Social Science Culturally Responsive Mini-Inquiries
Social Science Culturally Responsive Mini-Inquiries
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“Culturally relevant teaching requires that we take seriously the cultures of students—not just as bridges to learning, but as sources of knowledge in themselves.”
— Gloria Ladson-Billings, Toward a Theory of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy (1995)
As part of our vision for meaningful, culturally-responsive, inquiry-based social science, we know our classes are where young people have the opportunities to examine, question, and challenge what is currently happening in their communities, and apply that learning to take informed action.
This year, the mini-inquiry yearlong Essential Question is: How do we honor our identities and histories to build and strengthen communities of belonging?
This Essential Question and inquiries provide opportunities for students to analyze sources, ask questions, and make connections between past and present. By engaging in these mini- inquiries, students not only honor the resilience and achievements of Latin American peoples but also deepen their understanding of how cultural heritage shapes identity and community today.
“Sea of Flags” (2004)
Gamaliel Ramirez, Star Padilla, Moncho, Melissa Clintron, and Luis Ortiz. The mural shows Paseo Boricua during Fiesta Boricua in Chicago, and features Lolita Lebrón, a Puerto Rican Nationalist.
Honoring Latinx Heritage Month
Honoring Latinx Heritage Month
The period from September 15th to October 15th holds great significance, serving as a reminder of the remarkable achievements of Latin American nations in gaining their independence. The inhabitants of Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America have not only existed on these lands for thousands of years, well before colonization, but they also continue to thrive and play a pivotal role in shaping our shared future. Recognizing this rich and deeply rooted history is essential as we strive for fairness and inclusivity. To delve deeper into the history behind the establishment of Latinx Heritage Month, you can find more information here.
The following grade-banded mini-inquiries can be leveraged to engage students in learning connected to Latinx Heritage Month and centers story sharing as a way to build empathy across various experiences and deepen identity, community, and relationships within our classrooms and beyond. This mini inquiry includes exploration of immigrant/migrant stories and histories as a key issue directly impacting our classrooms and the communities we serve.
September 2026
September 2026
Mini Inquiries
Mini Inquiries
The Power of Culturally Responsive Inquiry-Based Social Science in Challenging Times
The Power of Culturally Responsive Inquiry-Based Social Science in Challenging Times
Inquiry-based learning can be especially helpful when navigating current events because it centers connecting content to our lived experiences, developing questions to inquire into our world, investigating varied sources, and taking informed action.
The following grade-banded mini-inquiries can be used to engage students in learning that connects to our current sociopolitical context. Through a variety of storytelling, students build empathy from shared experiences while deepening their understanding of identity, community, and relationships within and beyond the classroom.
Click Titles Below to View Your Grade-Band's Mini-Inquiry
Welcoming Newcomers
Welcoming Newcomers
Mini-Inquiries
Mini-Inquiries
Each mini-inquiry below engages students in a standards-aligned process to investigate the Essential Question: Why do we study the past, present, and future of human rights?
New Administration
New Administration
Mini-Inquiries
Mini-Inquiries
The mini-inquiries within this resource are a powerful way to engage students in learning that centers on story sharing, building empathy, and strengthening identity and community.
K-2: In what ways do stories help us learn about and connect with our community?
Elections and Voting Mini Inquiry Units
Elections and Voting Mini Inquiry Units
This 'Take Action Menu" from the School Board Elections mini inquiry units asks students to choose one activity from the menu to raise awareness about the upcoming school board election and why it is important to their community.
Democracy is learned by doing, and not just during election years. To support teachers and students, the CPS Department of Social Science has created K–12 election mini-inquiries and relevant social emotional learning resources that foster dialogue, curiosity, and community. These inquiry-based lessons invite students to explore what it means to live in a democracy, investigate voter participation, and consider how people use their voices to shape communities.
Each mini-inquiry lesson includes grade-specific plans, activities, and materials designed to engage students in all four dimensions of the inquiry process. Students explore perspectives, policies, and issues, and then have the opportunity to take informed action based on what they’ve learned. Use these lessons to launch your students’ inquiries into Presidential and/or School Board elections.Together, these resources foster critical thinking, empathy, and civic engagement—essential skills for students to thrive in 2026 and beyond.
Click Titles Below to View Your Grade-Band's Mini-Inquiry
Chicago School Board Elections
Chicago School Board Elections
Mini Inquiries
Mini Inquiries
United States General Elections
United States General Elections
Mini Inquiries
Mini Inquiries
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