Investigating Inquiry
The American Revolution
What is Inquiry?
Inquiry recognizes students as being actively involved in their own learning.
Inquiry is an authentic way for students to relate to, explore, and understand the world around them.
You may remember studying the American Revolution in school. For me, that entailed memorizing dates and battles that seemingly had no real significance. But last week, the Morganton Day School 3rd graders (a.k.a. the colonists) "lived" the beginnings of the revolution. The lesson began on Tuesday with the colonists enduring (a very sudden!) taxation without representation. They weren’t sure WHY they were being taxed for using the playground, but they dutifully paid the tariff and authentically decided whether their beliefs matched those of the loyalists or the patriots. Some students shared, "I felt like it was okay because I love my school and they needed the money." While others reported that they felt frustrated, confused, or worried that they would run out of money. "I love helping, but this seems unfair," one student declared.
Mrs. Holt was the neutral tax collector and Dr. Mikusa played the role of the tax-imposing King George III. As the week wore on, the taxes increased and a revolt was looming. On Friday, students came to school with posters, a planned protest and a desire to speak with King George. Finally, the lesson was revealed and through inquiry, students discovered for themselves the causes of the revolution.
By sharing their thoughts and ideas, students realized and respected the various perspectives that could be involved in any revolution. They began to clearly understand their central idea, "People express themselves in a variety of ways to create change."
As their unit progresses, students will inquire into the facts, details, causes, and results of the American Revolution; however, these students will take their learning deeper to make connections and recognize the similarities and differences of other revolutions throughout history. They will also discover that revolutions still happen today. The concepts of perspective and change will be explored and students will develop their own understandings that help them relate to events happening in an ever-changing world. Through inquiry, learning is deeper and students grow as life-long learners. Hazzah!
Treesie Cape,
Curriculum Coordinator
