Inquiry Project (Reconstruction Debate Project)

●       What are your three initial driving questions?

          ○       Did federal expansion promote racial equality in the South?

          ○       Was it advantageous of the North to stay out of Southern politics, or did it compromise their own goals?

          ○       If you were a politician in the North, would you say that the reconstruction, post Civil War, was successful? Why or why not?

●       What is your one, final driving question?

          “Was it advantageous of the North to stay out of Southern politics, or did it compromise their own goals?”

●       Background information of this driving question:

          11th grade. 

●       Why do you think this is a good driving question?

          ○       Does the DQ warrant in-depth study?

                    ■       Yes, this question would either require a great amount of prior knowledge, or a good amount of research to answer the question. There is also a lot to consider when answering the                     question. There are plenty of pros and cons.

          ○       Is the DQ an authentic and relevant issue/problem for my students?

                    ■       Yes, This question would be used perhaps on a test as an essay question or short answer, and would prove understanding of the topic by the student if completed well.

          ○       Is there more than one plausible solution to the DQ?

                    ■       Yes, The students may look at different scenarios as outcomes for the solution different. Some may think that it is a con for the North, and some may think that, that con is a                                 actually a pro for the North.

          ○       Does the DQ provide opportunities for students to evaluate, analyze, present, and defend their solutions?

                    ■       Yes, they’ll have to research the topic on their own, and determine if the information they find is good or bad for the North. They’ll have to present their findings and try to                                 convince me that they are right. There isn’t a right answer, so as long as their claims are convincing they will receive a good grade.