Each unit provides an inquiry-based approach that focuses student learning through a “Big” question. The question is drawn from state-specific standards or standards from the C3 Framework for Social Studies and is supported by Key Ideas, Learning Goals, and Key Terms in each unit. All learning provides a Science of Reading foundation to assist in literacy skill development. Activities throughout the text and curriculum are scaffolded and designed to build upon each other and to gain skills, as well as content knowledge. Each unit opening spread also includes a  primary or secondary source image with an accompanying caption to engage students.

Every page of the text is designed to engage readers, featuring a variety of maps, images, graphs, charts, and primary and secondary sources that are grade-level appropriate. Many of the features found in the text provide opportunities to examine multiple perspectives for analysis and evaluation throughout, including the ability to express, clarify, justify, interpret, and represent their ideas and to respond to peer and teacher feedback orally and/or in written form. Students frequently engage meaningfully with literacy skill development and are able to see themselves in the content. Captions included with the visual features in the text include open-ended questions for students to consider, discuss, and debate. Maps, graphics, and sources throughout each chapter support an inquiry arc.

The Word Alert! features within each lesson strengthen understanding of the grade-level content and vocabulary, often include activities to increase comprehension and retention, and feature many terms that can be used by students in other contexts. Science of Reading scaffolding throughout each unit further supports literacy and vocabulary development.