Private i History Detectives

Guide elementary students through exciting historical investigations to build content knowledge and critical thinking skills.

Explore by Grade
  • Private i
    Grade 3

    What happens when people don’t have a say in the laws? In this inquiry-based unit, students will explore how the American colonies’ resistance to laws fueled the American Revolutionary War. They will analyze different points of view about the Stamp Act, investigate colonial reactions to the Intolerable Acts, and determine when exactly the American Revolutionary War began.

  • Private i
    Grade 3

    In this inquiry-based unit, students will become more familiar with Native history and people. They will learn about some elements of Native sovereignty and its importance in American history. Students will be reminded about the key ideas of the American Revolutionary War and learn a little bit about how the Americans talked about Native people in the Declaration of Independence. The unit ends with students learning about strategies the Native nations used to protect their land and sovereignty during the American Revolution.

  • Private i
    Grade 2-3

    We learn by asking questions! In this inquiry-based unit, students will have the chance to learn how asking questions can lead to learning. They will understand that sometimes there is more than one right answer and sometimes questions can remain unanswered.

  • Private i
    Grade 3

    Women took charge during the American Revolution. In this inquiry-based unit, students will have the opportunity to explore how women who directly supported war efforts by being camp followers who assisted soldiers. They will learn about the homespun movement that included keeping soldiers in their homes and even serving as spies.

  • Private i
    Grade 3

    The Fourth of July is all about fireworks and barbeque. Or is it? In this inquiry-based unit, students will learn the historical context of the Fourth of July. They will gain a better understanding of multiple perspectives on the celebratory nature of Independence Day as they analyze ideas from the Declaration of Independence and study Frederick Douglass' famous speech.

We're here to help

Not sure how to best implement Lesson Plans into your classroom? iCivics offers downloadable comprehensive guides, tips, and tricks for each of our resource guides to help facilitate a seamless experience.