20 Essential Questions

Social Science - Social Science IL State Standards

• Should we study Greek mythology? Is it relevant?
• Should God(s) interfere with mortals?
• How do wars begin, and is there really an end?
• Should "Casmir Pulaski Day" still be considered worthy of a day off of school?
• Is the death penalty a fair consequence?

STATE GOAL 16: Understand events, trends, individuals and movements shaping the history of Illinois, the United States and other nations.

• Is white collar crime worse than blue collar crime?
• Can everyone flourish in a socialist society?
• What does it mean to be an adult?
  

STATE GOAL 15: Understand economic systems, with an emphasis on the United States.

• Is there a separation of church and state in the U.S.?
• Why do we currently only have 2 dominant political parties?

STATE GOAL 14: Understand political systems, with an emphasis on the United States.

Social and Emotional Learning - SEL IL State Standards

• Is the "golden rule" always applicable?
• Is empathy an innate or learned behavior?

Goal 2: Use social-awareness and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain positive relationships.

Science - Science IL State Standards

• Where will genetic engineering take us?
• How will DNA affect future and past court cases?
  

STATE GOAL 13: Understand the relationships among science, technology and society in historical and contemporary contexts.


Music - Fine Arts IL State Standards

• How has music influenced cultural phenomenon?

STATE GOAL 27: Understand the role of the arts in civilizations, past and present.

STATE GOAL 18: Understand social systems, with an emphasis on the United States.

Writing - English and Language Arts IL State Standards

• Do memoirs have to contain real memories?
• How do our past experiences shape our writing?

STATE GOAL 3: Write to communicate for a variety of purposes.


Personal

• Where does a teacher's job start and end?
• Does "too much information" really exist?
• Is statewide testing hurting or helping our education system?