Through Inquiry
Dive into the shared story of the United States with Through Inquiry!
iCivics’ core curricula, inspired by the Roadmap to Educating for American Democracy, take students on a journey through the lives of people who lived on the land now known as the United States of America.
Two full-year curricula span the breadth of the nation’s past: 8th-grade students explore the foundational years in United States History: Beginnings to 1877, while high school students examine the complexities of the modern era in United States History: 1877 to Today.
Why is this curriculum special?
Inquiry-based learning
Explore America’s rich and complex history by asking questions and seeking answers.
Diverse perspectives
Ignite student interest and make social studies fun with whole-class, inquiry-based units that teach lifelong skills and primary sources analysis.
Civic engagement
Build civic dispositions and skills with purposely embedded strategies.
Student-centered approach
Meet students where they are at with proven strategies that engage all learners.
United States History Beginnings to 1877
Want a sneak peek?
See what Through Inquiry: United States History Beginnings to 1877 has to offer! Download the unit overview to learn about the curriculum.
The sample unit provides a first look at the inquiry module and the unit map from Unit 2: The American Revolution. This preview includes a first look at the instructional materials, teacher lesson plans, student activities, and slide deck.
Discover how this curriculum will guide your students in investigating the unit’s compelling question: In what ways was the Revolutionary War revolutionary?
Access to the full Curriculum
Ready to explore American history with Through Inquiry United States History Beginnings to 1877? Dive into this full year of curriculum, discover diverse perspectives and pivotal moments, and unlock a rich learning experience.
Coming soon: United States History 1877 to Today
Through Inquiry: United States History 1877 to Today will be available for the 2026-2027 school year. Download the unit overview to preview the curriculum.
The sample of Unit 1: Industry and Progress provides a look at the instructional materials, teacher lesson plans, student activities, and slide deck. Discover how this curriculum will guide your students in investigating the unit’s compelling question: Does change mean progress?
Professional Learning Solutions for School Districts
Learn more about aligned services designed to build educator capacity to implement inquiry-based strategies and cultivate dynamic educational experiences for students.