Private i

How Does Water Shape Our Lives?

Water is all around us, but how does it shape our lives? In this inquiry-based unit, students will learn how access to water is a primary factor for early settlement. Following the story of William Skinner, students will explore the push and pull factors that resulted in Mr. Skinner building a highly successful mill in Holyoke, Massachusetts.

K-5

Multiple sessions

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“As a second and third grade teacher for the entirety of my career I had long taught students history through inquiry. Seeing students explore history in this way has been SUCH a joy! Lightbulb moments galore! A teacher’s dream!...unlike lessons I had taught in the past, I didn’t have to find the primary sources. I didn’t have to research them. I didn’t have to write the lesson plan from scratch. I didn’t have to do anything but read the lesson plan… and teach the lesson!”

Second Grade Teacher

“I just used the first lesson in the Mapping Unit. It was so great to get students talking about what they noticed and also expand their thinking on how maps have a special purpose to the user.”

Fourth Grade Teacher

"I love that students got to look at REAL court cases! And it was so easy to use!"

Fifth Grade Teacher

"I liked the simplicity of the handouts. Not too much there to be overwhelming--just enough. Simple, clear directions. The photographs of the clues were great for the students to have."

Fourth Grade Teacher

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How Does Water Shape Our Lives?

Explore resources in this unit

What Push and Pull Factors Affected Where William Skinner Worked and Lived?

How Does Water Affect People’s Choices About Where To Work and Live?

How Did the City of Holyoke, Massachusetts, Shape Water To Attract Businesses?

How Did Mr. Skinner's Mill Contribute to the Population of Holyoke?

“I just used the first lesson in the Mapping Unit. It was so great to get students talking about what they noticed and also expand their thinking on how maps have a special purpose to the user.”

"I love that students got to look at REAL court cases! And it was so easy to use!"

"I liked the simplicity of the handouts. Not too much there to be overwhelming--just enough. Simple, clear directions. The photographs of the clues were great for the students to have."

Explore more Grade 4 Private i Units

Why Would People Live in the Northeast?

Why Do We Have So Many Governments?

How Do Maps Help Us Understand the World?

Use the Scope & Sequence to help you plan your iCivics classroom experience!