Collins Middle School, Horace Mann Laboratory School Receive Grant to Support Inquiry-based Social Studies Learning
Schools will expand Investigating History programs to provide applied learning and in-depth teacher professional development
SALEM (Mar. 20, 2026) –Salem’s Collins Middle School and Horace Mann Laboratory School received grant funds from the One8 Foundation to offer new applied learning curricular programming supported by Investigating History Magnify. This funding supports the implementation of Investigating History, a comprehensive social studies curriculum for grades 3-7 offered by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Since 2024, the One8 Foundation has provided support to expand Investigating History programming for students across the Commonwealth. Investigating History supports students in asking and answering meaningful history and social science questions; reaching a deeper, more complete understanding of the past and present; and ultimately becoming more informed, engaged, and skilled participants of a diverse democratic society.
“Students are hungry for experiences that allow them to apply what they are learning to solve real-world, meaningful problems,” said Joanna Jacobson, President of the One8 Foundation. “Providing equitable access to hands-on applied learning programs that deliver academic gains while building critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills ensures students are engaged and interested in school and prepared for success in this ever-changing world.”
SPS will use grant funds to strengthen its Investigating History program. Funds from the grant will support teacher professional development and the purchase of curricular materials. In addition, as a school with Investigating History programming in Massachusetts, both CMS and HMLS will have access to community events for teachers and leaders, as well as opportunities for students and educators to connect with relevant industry professionals. Students can receive feedback from industry professionals on their Investigating History coursework through events, showcases and classroom visits.
“Adopting Investigating History helps educators engage their students more deeply in history and social studies learning,” said Reuben Henriques, Senior Director of Investigating History Magnify. “Students in Investigating History classrooms develop the knowledge, skills, and mindsets that will help them be active and informed members of their community—from seeking out diverse perspectives to making thoughtful, well-supported arguments. Investigating History Magnify is thrilled to partner with teachers and leaders across Massachusetts in this important work.”
About the One8 Foundation and the One8 Applied Learning Hub
The One8 education team identifies, supports and scales high impact programs and approaches that help schools and teachers prepare students for success in a rapidly changing, data rich world. One8 imagines a future where high-quality applied learning opportunities that make learning relevant, stimulating and rewarding are a regular part of the student experience driving impact for all students. The One8 Applied Learning Hub helps Massachusetts schools get the most out of Applied Learning programs by providing implementation support, educator community building, and student opportunities that bring learning to life. The One8 Applied Learning Hub currently supports seven programs in the Commonwealth: the Democratic Knowledge Project, Investigating History, OpenSciEd, PBLWorks, Project Lead the Way, Skew the Script, and ST Math. Visit www.one8.org and www.one8alhub.org to learn more.
About Investigating History Magnify
Investigating History Magnify (IH Magnify) is a team that works with schools using Investigating History, a free social studies curriculum for grades 3–7 offered by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Through offering large-scale professional development, providing individualized school and district level supports, creating supplemental tools and resources, and investing in statewide community building among educators using Investigating History, IH Magnify helps educators successfully bring these high-quality curricular materials to life for their students. CHIP is a member of Partners in Democracy Education (PiD-E), a non-profit based in Massachusetts working to drive democracy renovation nationally by working at the state level. PiD-E champions holistic, ambitious, and strategic agendas for change — leading to sustained progress for democracy. Civic education is the foundational layer to that progress to sustaining a healthy constitutional democracy.
About Investigating History
Investigating History is a comprehensive, inquiry-based curriculum for grades three through seven that was developed by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in collaboration with teachers, history scholars, and organizations across the commonwealth. For more information on Investigating History, visit www.mass.gov/investigatinghistory.
