inquirED Blog
Your source for inquiry-based learning and teaching strategies.
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
The Missing Piece in Reading Comprehension: Social Studies
Reading tests don’t just measure decoding – they measure what students know. When social studies disappears from the elementary day, so does some of the context that makes reading meaningful.
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upcoming webinar
Free Resource
Elementary Social Studies
How SFUSD Brought Inquiry-Based Social Studies to Life
Education in a dynamic city like San Francisco should extend beyond the classroom, supporting students to understand, investigate, and act on the complexities of the world around them. Under the leadership of Nikhil Laud, SFUSD is creating a social studies experience that matters: one where students aren’t merely memorizing facts but actively engaging in inquiry, civic thinking, and real‑world problem solving.
upcoming webinar
Free Resource
Webinars
Implementing Elementary Social Studies Across a District
Learn how districts bring inquiry-based social studies to life through strong materials, teacher support, and strategic implementation. Insights from ACPS.
upcoming webinar
Free Resource
Webinars
High-Quality Instructional Materials in Social Studies
What makes social studies materials “high quality”? inquirED’s revised Curriculum Review Guide offers fresh insights from research and classrooms.
upcoming webinar
Free Resource
Elementary Social Studies
How to Choose 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
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.
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.
