The methods of teaching history in grades 6-12 have changed over the last few years to be more interactive and collaborative. More and more, teaching and learning revolves around an essential triad of inquiry, primary sources, and literacy in a collaborative classroom environment. "Teaching History Today" is about placing inquiry,…

The Industrial Revolution is the subject of one of the high school inquiries of the New York State Toolkit. Social Education presents the following excerpts from the inquiry as an example of a typical Toolkit lesson. The supporting questions include: (1) Where did people move to and from during the Industrial Revolution?; (2) How did daily life…

Although the Common Core and C3 Framework highlight literacy and inquiry as central goals for social studies, they do not offer guidelines, assessments, or curriculum resources. This practical guide presents six research-tested historical investigations along with all corresponding teaching materials and tools that have improved the historical…

Explains a scavenger hunt to collect items (newspaper clippings, pictures, records, etc.) that represent the influence of the United States on Canadian Culture. The teacher prepares scavenger hunt stations which include items that students have collected. An assessment on items follows the hunt. (KC)

Due to his work to determine how cholera was spread in the 18th century, John Snow (1813-1858) has been hailed as the father of modern epidemiology. This article presents an inquiry model based on his life and work, which teachers can use to develop a series of biology lessons involving the history and nature of science. The lessons presented use…

Describes a history unit in which secondary students use the mysteriously carved Champlain's Rock (near Renfreu, Ontario) as a starting point for inquiry into the evidence of the French exploration of Eastern Canada. Students learn about hypothesis formation and testing, frames of reference, bias and prejudice, and they write two essays. (AM)

Examines the frequently found gap between the teaching of facts and the learning of critical thinking skills in the history classroom. Describes how history facts can be taught through the application of critical thinking skills. Includes sample test items and teaching examples. (JDH)

This resource manual was created by teachers for teachers who wish to engage in an inquiry-based approach to historical knowledge and historical understanding. The teaching examples are offered as sample activities and are not considered to be a complete curriculum. The teaching examples are organized by grade level and era and are supplemented by…

Advocates using the inquiry method to teach history. Maintains that gifted students will be more interested in history if history is approached as inquiry. Explains how the teacher can play the role of moderator in the high school history classroom. (Author/DB)

Explores how the CD-ROM "Tiree, Famine and Clearance 1840-1900" facilitates the development of inquiry skills. Recreates the history of Tiree (Scotland) between 1840 and 1900, and describes the experiences of Tiree emigrants in Canada. Features a range of historical sources including photographs, archival film, and personal…

In this article, the authors offer social studies educators two student-centered, inquiry-based techniques to help students learn about the contributions of historical figures. Both strategies were classroom tested and proved effective at helping students learn about historical figures in a challenging and enjoyable way. Although techniques in…

This resource manual, built around 1,200 classroom activities, was created by elementary, middle, and high school teachers for teachers who wish to engage in an inquiry-based approach to historical knowledge and historical understanding. The teaching examples are offered as sample activities and are not considered to be a complete curriculum. The…

Presents a lesson that combines economics, geography, history, archaeology, and inquiry to investigate the creation of the Cahokia trading empire that existed around 1000 A.D. Employs Standards 5 and 6 of the "Voluntary National Content Standards in Economics" and Theme 7 of the National Council for the Social Studies Standards. (CMK)

Teaching history with original documents is a stimulus for the inquiry method of learning. A curriculum packet produced by the Oregon State Archives contains 24 historical document facsimiles with an accompanying instructors manual. Selected from the state archives with an explanation of each document and questions for discussion provided, the…

Instructions are provided to help high school teachers implement a unit of study dealing with the life of Louis Riel, who as the leader of the Canadian Rebellion of 1885 led his followers into armed conflict with the Canadian government. The guide first outlines the unit's educational objectives. The bulk of the guide discusses the two major…