ILC Iowa History - Full Year

The ILC Iowa History - Full Year materials are designed as a full-year course. Semester 1 and Semester 2 will be available separately for download. The course materials utilize content from primary and secondary sources from the State Historical Society of Iowa, as well as original developer content.

Students will work throughout the semester to answer the compelling question of how has Iowa changed over time.

Semester 1, Iowa History to 1920, explores the rich and dynamic history of Iowa from its earliest inhabitants to the early 20th century. Through seven chronological units, students will investigate how Indigenous communities first lived on the land, how the arrival of settlers and the formation of the Iowa Territory reshaped the region, and how statehood emerged. Each unit is framed by a compelling question that encourages students to think critically about the social, political, and economic forces that shaped Iowa’s development. From debates over slavery to contributions during the Civil War, industrial growth, and the impact of Progressive Era reforms, students will uncover how Iowans influenced—and were influenced by—broader historical movements.

Semester 2, Iowa History 1920 to 2020, builds on the skills and themes from the Iowa History Semester 1 course. In Semester 2, students will explore how life in Iowa changed from World War I all the way to the present day. Students will learn how big events—like wars, the Great Depression, the Cold War, and the Farm Crisis—shaped the lives of everyday Iowans. Students will see how people in Iowa contributed to major national efforts and responded to tough times with resilience and innovation. As students move into the modern era, they will compare life today with life in the past to see how much has changed—and what has stayed the same. Semester 2 is all about understanding how history connects to the student and their community.