This Learning Lab collection offers lesson plans for exploring community and identity using the Inquiry Design Model. It incorporates the following standards for 3rd grade from the Nebraska Social Studies curriculum: (SS 3.4.2.a.) Describe the role of diverse groups of people, events, and ideas in the development of a community. For example: local cultural figures, landmarks, celebrations, cultural events. (SS 3.3.2.) Compare the characteristics of places and regions. 

For each museum resource, users can access the information button for object details and the paper clip icon for additional context on how the resource relates to the curriculum unit.

Project Background

This Collection was created through the collaboration between PreK-12 Nebraska teachers and Smithsonian museum educators focuses on the following educational strategies: multicultural education, inquiry-based approaches such as the C3 IDM model, civics education, and socio-emotional learning.

These modules will be piloted in Fall 2022 and then published via the Smithsonian Learning Lab, and the Nebraska OER HUB, to ensure state-wide and national access to these teaching resources.

This collaboration between the Nebraska Department of Education and the Smithsonian Institution will leverage the breadth of content and education expertise that exist among the 21 museums at the Smithsonian with the expertise of Nebraska's educators and administrators.