Introduction to Social Studies Standards and Inquiry Practices

Instructor: Jana Kirchner

Audience: All teachers and instructional assistants

Grade Levels: K-8

Time: 3 Hours

Prerequisites: None

About this Course: This module is a 3-hour independent learning experience that provides an overview of Kentucky’s social studies standards. Teachers will do a close reading of the standards, learn about the inquiry cycle, examine compelling and supporting questions, and explore online resources for planning inquiry units and lessons. The module includes videos, readings, and tasks that require teachers to learn the information, reflect on their learning, make classroom applications, and capture their thinking on a personal Knew-New-Q graphic organizer.

Learning Intentions/Targets: Inquiry Questions for the Social Studies Module:

1. What is new with social studies standards and assessments?

2. How do I design inquiry units and lessons?

3. How do I use compelling and supporting questions to guide student learning?

4. What are some good resources for planning inquiry units and lessons?

Materials Needed: Kentucky Academic Standards for Social Studies, Knew-New-Q Graphic Organizer, KDE Standards, Key Ideas Summary Document, PowerPoint - Part 1, Part 2, Jefferson County's Curriculum Framework, Social Studies Sites and Resources

ACS Reflection (required)