Illinois

SS.IS Inquiry Skills

• Developing Questions and Planning Inquiries

  • Constructing Essential Questions

    • Less Complex, Moderately Complex, More Complex

      • SS.IS.1.6-8 Create essential questions to help guide inquiry about a topic.

  • Constructing Supporting Questions

    • Less Complex, Moderately Complex, More Complex

      • SS.IS.2.6-8 Ask essential and focusing questions that will lead to independent research.

  • Determining Helpful Sources

    • Less Complex, Moderately Complex, More Complex

      • SS.IS.3.6-8 Determine sources representing multiple points of view that will assist in organizing a research plan.

• Evaluating Sources and Using Evidence

  • Gathering and Evaluating Sources

    • Less Complex

      • SS.IS.4.6-8.LC Determine the value of sources by evaluating their relevance and intended use.

        • Source analysis: the Boston Massacre (7-KK.9)
        • Source analysis: the Declaration of Independence (7-KK.10)
        • Source analysis: the Gettysburg Address (7-OO.5)

    • Moderately Complex

      • SS.IS.4.6-8.MdC Determine credibility of sources based upon their origin, authority, and context.

        • Source analysis: the Boston Massacre (7-KK.9)
        • Source analysis: the Declaration of Independence (7-KK.10)
        • Source analysis: the Gettysburg Address (7-OO.5)

    • More Complex

      • SS.IS.4.6-8.MC Gather relevant information from credible sources and determine whether they support each other.

  • Developing Claims and Using Evidence

    • Less Complex

      • SS.IS.5.6-8.LC Appropriately cite all sources utilized.

    • Moderately Complex

      • SS.IS.5.6-8.MdC Identify evidence from multiple sources to support claims, noting its limitations.

        • Source analysis: the Boston Massacre (7-KK.9)

    • More Complex

      • SS.IS.5.6-8.MC Develop claims and counterclaims while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both.

• Communicating Conclusions and Taking Informed Action

  • Communicating Conclusions

    • Less Complex

      • SS.IS.6.6-8.LC Construct arguments using claims and evidence from multiple sources, while acknowledging their strengths and limitations.

    • Moderately Complex

      • SS.IS.6.6-8.MdC Construct explanations using reasoning, correct sequence, examples, and details, while acknowledging their strengths and weaknesses.

    • More Complex

      • SS.IS.6.6-8.MC Present arguments and explanations that would appeal to audiences and venues outside the classroom using a variety of media.

  • Critiquing Conclusions

    • Less Complex, Moderately Complex, More Complex

      • SS.IS.7.6-8 Critique the structure and credibility of arguments and explanations (self and others).

  • Taking Informed Action

    • Less Complex

      • SS.IS.8.6-8.LC Analyze how a problem can manifest itself and the challenges and opportunities faced by those trying to address it.

        • The Constitutional Convention (7-LL.2)

    • Moderately Complex

      • SS.IS.8.6-8.MdC Assess individual and collective capacities to take action to address problems and identify potential outcomes.

    • More Complex

      • SS.IS.8.6-8.MC Apply a range of deliberative and democratic procedures to make decisions and take action in schools and community contexts.