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Beautiful Nebraska

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Is Nebraska really beautiful? The Nebraska unit explores the state's diverse geography, including its plains, rivers, and unique landscapes like the Sandhills. It delves into Nebraska's rich cultural heritage, from its pioneer history to contemporary arts and traditions, while also examining the impact of human activities on the state's environment and beauty. Resource created by Lucas Spooner, Winnebago Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2024 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

Material Type: Unit of Study

Authors: Nebraska OER, ESU Coordinating Council

Is Native American Culture Nebraska Culture?

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Is Native American culture Nebraska culture? This inquiry lesson will educate fourth graders about the Native American culture that still exists in Nebraska, with a focus on the Umóⁿhoⁿ (Omaha) Tribe of Nebraska since the writer is familiar with the culture and they are the only Nebraska Tribe not relocated. Resource created by Brent Wojcik, Omaha Nation High School, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2024 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

Material Type: Unit of Study

Authors: Nebraska OER, ESU Coordinating Council

Alexander the Great

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Does Alexander deserve to be called “The Great?” This inquiry leads students through an investigation of Alexander the Great using a variety of sources to analyze his impact on other cultures, his success as a military general, followed by his lasting impacts on the ancient world. Resource created by Sydney Daly, Millard Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2024 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

Material Type: Unit of Study

Authors: Nebraska OER, ESU Coordinating Council

Exploring Mansa Musa's Balancing Act Between Religion and Riches

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What did Mansa Musa care about more: god (religion) or gold (wealth)? Students will examine primary documents to delve into the motivations and priorities of Mansa Musa, the 14th-century emperor of the Mali Empire. It aims to explore whether his actions and decisions were driven primarily by religious beliefs or material wealth and power. Resource created by Emily David, Lincoln Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2024 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

Material Type: Unit of Study

Authors: Nebraska OER, ESU Coordinating Council

Historical Markers: Preserve & Honor History

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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).

Material Type: Unit of Study

Authors: ESU Coordinating Council, Nebraska OER

Kansas-Nebraska Act

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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).

Material Type: Unit of Study

Authors: ESU Coordinating Council, Nebraska OER

Multiple Perspectives from the Oregon Trail

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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).

Material Type: Unit of Study

Authors: ESU Coordinating Council, Nebraska OER

The Impact of Settlement on Plains Natives and Indigenous Peoples

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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).

Material Type: Unit of Study

Authors: ESU Coordinating Council, Nebraska OER

The Oregon Trail

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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).

Material Type: Unit of Study

Authors: ESU Coordinating Council, Nebraska OER

Helmet Laws

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This inquiry leads students through an investigation of how a bill becomes a law in Nebraska, and how the law regarding the use of motorcycle helmets in Nebraska changed. Resource created by Brian Johnson, Wakefield Community Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2023 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

Material Type: Unit of Study

Authors: Nebraska OER, ESU Coordinating Council

Nebraska, The Nation’s Only Unicameral Legislature

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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).

Material Type: Unit of Study

Authors: Nebraska OER, ESU Coordinating Council

Rural vs Urban Areas of Nebraska

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This inquiry leads students through an investigation of what the differences and similarities of rural and urban areas are through a variety of inquiry activities using the Depth of Knowledge (DOK) Levels 2 and 3. Resource created by Cindy Reedy, Tri County Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2023 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

Material Type: Unit of Study

Authors: Nebraska OER, ESU Coordinating Council

Native Americans Versus Westward Expansion

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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).

Material Type: Unit of Study

Authors: ESU Coordinating Council, Nebraska OER

European Explorer: Christopher Columbus

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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).

Material Type: Unit of Study

Authors: ESU Coordinating Council, Nebraska OER

First Amendment

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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).

Material Type: Unit of Study

Authors: ESU Coordinating Council, Nebraska OER

Traveling West: The Homestead Act

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This inquiry focuses on the settlers who came in search of land under the Homestead Act. The compelling question, "Was the Homestead Act beneficial or costly?" focuses on if the journey west for the land was worth the risks. The questions, tasks, and sources included in this inquiry ask students to review the Homestead Act, figure out the costs and benefits of traveling west, as well as take into perspective how Westward Expansion affects Native Americans.  Resource created by Trent Ostransky, Elgin Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2022 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

Material Type: Unit of Study

Authors: ESU Coordinating Council, Nebraska OER

Changes Due to the Columbian Exchange

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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).

Material Type: Unit of Study

Authors: ESU Coordinating Council, Nebraska OER

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