I have a question

Essential questions, like witty small talk at a cocktail party, you have to have it but sometimes you just wish someone else would come up with it.

Here's a list essential question that pertain specifically to social studies, everything from geography to civic ideals. Also doubles as a handy themes barn.

Something like a historian

Thinking Like a Historian is a little gem. Put out by those fine folks at the Wisconsin Historical Society this graphic organizer, historiography 95mb downloadable guide is phenomenal.
The guiding principles of historical thinking are divided into

-Cause and Effect
-Change and Continuity
-Turning Points
-Using the Past
-Through Their Eyes

The charts are a great starting point but scratch below the surface and you'll be richly rewarded.