inquirED Blog
Your source for inquiry-based learning and teaching strategies.
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The Next Chapter of Social Studies
Across the country, educators are rethinking what social studies can look like. Join the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) and inquirED for this three-part webinar series to explore how big ideas become daily instruction through strong materials, practical strategies, and classroom-ready practices.
Upcoming webinars
High-Quality Instructional Materials in Social Studies
Essential Domains of High-Quality Social Studies Resources
The Next Chapter of Social Studies
Across the country, educators are rethinking what social studies can look like. Join the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) and inquirED for this three-part webinar series to explore how big ideas become daily instruction through strong materials, practical strategies, and classroom-ready practices.
Upcoming webinars
Implementing Elementary Social Studies Across a District
Supporting Teachers, Strengthening Systems, Driving Change
The Next Chapter of Social Studies
Across the country, educators are rethinking what social studies can look like. Join the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) and inquirED for this three-part webinar series to explore how big ideas become daily instruction through strong materials, practical strategies, and classroom-ready practices.
Upcoming webinars
A Day in the Life
A Practical Look at How Inquiry Comes to Life in Real Classrooms
All blog posts
Elementary Social Studies
How to Find a High-Quality Elementary Social Studies Curriculum
Why social studies curricula matter for students, what defines quality, and how to evaluate programs using research-based criteria.
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upcoming webinar
Free Resource
High Quality Instructional Materials
Exploring the Inquiry Journeys Logic Model
Inquiry Journeys’ reasearch-backed logic model shows how high-quality instructional materials, teacher supports, and leadership guidance connect to lasting outcomes. This blog breaks down the model in plain language, with stories, quotes, and a download link to explore the full framework.
upcoming webinar
Free Resource
Elementary Social Studies
Creating an Inquiry-Based Learning Culture in Elementary Social Studies
Anthropologists define culture as “the set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterize a society, institution, or organization.” Let’s add classroom to that list, because we all know that each classroom has its own culture. What’s yours like? How do you create it?
upcoming webinar
Free Resource
Elementary Social Studies
How Oconomowoc made standards stick
Oconomowoc Area School District adopted a new high quality elementary social studies curriculum to meet new standards. Students now practice key inquiry skills—asking questions, analyzing sources, and collaborating—to build deeper understanding across subjects.
upcoming webinar
Free Resource
Elementary Social Studies
Creative ways districts are making time for K-5 social studies
Elementary teachers often struggle to protect time for social studies when ELA and math dominate the schedule. This post shares practical strategies from real districts that show how storytelling, clear expectations, and high-quality curriculum can keep social studies thriving. With intentional planning, districts can ensure students build the knowledge they need for literacy, civic readiness, and lifelong learning.
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upcoming webinar
Free Resource
Elementary Social Studies
Inquiry-Based Learning: Research
Review key research showing how inquiry-based learning boosts academic outcomes, deepens understanding, and helps close achievement gaps across student groups.
upcoming webinar
Free Resource
Lesson Strategies
"Yes, And..." | Inquiry Lesson Plan Strategy
This structured protocol helps students respond and add to others’ ideas rather than criticizing or modifying them. Use it to support students’ development of individual project ideas and their ability to thought-partner with each other.
upcoming webinar
Free Resource
Lesson Strategies
Predict Learn Conclude | Inquiry Lesson Plan Strategy
Guide students through prediction, investigation, and reflection with the Predict, Learn, Conclude strategy and downloadable graphic organizer.
upcoming webinar
Free Resource
Lesson Strategies
Think-Pair-Share | Inquiry Lesson Plan Strategy
A Think Pair Share gives every student the opportunity to be heard. Students who have difficulty sharing ideas in a large group have a chance to rehearse with a partner, and those who always want to share are guaranteed the chance to be heard by at least 1 partner, if not the whole class.
upcoming webinar
Free Resource
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Take a closer look at Inquiry Journeys
Inquiry Journeys (K–5 social studies curriculum) provides inquiry-based instruction for young learners through hands-on investigations and primary source analysis. Explore how elementary students build knowledge and skills by asking questions, analyzing evidence, and connecting learning to their lives and communities.
