Decoding the Past

Inquiry-Based Lessons in U.S. History: Decoding the Past Volume 1 provides engaging, adaptable primary source lessons that focus on teaching U.S. history through inquiry to middle school students.

Covering key chronological periods from the Age of Exploration to Reconstruction, Volume I aligns with the scope and sequence of major social studies textbooks and is linked to the National Council for History in the Schools (NCHS) U.S. History Content Standards. Each chapter provides a short historical background and three inquiry-based lesson plans that feature a question and primary source evidence. Students will analyze sources including photographs, speeches, political cartoons, maps, paintings, letters, and diary entries to answer the lesson question.

This updated edition features new lessons, new primary sources, new activities, and strategies for integrating artificial intelligence into the classroom to enhance student engagement and understanding. Additional “Ready for Monday” lesson resources are available for download on resourcecentre. https://routledge.com/books/9781041045458.

This book is a must-have for middle school teachers, curriculum developers, and homeschool educators seeking ready-to-use lessons that can be seamlessly incorporated into curricula to inspire a deeper connection to U.S. history in grades 5–8. These lessons are easily adaptable for high school students as well.

Jana Kirchner, Ph.D., is an educator with over 30 years of experience. She has served as a school district instructional supervisor, an assistant professor at Western Kentucky University, a social studies consultant, and a high school social studies and English teacher. She provides professional development on social studies strategies and inquiry with JK Consulting (janakirchner.com).

Andrew McMichael, Ph.D., serves as the Executive Vice President and Dean of the University, and a Professor of History, at Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky. Prior to that, he served as Dean of the College of Liberal
Arts and Social Sciences at Auburn University at Montgomery. He earned his Ph.D. in American History from Vanderbilt University, and has taught high school and gained teaching experience in kindergarten, 3rd, and 5th-grade classrooms. His current work focuses on pedagogical collaborations, and a focus on the history and culture of food and alcohol. Andrew co-authored Inquiry-Based Lessons in U.S. History: Decoding the Past and Inquiry-Based Lessons in World History (vols. 1 & 2). He is also the author of books and articles on Thomas Jefferson, the Florida-Louisiana frontier, and the history of alcohol.