INQUIRY JOURNEYS
Designed for Elementary Social Studies in California
CALIFORNIA STANDARDS: ALIGNED TO EVERY LESSON
Just a few clicks away in digital lesson plans
CALIFORNIA SOCIAL STUDIES TOPICS
Building knowledge about California's history and culture
Elementary Social Studies Unit
The Diverse Geography of California
INQUIRY QUESTION
How can we be stewards of our state?
Students investigate the ways Californians – past and present – have used and managed the state's land and resources. They explore California’s geography, Indigenous practices, and modern agriculture to learn how they can sustain the land for future generations.
Elementary Social Studies Unit
From Territory to Golden State
INQUIRY QUESTION
How can we help tell the story of California?
Students explore California’s journey from colonization to statehood. They uncover diverse historical perspectives surrounding events like the missions period, Mexican rule, the Gold Rush, and the path to statehood to help them tell the story of their state.
Elementary Social Studies Unit
Our Changing State
INQUIRY QUESTION
How can we help meet our state's changing needs?
Students examine California’s modern history – its shifts in economy, its evolving industries, and the changing needs of its people. They explore how Californians responded to challenges in the past in order to consider how we might meet the needs of the future.
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SOURCES
Engaging students and expanding their perspectives
Kindergarten Sample Materials
Kindergartners explore Adam Rex's School's First Day of School (one of the many read-aloud books in Inquiry Journeys) to learn how even School is nervous about the first day of school!
In the "Kids Meet a Firefighter" video from HiHo Kids, kindergartners learn how to ask questions in an interview as they prepare to interview a school helper.
Download the Inquiry Journeys Scope and Sequence
Explore the Inquiry Journeys Scope and Sequence to continue your journey!
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Engages and inspires students to investigate the stories of their community, state, and country
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Helps students build deep social studies knowledge
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Boosts literacy skills through purposeful reading, writing, listening, and speaking practice
