Welcome to HNMS Advanced Social Studies! Every year I am more enthusiastic about working with the wonderful students at Harrisburg North Middle School. Each year I also work to revise the mission of advanced social studies and how it can be best communicated to students and their families. The program mission for sixth, seventh and eighth grade students is as follows:
Advanced social studies learners will develop their ability to become active participants in civil society through the knowledge of people, events, and cultures, the skill of evaluating historical evidence, and the will to incorporate feedback for continuous learning.
Inquiry Learning In response to guidelines from the South Dakota Department of Education, social studies education is moving towards the inquiry model of learning. Over the past two years, students have been exposed to the inquiry model, with seventh grade experiencing it more than the other grade levels. The emphasis is less on trivia and more on critical thinking skills, depth of knowledge by understanding multiple perspectives, and creating arguments that are backed by evidence. Homework Students will have assigned readings, videos and assessments that will require work outside of class time. The inquiry model involves significant class time devoted to research and writing. The amount and frequency of homework will often depend on how well learners use their class time. One important homework activity will be to revise work by responding to teacher feedback.