Historians study the past. In this introduction to inquiry lesson, students learn some of the skills and strategies historians use to learn about the past. Students will first look at a law created in Virginia in 1617, requiring everyone to grow corn. They will then continue to gather evidence from primary sources to help answer the mystery question: "Why grow corn?"
“As a second and third grade teacher for the entirety of my career I had long taught students history through inquiry. Seeing students explore history in this way has been SUCH a joy! Lightbulb moments galore! A teacher’s dream!...unlike lessons I had taught in the past, I didn’t have to find the primary sources. I didn’t have to research them. I didn’t have to write the lesson plan from scratch. I didn’t have to do anything but read the lesson plan… and teach the lesson!”
Second Grade Teacher
“I just used the first lesson in the Mapping Unit. It was so great to get students talking about what they noticed and also expand their thinking on how maps have a special purpose to the user.”
Fourth Grade Teacher
"I love that students got to look at REAL court cases! And it was so easy to use!"
Fifth Grade Teacher
"I liked the simplicity of the handouts. Not too much there to be overwhelming--just enough. Simple, clear directions. The photographs of the clues were great for the students to have."
Fourth Grade Teacher
This Mystery is included in the following Private i History Detectives Unit: