Inquiry Journeys

Cherry Creek Schools has adopted a new social studies curricular resource that is aligned with the Colorado Academic Standards and Colorado state statute. Inquiry Journeys is a digital social studies curricular resource that engages students and supports teachers. Each unit launches with a compelling question, moves through a sustained investigation of content, and culminates when students take informed action.

 This curricular resource addresses the following:

• Inquiry based instruction - promotes student centered investigation by building knowledge in History, Civics, Geography, and Economics through investigation and action;
  
• Supports culturally responsive education - teaching strategies support student voice and choice and connect to students' experiences and interests;
  
• Utilizes standards-based instruction and assessment - aligns to Colorado social studies and Common Core ELA;
• Connects to high quality diverse sources- provides accurate and authentic sources that originate from diverse authors and creators; and
• Provides teacher-ready tools - provides fully digital, customizable units and ready-to-use sources, strategies, and tools.

Utilizing this curricular resource provides a consistent and solid foundation of shifting to an Inquiry-based approach, as well as being grounded in a culturally responsive mindset. This resource will be used in all K-5 and 7th grade classrooms.

To learn more about this resource, visit this site: https://www.inquired.org/community/cherry-creek (This link will take you away from the district site.)

Discovery Education

Social Studies Content Channels - Access to Discovery Education’s featured resources in the curated collection of Social Studies channels. No matter the social studies topic, Discovery Education has videos, interactives, audio files, and instructional activities to design meaningful and engaging lessons.

Authentic Social Studies Lessons - Discovery Education includes ready-to-use lesson activities for teaching various social studies concepts for grades 6-8. Discovery Education provides inspirational and creative ways to use digital media in customizable Social Studies Studio Instructional Activities. Lessons are added monthly!

Museum Access - Take a field trip without leaving the classroom! The Museum Access channel in Discovery Education gives students a unique insider view of museums around the world. In addition to behind-the-scenes details, students also get the opportunity to learn from personal interviews with the directors, curators, and creative personnel.

BESE Channel - Inspire students to become changemakers! Discovery Education’s BESE channel reconstructs narratives on how young people connect. Students will be inspired by inventors, entrepreneurs, problem-solvers, change-makers, and thought leaders who have contributed to our society through science, technology, art, and culture.

Social Studies Techbook - A standards-aligned, core-curricular resource that uses an inquiry-based approach to enhance literacy and critical thinking skills, allowing students to approach inquiry through the 5Es: Engage, Explore, Explain, Extend, and Evaluate. From stories of ancient cultures to current events, this comprehensive digital textbook takes concepts off the pages and brings lessons to life. 

Want to explore Discovery Education Resources? Use the link below to explore with your student:
Discovery Education at Home