Decoding the Past

Inquiry-Based Lessons in U.S. History Volume 1
2. Auflage 2026
ISBN: 978-1-041-04859-6
Verlag: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Buch, Englisch, 222 Seiten, Format (B × H): 216 mm x 279 mm

Inquiry-Based Lessons in U.S. History: Decoding the Past Volume 1 provides engaging, adaptable primary source lessons that focus on teaching U.S. history through inquiry to middle school students.

Covering key chronological periods from the Age of Exploration to Reconstruction, Volume I aligns with the scope and sequence of major social studies textbooks and is linked to the National Council for History in the Schools (NCHS) U.S. History Content Standards. Each chapter provides a short historical background and three inquiry-based lesson plans that feature a question and primary source evidence. Students will analyze sources including photographs, speeches, political cartoons, maps, paintings, letters, and diary entries to answer the lesson question.

This updated edition features new lessons, new primary sources, new activities, and strategies for integrating artificial intelligence into the classroom to enhance student engagement and understanding. Additional “Ready for Monday” lesson resources are available for download on www.routledge.com/9781041045458.

This book is a must-have for middle school teachers, curriculum developers, and homeschool educators seeking ready-to-use lessons that can be seamlessly incorporated into curricula to inspire a deeper connection to U.S. history in grades 5–8. These lessons are easily adaptable for high school students as well.

Zielgruppe

Professional Practice & Development

Autoren/Hrsg.

McMichael, Andrew

Kirchner, Jana

Fachgebiete

• Sozialwissenschaften Pädagogik Lehrerausbildung, Unterricht & Didaktik Allgemeine Didaktik Geistes- und Sozialwissenschaften (Unterricht & Didaktik)
• Geisteswissenschaften Geschichtswissenschaft Weltgeschichte & Geschichte einzelner Länder und Gebietsräume Geschichte einzelner Länder Amerikanische Geschichte

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1. Introduction 2. Life Before 1600: Collision of Cultures 3. Settling In: 1607 – 1650 4. Colonial Development: 1650 – 1750 5. Everyday Life in the Colonies: 17th – 18th century 6. Path to Independence: 1750 – 1783 7. Forging a New Government: 1775 – 1815 8. Visions of the New Nation: 1783 – 1800 9. Westward Expansion: 1803 – 1850 10. Sectionalism and the Civil War: 1850 – 1865 11. Reconstruction: 1865 – 1877

Über Autor(innen)

Jana Kirchner, Ph.D., is an educator with over 30 years of experience. She has served as a school district instructional supervisor, an assistant professor at Western Kentucky University, a social studies consultant, and a high school social studies and English teacher. She provides professional development on social studies strategies and inquiry with JK Consulting (janakirchner.com).

Andrew McMichael, Ph.D., is a Professor of History and Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at Auburn University at Montgomery. He has teaching experience in elementary and high school classrooms. He is the author of several articles and monographs on Atlantic World History and served as Assistant Editor at the Papers of Thomas Jefferson at Princeton University.