Essential+SS+Questions

=Essential Questions for the core social studies curriculum=

This page is dedicated to developing essential questions that may be considered for our new curriculum. You may want to read an article called "Challenging History: Essential Questions in the Social Studies Classroom", a Journal article by Heather Lattimer; Social Education, Vol. 72, 2008. This is available on our Questia database. Below are a few essential questions from her article:

"We study history, in part, because the dilemmas and concerns faced by our predecessors are often similar to those we face today. (4) Unfortunately, many of our students do not see these connections. Essential questions provide an opportunity to show the link between the past and the present, because they are not tied specifically to a given time or place. They address perennial concerns to which each generation must respond anew: Should there be limits on personal freedom? When is violence justified? Who should have access to the American dream? Do we have a responsibility to help others? Are the benefits of progress worth the costs? Can we have both liberty and security? Is it better to work together or alone?"


 * Essential Questions: RIH Social Studies** (samples)

What is the American dream? Do all peoples around the world desire the American dream?

__Dan Sadowsky__ To what extent is it tolerable for the strong to dominate the weak? What are the benefits and drawbacks of letting ideology guide our actions? How do we distinguish between positive and negative nationalism? What should be the limits of international cooperation? What is the meaning of citizenship? Is America today true to the principles of our founding as a people?