--- title: "Develop Key ELA Skills with Science and Social Studies Content" url: "https:\/\/britannicaeducation.com\/blog\/develop-key-ela-skills-with-science-and-social-studies-content\/" published: "2025-10-07T04:07:14+00:00" modified: "2026-04-30T20:13:57+00:00" author: "Britannica Education" description: "Integrating inquiry across ELA, science, and social studies gives students the chance to see how knowledge is interconnected. When students ask questions, gather evidence, and construct arguments across disciplines, they develop and strengthen their critical thinking and problem-solving skills." --- # Develop Key ELA Skills with Science and Social Studies Content Integrating inquiry across ELA, science, and social studies gives students the chance to see how knowledge is interconnected. When students ask questions, gather evidence, and construct arguments across disciplines, they develop and strengthen their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. ![Thistle background graphic](https://britannicaeducation.com/wp-content/themes/britannica-education/assets/img/backgrounds/thistle.svg) - [ Home ](https://britannicaeducation.com/) - [ Blog ](https://britannicaeducation.com/blog/) - Develop Key… Develop Key ELA Skills with Science and Social Studies Content ![Collage of hands putting together puzzle pieces](https://britannicaeducation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/be-blog-october-content-spotlight-feature.jpg) [Content Spotlight](https://britannicaeducation.com/blog/category/expedition-learn/content-spotlight/) # Develop Key ELA Skills with Science and Social Studies Content ![](https://britannicaeducation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/BE_Thistle-Variation-1.svg) October 7, 2025 ![](https://britannicaeducation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/BE_Thistle-Variation-3.svg) Download this Expedition: Learn! Content Spotlight ## **Use ELA, Science, and Social Studies to Promote Inquiry** [According to the NAEP,](https://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/reading/achieve.aspx#2009_grade8) 33 percent of eighth graders scored below “basic” in reading—the lowest set of scores recorded in the exam’s 33-year history.   Historically, ELA instruction has prioritized literary texts. Consequently, students struggle to read informational texts. Students are expected to analyze informational texts and demonstrate their understanding through both informational and argumentative writing—not just in ELA classrooms but also in science and social studies lessons. To achieve this successfully, students need access to high-quality texts that provide opportunities to engage in deliberate practice. [Britannica Expedition: Learn!](https://britannicaeducation.com/solutions/prek-12/britannica-expedition-learn/) secures students’ path to academic success and prepares them to navigate real-world tasks such as making informed voting and consumer choices, and navigating information overload.  ![](https://britannicaeducation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/be-blog-content-spotlight-ela-1.jpg) Check out how our experts use the *Progress, Technology, and the Environment Inquiry* to teach ELA, science, and social studies standards and practice argumentative writing skills. [Download the Content Spotlight](#spotlight) ## **Develop Argumentative Writing Skills ** ![](https://britannicaeducation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/be-blog-content-spotlight-eta-go.jpg) Argumentative writing shows up in many content areas. Students are often asked to show what they know and explain “why.” To support students as they develop their argumentative writing skills, use the Teach Britannica [Argumentative Writing instructional strategy](https://teachbritannica.com/instructional-strategy/argumentative-writing/) and [graphic organizer](https://teachbritannica.com/wp-content/uploads/go-argumentative-writing.pdf?ver=1755689196) to help guide students through the steps of crafting an argumentative essay. ### **How to Craft an Argumentative Essay ** 1. Develop an argument. 2. Identify claims and counterclaims. 3. Use appropriate evidence from multiple sources. ## **Dive into Inquiry with Expedition: Learn! ** Integrating inquiry across ELA, science, and social studies gives students the chance to see how knowledge is interconnected. When students ask questions, gather evidence, and construct arguments across disciplines, they develop and strengthen their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students form a deeper and more practical understanding of complex issues, preparing them for the real world. [Expedition: Learn!](https://britannicaeducation.com/solutions/prek-12/britannica-expedition-learn/) is grounded in decades of research and evidence-based practice. Lessons can be used for whole-class instruction, small-group reteaching, or independent practice. Expedition: Learn! helps students develop meaningful skills that they can use in and out of the classroom, all year long! 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