Private i History Detectives

This inquiry-based unit focuses on the Northeast of the United States. Students will explore and create maps of the Northeast. They will explore the National Park system and create a book and slideshow of natural and historic sites in the Northeast. As they compare recent and historical census data, they will gain a better understanding of how the population of the Northeast has shifted over time.

How do we ask the right questions to learn? This inquiry-based unit allows students to engage in artifact analysis as a form of close reading, and learn about sourcing, contextualization, and corroboration as they look at images. This unit has students question what they can learn from someone's pockets and look at a law created in Virginia in 1617, requiring everyone to grow corn.

Water is all around us, but how does it shape our lives? In this inquiry-based unit, students will learn how access to water is a primary factor for early settlement. Following the story of William Skinner, students will explore the push and pull factors that resulted in Mr. Skinner building a highly successful mill in Holyoke, Massachusetts.

Our government has a rich history. But when did it all start, and what does it all mean? In this inquiry-based lesson, students will learn about how life under British rule and the Articles of Confederation shaped what Americans wanted in their new government. They will learn about the three levels of government. Students will participate in a scenario in which they will explore how to navigate local government.

Maps are our guides to the world! Students will explore how maps can tell us where we are and help us get where we want to go. In this inquiry-based unit, students will learn the basic vocabulary of maps and about the concept of map projections and distortion. Using primary source projections of Peters' and Mercator's maps students will read maps for clues as to the cartographer's point of view or purpose.