This inquiry is designed to be an overview of the governments described in the Articles of Confederation and the US Constitution for an 8th-grade social studies class.  Both History and Geography are part of this inquiry.  Students will examine the size and diversity of the 13 original American states.  They will review the text of both documents.  Students will evaluate the structures of government created and will prioritize those structures in relation to the historical period. Resource created by Jeff Hart, Boyd County Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2022 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

The British soldiers have long been blamed for firing upon innocent colonists the night of the Boston Massacre.  Students will examine primary and secondary sources to determine if the soldiers indeed attacked innocent colonists or were acting in self-defense against an angry mob. This inquiry asks, “Did the British soldiers open fire on innocent colonists at the Boston Massacre?”  Resource created by Michelle Wittstruck, Milford Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2022 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

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 citizen?—frames students’ assessment of the civics test in consideration of what it means to be a “good citizen,” a purpose of the Kentucky civics test, as well as national initiatives to have similar civics test in all states, notably by the Joe Foss Institute.

This inquiry leads students in a study of the positives, negatives, and continued impacts of the Columbian Exchange. The lesson will expose students to primary sources that they will use to gain knowledge of the Columbian Exchange. Resource created by Amy Hall, Laurel Concord Coloridge Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2022 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

This inquiry will provide students with an opportunity to investigate the impact of the Industrial Revolution on humanity. They will construct an argument in response to the compelling question “Was the Industrial Revolution helpful or harmful to humanity?” This question will guide students in deciding whether innovations have made life better or worse for humans. This inquiry will emphasize history and civics.  Resource created by Jordan Nelson, North Bend Central Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2022 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

This inquiry leads students through the causes and influences on the Civil War, compelling them to determine if the Civil War could have been avoided.  By using primary sources including political cartoons, speeches, legislation, and the Constitution, students are given the opportunity to travel through time and change history.Resource created by Audrey Freeman, Cedar County Catholic Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2022 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

This inquiry provides students with an opportunity to investigate the journeys of Christopher Columbus. They will construct an argument in response to the compelling question “How should Christopher Columbus be remembered?” The activities focus on motivations, costs/consequences of the journeys and different perspectives. Resource created by Melissa Brabec, Leigh Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2022 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

This inquiry looks at the debate between the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists, and how federalism is still impacting the United States today. Resource created by Andrew Heller, Wynot Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2022 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

This inquiry is designed to provide a basic understanding of feudalism in medieval Europe. This lesson is created for a 7th grade World History class. During this inquiry, students will examine maps, artwork, documents, videos, and text to build knowledge on feudalism and then demonstrate their understanding by applying it to our modern world.Resource created by Lisa Bales, David City Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2022 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM). 

This inquiry for 5th grade asks students to analyze the first amendment, why it was written, and how it affects them today. Students are asked to write an argument covering the need of the first amendment.Resource created by Tara Maltsberger, Heartland Community Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2022 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

This inquiry by Ryan Theodoriches, Evergreen Public Schools, is based on the C3 Framework inquiry arc. The inquiry leads students through an investigation of the decision by the federal government of the United States to honor Christopher Columbus with a federal holiday as well as efforts to challenge the view that Columbus should be revered as a national hero.

This C3 Teachers inquiry leads students through an examination of modern day United States and global politics by investigating the Internet’s role in either helping or hampering democratic processes. By investigating the compelling question, students consider the impact of increased access to information (and misinformation) on the political process, how it shapes political discourse on the individual and public level, its role in democratization of information on the global stage, as well as how students see these features impacting their own political interactions.

This inquiry by Karen Morley-Smith, Evergreen Public Schools, is based on the C3 Framework inquiry arc. Through shared reading, videos, articles, class discussions, reflections, and the study of natural rights and common good, students develop a rich understanding of the honey bee's role in the survival of life.

This inquiry by Melissa M. Kunert, Evergreen Public Schools, is based on the C3 Framework inquiry arc. This inquiry provides an opportunity for students to analyze the constitution as it pertains to life today. Becoming a responsible citizen in society is an important role that also requires education about how our constitution was first written and that changes can always be made in our world

In this inquiry project, students will determine whether they believe Hammurabi’s Code of Laws is fair or not. They will research who Hammurabi was and his role in Babylonia, discover the differences in social classes in the region at the time, and analyze the laws as they apply to different social groups. Resource created by Elizabeth Dunn, Nebraska City Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2022 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

This inquiry is designed for students to explore history through some of the historical markers in Nebraska and recognize places that have yet to be recognized as historically significant. Resource created by Mandy Morava, Crawford Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2022 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

This 4th grade inquiry unit will allow students to explore how settlement affected the indigenous people groups that lived here before. The compelling question, “Did the presence of the settlers change the lives of native and indigenous people groups in Nebraska?” engages students in an examination of the American Indians of the Plains and how the forced removal and relocation of their people changed their way of life. The disciplinary structure of this inquiry is designed with collaborative learning in mind.Resource created by Olivia Holleran, Papillion LaVista Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2022 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

Students will examine the relationships between the Jamestown Settlers and Powhatan indigenous people. They will explore the different perspectives of these two groups of people and why their views clashed with one another. But were the Powhatans' actions justified?Through this inquiry, students will explore multiple resources, complete tasks, and answer questions that will show if the Powhatan Indians were justified in their response to the Jamestown settlers.Resource created by Lucas Spooner, Winnebago Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2022 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

This inquiry focuses on the intent of the Kansas-Nebraska Act and its importance in the construction of the transcontinental railroad. Students will explore multiple resources, complete tasks, and answer questions that will show the intent of the Kansas-Nebraska Act and its impacts on the United States.  Resource created by Jenna Schawang, Falls City Sacred Heart, as part of the ESUCC Nebraska Social Studies Project 2022 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

This inquiry is designed to investigate the idea of Manifest Destiny and the role that Manifest Destiny played in the removal of the Natives from their land. Ultimately, students will create claims with evidence regarding whether or not Manifest Destiny justified the removal of Native Americans from their lands.   Resource created by Becky Michel, Conestoga Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2022 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).