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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

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

The Power of the People

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This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the origin of the United States government. In this inquiry the students will analyze why the colonists fought for independence against Britain and formed the government we have today. Resource created by Christina Adkins, Nebraska City 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

The Impact Farming Has on The Environment

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This inquiry will lead students through an investigation of farming and its impact on the environment, culture and people who live in Nebraska. In this inquiry students will research and discover more about the state they live in and how important its natural resources are to them, our country and the world. Resource created by Barbara J Knopik, 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

Give Meaning to Freedom and Liberty

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This inquiry is intended to have students civically engaged by becoming familiar with common terms such as liberty and freedom while toiling with their similarities through primary sources from the early influences of American democracy, documents leading to and written at the formation of United States’ government; all the way to the voices of the Americans who argued their promise of liberty and freedom wasn’t fulfilled. Resource created by Jacob Muir, Sidney 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

Hammurabi’s Code of Laws

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In this inquiry project, students will determine whether they believe Hammurabi’s Code of Laws is fair or not. They will research who Hammurabi was and his role in Babylonia, discover the differences in social classes in the region at the time, and analyze the laws as they apply to different social groups. Resource created by Elizabeth Dunn, Nebraska City 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

The Use of Technology in Early Human Civilizations

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This inquiry provides students with an opportunity to investigate the use of technology in Mesopotamia. They will construct an argument in response to the compelling question “Was technology central to the development of Mesopotamia?” This question guides students to investigate the meaning of “technology” in terms of ancient civilizations and how it was used similarly or differently than in their own lives.Resource created by Abbi Haynes, Hastings 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

Impact of Geography on India's Culture

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This inquiry leads students through an investigation of how human and physical features of India influenced the development of Ancient India’s culture. Students will investigate the role geography played in the development of trade, cuisine and religious beliefs. Resource created by Dee Ann Roy, Arcadia 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

Consequences of the Industrial Revolution

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This inquiry will provide students with an opportunity to investigate the impact of the Industrial Revolution on humanity. They will construct an argument in response to the compelling question “Was the Industrial Revolution helpful or harmful to humanity?” This question will guide students in deciding whether innovations have made life better or worse for humans. This inquiry will emphasize history and civics.  Resource created by Jordan Nelson, North Bend Central 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

What Makes People Resist?

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This inquiry leads students through an investigation into the discovery of resistance and protests throughout World History. While this inquiry is very general to include as many countries and experiences as possible, South Africa, United States History, and Israel - Palestine are the main focuses. By focusing on historical experiences of resistance and conflict, this inquiry focuses on building student empathy, respect, and understanding of complex conflict through aspects of Apartheid, Civil Rights laws, and continued conflict of countries around the world. Resource created by Tia Pawlowski, Battle Creek 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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