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A Practical Inquiry Hook for Social Studies

Published about 1 month ago • 1 min read

Hi Reader,

One of my favourite ways to hook students at the start of a Social Studies unit is through artifact analysis. Instead of beginning with a lecture or reading, I give students an image of an artifact connected to an ancient civilization and let curiosity lead the way.

Here’s a simple routine you can try tomorrow:

  1. Observe – What do you notice? (Facts only, no guesses yet!)
  2. Infer – What might this artifact have been used for?
  3. Question – What does this make you wonder about the people who created it?

Teacher Tip:​
You don’t need access to a museum collection to make this work. Try using:

  • A photo of an ancient artifact (easy to find online)
  • A replica item from a dollar store or craft shop
  • Even a “mystery object” from your classroom (old keys, tools, or kitchen gadgets!)

The key is that students don’t know the answer right away—which gets them asking questions and thinking like historians.

This kind of inquiry hook sets the stage for deeper learning about a civilization’s Geography, Religion, Achievements, Politics, Economics, and Social Structure (GRAPES).

When you’re ready to guide students beyond the hook, my GRAPES of Civilizations Unit provides the structure: guiding questions, organizers, and rubrics to help students make connections across civilizations.

👉 Grab the Artifact Analysis Resource on TpT​

👉 Explore the GRAPES of Civilizations Unit here​

Start with curiosity, then let GRAPES give your students the framework to dig deeper.

Happy teaching,
Diane

P.S. Did you know that you can gain credits to get TpT resources for free? Simply leave a review on any paid product and you will get free TpT cash to spend on your next order! Visit your "My Purchases" page on TpT to leave reviews.

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