This 4th grade inquiry expands on the students’ understandings of the Oregon Trail expansion while also looking at the perspectives of those who were involved. The compelling question - “Did the Oregon Trail lead to positive change in our country? - engages students in the examination of the perspectives of the pioneers who traveled the trail and the Native Americans who lived near the trail.Resource created by Nicole Hiner, Columbus Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Inquiry Special Projects 2022 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

This resource was created by Melissa Smith, in collaboration with Lynn Bowder, as part of ESU2's Mastering the Arts project. This project is a four year initiative focused on integrating arts into the core curriculum through teacher education and experiential learning.

This lesson should follow discussion regarding basic methods to saving money and basic money management.

This lesson will provide information about the difference of saving money and investing money. A specific emphasis on what a mutual fund is, and how this investing strategy can be used for long-term financial growth.

This inquiry focuses on the relationship between national parks and Americans. In this inquiry, students will learn about the need and the formation of National Parks. Lastly, students will form their own thoughts on what national parks mean to the United States. Resource created by Katelyn Bonifas, West Holt Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2023 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

This inquiry leads students through an investigation into the discovery of issues the Native Americans faced as the United States expanded further west. While this inquiry is very general to include as many tribes as possible, it might benefit students most if the teacher focuses on tribes local to the state, or area they are located. By focusing on the issues the Native Americans faced, students have an opportunity to build empathy and respect for Native Americans by examining their lives in a new light.  Resource created by Spencer Vogt, Peru State College, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2022 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

What was the most significant consequence of the U.S. government’s policy of assimilation of Native Americans in the late 1800s? This inquiry leads students through an investigation and evaluation of the methods used to force assimilation of Native Americans in the late 18th and early 19th Centuries and the consequences of those methods. Resource created by Ann Mays, Hastings Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2024 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

This resource was created by Tessa Avery and Chris Swalley, in collaboration with Dawn DeTurk, Hannah Blomstedt, and Julie Albrecht, as part of ESU2's Integrating the Arts project. This project is a four year initiative focused on integrating arts into the core curriculum through teacher education, practice, and coaching.

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of natural disasters and why people live in areas that are consistently affected by natural disasters. Resource created by Matt Myers, Nebraska City Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2023 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

Will Nebraska's environment sustain today's farmers and ranchers? This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the physical geography of Nebraska and its impact on farming and ranching in the state. Resource created by Jessica Christensen, Creek Valley Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2024 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of how the symbols used in flag design represent history and culture, specifically for Nebraskans. Students will be introduced to the field of Vexilollogy, which is the study of flags. Resource created Kyle Vincent, Cozad Community Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2023 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the problem solving that goes into the formation of a government, and more specifically, the legislative branch. Students will examine what went into the formation of our federal government’s bicameral legislature, why Nebraska broke the mold and is our nation’s only unicameral legislature and examine if this system is still serving Nebraska appropriately. Resource created by Thomas Yoachim, Centura Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2023 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

What is the most important factor in the development of Nebraska as a beef state? This inquiry leads students through an investigation of how Nebraska's economy is influenced by land and history, focusing on the beef industry. Resource created by Sara Adams, Omaha Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2024 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

This 7th grade inquiry leads students through an investigation of the forms and functions of government across the world and what happens when governments do not meet the needs of its citizens.  It focuses on answering the question: “Is government even necessary?” Resource created by Kristian Schank, Gering Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2023 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

In this 8th grade inquiry students will analyze the "The New Colossus" poem by Emma Lazarus. Students will investigate primary sources detailing how poor immigrants were processed through Ellis Island and how a poor immigrant to the United States would typically live. Finally, students will compare and contrast the language used in "The New Colossus" and the expectations it could create with the reality of life in the United States for a poor immigrant.  Resource created by Nathan Ott, Omaha Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2022 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

This inquiry focuses on the westward expansion and the Oregon Trail. Students will learn about the location and landmarks of the trail, hardships that the travelers endured on these trails, and what was needed for a successful journey. The questions, tasks, and sources asks students to explore sources that showcase what life was like for the pioneers on the Oregon Trail. Resource created by Jane Nincehelser, Oakland-Craig Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2022 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

Was it worth the effort to build the Panama Canal? In this inquiry, students will learn about the construction period, Teddy Roosevelt role, and weigh the pros and cons to form their own thoughts on whether it was needed.Resource created by Katelyn Bonifas, West Holt Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2024 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of Loyalists during the forming of our nation. Resource created by Jinger Larsen, Sargent Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2023 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of different forms of political participation and their effectiveness through the context of the Civil War.  Resource created by Brandon Callahan, Elgin Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2023 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the origin of the United States government. In this inquiry the students will analyze why the colonists fought for independence against Britain and formed the government we have today. Resource created by Christina Adkins, Nebraska City Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2023 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

What was the most important factor in the Nazi rise to Power in Germany? Economic instability caused by the Great Depression and the destruction from World War I led to a period of unparalleled chaos across Europe. Utilizing the Inquiry Design Model, students will explore how these conditions sowed the seeds of fascism and led to the rise of fascist dictator Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party in pre-World War II Germany. Resource created by Jeffery Maddox II, Creek Valley Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2024 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).