Should we celebrate Constitution Day? This inquiry lesson details the justification of the Constitution as a living document and debates if it is a document for all to celebrate. Resources created by Kim Henry, Loup City Public School, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2024 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).
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Was the Embargo Act of 1807 worthwhile? This inquiry lesson details the impact on trade barriers through the Embargo Act of 1807. Resource created by Daniel Gossman, Johnson-Brock Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2024 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).
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Was the standardization of the U.S. dollar necessary? This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the progression of money and its role in early United States History. Resource created by Nathan Ott, Omaha Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2024 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).
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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).
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Can I afford to be an adult? This inquiry is intended to educate, and help develop financial skills. At the end of the inquiry the students will create a simple budget using the information they discover. Resource created by Robert Adam, St Edward, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2024 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).
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Should the U.S. government have a bank? Government involvement in finances is something that we expect as citizens. However, at the time of our country’s infancy our fore fathers argued over the constitutionality of the federal government creating a national bank. Resource created by Michelle Wittstruck, Milford Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2024 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).
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The Erie Canal, did the end justify the means? The focus of the inquiry is to explore the complex relationship between the construction, use, and ongoing presence of the Erie Canal and the people who interacted with it throughout history. This inquiry was created by Chris Nemetz of West Holt Public Schools as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2024 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).
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Should the US have invaded Canada in response to the conflicts with Great Britain? This inquiry unit guides students through an exploration of the arguments of the government/ military and opposition regarding the decision to declare war on Great Britain, invade Canada, remove British rule, annex Canada to the United States, and examines the resulting impact and reactions from the Canadian point of view. Resource created by Sabine Fleshner, Millard Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2024 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).
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Who was affected more by the Battle of Gettysburg: the soldiers or the civilians? Students will analyze primary sources related to the Battle of Gettysburg using primary sources such as personal narratives, letters, maps, political cartoons, and speeches. As they examine the primary sources in this inquiry, students will first examine how the Battle of Gettysburg affected the soldiers and then the civilians. The final activity will have students analyze the Gettysburg Address and if its impact was more important for the soldiers who fought in the battle or the civilians. Close examination of the supporting questions will guide students to answer the compelling question. The resource was created by Andrew Halsey, Winnebago Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2024 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).
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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).
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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).
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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).
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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).
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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).
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This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the symbols that represent Nebraska on the state flag while investigating other symbols of Nebraska. Resource created by Kelly Sheen, Wilcox-Hildreth, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2023 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).
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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).
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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).
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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).
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Did the Orphan Trains positively or negatively impact children's lives? This 4th-grade inquiry unit will allow students to explore the historical significance of Orphan Trains and examine how this movement impacted the lives of children who were part of it. It was created by Melissa Schmitt, Louisville Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2024—Inquiry Design Model (IDM).
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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).
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