Inquiry+Skill+and+Standards+for+Learning

=Inquiry Skill=

Students will be engaging in the inquiry skill of questioning for both of these units. Much questioning begins with who, what, where, when and why and these can all be explored in these units. What caused The Civil War? How were slaves treated? What were the opposing viewpoints held by citizens of the United States during this time period? It’s important for students to refine the skill of questioning because it is an essential component of becoming a life-long learner. According to Callison in //The Blue Book//, “Information Inquiry deals with the questions posed from information accessed and critically evaluating that information as to its relevance, authority, and completeness” (7). I don’t think you can engage in Information Inquiry without questioning being a skill you engage in.

Since I think naturally from questioning, one will move one to exploration. Once the questions are posed, students will need to explore information in order to find the answers. According to Callison, “Exploration becomes a systematic search for and examination of resources and information to address specific questions” (7). This is exactly what I want my students to engage in. It’s an invaluable skill to be able to explore a larger work in order to get questions answered about a specific topic. I think more guidance will be offered with this skill in the 8th grade classroom as opposed to the high school class. = = =Standards for Learnnig:=

**Standards for the 21st Century Learner that will be addressed:**
Standard 2: Draw conclusions, make informed decisions, apply knowledge to new situations, and create new knowledge.

Specific skills within that standard:
 * 2.1.4 Use technology and other information tools to analyze and organize information
 * 2.1.5 Collaborate with others to exchange ideas, develop new understandings, make decisions and solve problems..
 * 2.1.6 Use the writing process, media and visual literacy, and technology skills to create products that express new understandings

**Content Area Skills that will be addressed:**

 * 8th Grade Social Studies-**

Standard 1: History //Students will examine the relationship and significance of themes, concepts and movements in the development of United States history, including review of key ideas related to the colonization of America and the revolution and founding Era. This will be followed by emphasis on social reform, national development and westward expansion, and the Civil War and Reconstruction Period.//
 * 8.1.20 Analyze the causes and effects of events leading to the Civil War, including development of sectional conflict over slavery
 * 8.1.21 Describe the importance of key events and individuals in the Civil War.


 * United States History-**

Standard 1: Early National Development: 1775 to 1877 //Students will review and summarize key ideas, events and developments from the Founding Era through the Civil War and Reconstruction from 1775 to 1877.//
 * USH 1.4 Describe causes and lasting effects of the Civil War and Reconstruction as well as the political controversies surrounding the time. (Government, Economics).