examine justice; by completing this inquiry, students begin to understand that revolutions may not bring justice to all.
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This inquiry focuses on examining two pieces of Holocaust survivor art to explore how art can express the pain of the Holocaust. The questions, tasks, and sources in this inquiry asks student to examine two pieces of art, a painting and a sculpture, using Visual Thinking Strategies then use their observations and analysis of the…
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This inquiry leads students through an investigation of how we respond to the needs of refugee communities. With the example of King Najashi (in the 7th century Kingdom of Aksum, modern Eritrea), students an historical instance of a national leader extending compassion to a refugee community. Students examine contemporary examples of national leaders who do…