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History, Civics & Social Studies · Grade 8

Independent History and Civic Inquiry Capstone

Learners carry out a full inquiry from compelling question to informed action. They build supporting questions, gather and evaluate sources from the year's courses and beyond, develop claims and counterclaims, write an evidence-based argument, and design a lawful, realistic civic action plan, without being told which side to take.

  • 4 lessons
  • About 135 minutes
  • Inquiry skills check: 9 questions
  • Ways to answer: fill in the blanks, choose an answer, highlight a text, match pairs, put in order and sort into groups
See plans Included with Family, Teacher and School plans. Open in PlayOwl

What learners will discover

  • Develop a compelling question and supporting questions that connect US history to civic life.
  • Gather and evaluate sources, recording sourcing, corroboration and limits in a source log.
  • Develop claims and counterclaims and judge the strength of evidence for each.
  • Communicate conclusions in a written argument and design an informed, lawful civic action plan.

Lessons

  1. Compelling and supporting questions 5 steps4 practiceabout 30 min
  2. Gather and evaluate sources 5 steps4 practiceabout 32 min
  3. Claims and counterclaims 5 steps3 practiceabout 33 min
  4. Communicate and take informed action 5 steps4 practiceabout 40 min
  5. Inquiry skills check 9 questions at the end

Keep exploring

More 8th grade social studies

Guide for grown-ups