UC Berkeley History-Social Science Project

by Barbara K. Stripling, April 2021

Connections to deep reading during inquiry can be found in unexpected places. I discovered powerful professional development support for both social studies teachers and librarians at the website of the UC Berkeley History-Social Science Project (UCBHSSP) (https://ucbhssp.berkeley.edu). The UCBHSSP is one of five member sites of the California History-Social Science Project.

In the Teacher Resources section, the Lesson Database opens the door for valuable collaborations between classroom teachers and librarians, including a K-2 lesson entitled "Fact or Fiction"; a Grade 9 lesson that invites students "to think critically about the role of history and evaluate the need to explore multiple narratives and to challenge existing narratives"; and a lesson that explores the "role of media in Black activism."

As a librarian, I was particularly attracted to the Strategy Database which offers lesson plans and graphic organizers for numerous inquiry and deep reading skills and strategies, including lessons on cause and consequence ("Why" and "So what"); comparison of points of view; data analysis; exploration of personal implicit bias; and analysis of evidence.

You will also find treasures for your own or your teachers' professional development under Teaching Videos and grade-by-grade social studies lessons for elementary students under H-SS in Elementary. I invite you to explore the UCBHSSP website and discover new ways to strengthen the teaching of inquiry and deep reading in your school.