Where Do You Turn When You Need Help?

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This inquiry explores the Dust Bowl and Great Depression through the investigation of the compelling question “where do you turn when you need help?” The importance of understanding the environmental and economic crisis in this inquiry is twofold: (1) students should be able to understand the causes and impacts of drought on the Great Plains and (2) how people responded to a global economic crisis. While progressing through the inquiry, students will compare and contrast contemporary environmental and economic issues.

This inquiry is expected to take four class periods; however, teachers are encouraged to adapt the inquiry to meet the needs and interests of their students and the amount of time they have available.

Inquiry Design Model (IDM) Blueprint™
Compelling Question
Where do you turn when you need help?
Standards and Practices
ND.6_12.4.5 Evaluate the growth and struggles of the modernization of North Dakota and the role the state has played in modern America..
Staging the Question
What kind of economic and social infrastructure is available in your community?
Supporting Question 1
Supporting Question 2
Supporting Question 3
What was the Great Depression and Dust Bowl? What were some of the causes? 
How did the Great Depression affect the economy and citizens of North Dakota?
What was the New Deal?
Formative Performance Task
Formative Performance Task
Formative Performance Task
Write a summary of some of the causes of the Great Depression and Dust Bowl.
Write a summary of the approach the U.S. government took to help their citizens during the Great Depression. Create a graphic organizer that identifies the government programs developed as a result of New Deal policies.
Create a graphic organizer that identifies the government programs developed as a result of New Deal policies.
Featured Sources
Featured Sources
Featured Sources
  • Great Depression and Drought Document Set
Summative Performance Task
Argument
Did the U.S. government treat it’s citizens fairly during the Great Depression? Construct an argument that addresses the compelling question using specific claims and relevant evidence from historical sources while acknowledging competing views. Create a poster and present your argument to your class with evidence to support your claims.
Extension
Working in groups or with a partner, create a bill, or piece of legislation, that you would have passed during this time.
Taking Informed Action

Understand: Compare the Great Depression to other times of economic crisis. What were some similarities and differences?

Assess: Would New Deal policies been helpful during other times of economic crisis?

Act: Take the bill you created and create a propaganda poster to encourage others to vote for your bill. Have the class vote on the bills.