Elementary social studies for [STATE]
Fueled by inquiry-based investigation
Inquiry Journeys, inquirED's K-5 social studies curriculum, meets the demands of [STATE STANDARDS], engages students in inquiry-based learning, strengthens literacy skills, and supports teachers every step of the way.
[VENDOR STATUS] in [STATE] for K–5 social studies
inquirED is proud to be recognized as an approved provider of elementary social studies instructional materials in [STATE] by [STATE PROCESS]. Inquiry Journeys, has been reviewed through official state adoption processes and selected based on its alignment to academic standards, instructional quality, and support for educators.
Built for [STATE] classrooms. Backed by research and designed for impact.
Inquiry Journeys was designed with [STATE] K-5 classrooms in mind — aligning to your instructional priorities while supporting the kind of deep, transferable learning that prepares students for the future.
- Aligns with Ohio’s Learning Standards for Social Studies and district priorities with clearly mapped content, assessments, and instructional supports.
- Integrates inquiry and literacy to build background knowledge, boost engagement, and improve outcomes across content areas.
- Supports learners with flexible materials, inclusive primary and secondary sources, and built-in scaffolds.
Upcoming [STATE] events
High-Quality Instructional Materials in Social Studies
Essential Domains of High-Quality Social Studies Resources
Upcoming [STATE] events
Implementing Elementary Social Studies Across a District
Supporting Teachers, Strengthening Systems, Driving Change
Upcoming [STATE] events
A Day in the Life
A Practical Look at How Inquiry Comes to Life in Real Classrooms
Inquiry-based learning that sparks curiosity
Build knowledge and civic understanding from the earliest grades. inquirED’s Inquiry Journeys is an elementary social studies curriculum that helps students make sense of history, geography, civics, and economics—while developing literacy, reasoning, and communication skills.
It includes structured lessons, age-appropriate sources, and projects that connect to students’ communities and lived experiences.
Instructional Supports and Features:
- 100+ inquiry-based, standards-aligned lessons
- Multimodal assessments and literacy skill-building
- Primary and secondary sources from diverse perspectives
- Ready-to-use slide decks, handouts, and assessments
Designed for Elementary Classrooms:
- The curriculum is organized across K–5 in thematic units that encourage depth and continuity
- Lessons include opportunities for investigation, reflection, and connection—designed to support how young learners think and grow over time
Download the scope and sequence
See for yourself how Inquiry Journeys units are structured around the inquiry process. Each unit is framed with a compelling question, and broken down into investigation modules, each with their own essential question. Check out our Scope and Sequence to see what content is covered in grades K-5.
Meet the demands of [STATE] standards
Standards are the starting point of high quality instructional materials. And, social studies is no exception. We make sure it’s easy to find standards and check for alignment in every unit, module and lesson.
Learn more about how Inquiry Journeys aligns to [STATE] standards.
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Inquiry in Action in [STATE]
Ready to see districts in your state that are using Inquiry Journeys? Explore webinars, district stories, and examples of student work.
Inquiry isn’t an add-on: it’s the foundation
In Inquiry Journeys, inquiry isn’t a bonus—it’s the backbone. While traditional programs treat inquiry as an extra, our curriculum uses it to structure every lesson, from unit-long questions to daily investigations.This consistent process supports teachers and fuels student curiosity—so learners don’t just explore, they build deep knowledge and make meaningful connections.
Inquiry Journeys delivers standards-aligned, inquiry-based instruction that transforms how social studies is taught—and how students learn. Learn more about inquiry in social studies.
One source is never enough
Come to think of it, one media type isn’t either.
Inquiry Journeys includes thousands of primary and secondary sources from a wide-range of authors in many formats, including: articles, books, audio, video, maps, photographs and more. Materials are curated to represent multiple perspectives, strengthen media literacy skills, and help students connect learning to their own lives and experiences.
- Thousands of primary and secondary sources embedded into units
- Engaging content from award-winning providers
- Multiple perspectives and viewpoints both current and historical
- Authentic texts, videos, photographs, maps, audio, and more
Download our Sources Infographic to see examples from an Inquiry Journeys unit.
Our source providers:
Content-driven literacy starts here
Build knowledge and skills across disciplines—with the support teachers deserve.
Every Inquiry Journeys lesson engages students in reading, writing, speaking, and listening—building critical literacy skills through the lens of rich social studies content.
- Authentic, complex texts introduce diverse perspectives and build background knowledge
- Scaffolded instruction helps all learners access and engage with rigorous material
- Integrated literacy practice ensures alignment with ELA standards and deepens content understanding
With Inquiry Journeys, districts can meet their social studies and literacy goals—without having to choose one over the other. It's research-backed, standards-aligned, and purpose-built to support real classrooms.
Drive district strategic goals with social studies
Inquiry Journeys doesn’t just meet social studies standards—it advances student engagement, sparks innovation in instruction, and promotes active citizenship.
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Aligned and tied to big [STATE] initiatives
Our top three tools leaders and teachers use to solve common barriers to adopting a high quality social studies curriculum.
Boost literacy skills and background knowledge
Social studies and literacy are a great pairing. Learn how social studies reinforces literacy skills and deepens background knowledge.
Boost literacy skills and background knowledge
Social studies and literacy are a great pairing. Learn how social studies reinforces literacy skills and deepens background knowledge.
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Complete and ready to teach
Everything teachers need, in one K-5 social studies program.
Step-by-step lesson plans, flexible student materials, and digital and print resources give teachers what they need to deliver high-quality, inquiry-based social studies.
The shift to inquiry-based learning doesn’t happen overnight
Professional learning and implementation support are a key piece of the puzzle.
Our team partners with leaders to provide customized implementation support that can include both asynchronous and live support. Learn more about our Professional Learning and Implementation Services.
Practical Voices
Elementary social studies that leaders love
Katie
Kindergarten Teacher
Anna
5th Grade Teacher
Paul
4th Grade Teacher
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