SOUTH DAKOTA STUDIES COURSE DESCRIPTION

In unit 1 students examine the physical geography of South Dakota including the geology, terrain and soil, physiographic regions, climate, water resources, agriculture, minerals, and plant and animal life.  Students will determine how the physical geography of our state influences our culture and economy.

In unit 2 students are learning about the early peoples of South Dakota from the first people and their settlements to the Oceti Sakowin: Lakota, Nakota, and Dakota.  Topics in this unit include the culture and lifestyle of Native Americans past and present, the impact of major events in the history of SD on Native Americans, and learning the stories of Native Americans using a multitude of perspectives.

In unit 3 students begin their look at the groups that influenced the history and culture of South Dakota.  The earliest Europeans exploring North America, the impact of the fur trade on Native Americans, the journey of Lewis and Clark, and the commerce of the fur trade are the focus on this unit.

In unit 4 agriculture and the railroad take center stage as students explore the settlement of South Dakota as a territory and then a state.  The European immigrants who settled here, the hardship of early farming, the impact of settlement on Native Americans, early territorial government, and the influence of the railroad in town building are the focus in this unit.

In unit 5 students take a look at the factors that open settlement in the Black Hills.  The Custer expedition, the Black Hills gold rush, the impact on Native Americans, treaties, and conflicts over land are the focus in this unit.

In unit 6 students learn about the events surrounding the establishment of South Dakota from a territory to a state.  The development of the state constitution, early politics, the blizzard of 1888, the battle for the capitol, and the 1890 Wounded Knee massacre are the features of this unit.

In unit 7 students explore the cattle industry, west river homesteading, tourism and the evolution of Native American reservations.  The impact of these changes on Native Americans and the changing economy of SD are the focus in this unit.

Student Performance Objectives and Course Requirements

Daily Assignments:  Daily assignments include journal writing, “opener” activities, participation in classroom discussions, field trips, and worksheets designed to help practice skills and concepts in each unit.

Assessments:  Students will be assessed through the completion of projects and a unit quiz.  There is also a midterm exam at the end of the quarter and a final exam at the end of the semester.

Class Procedures and Rules

The rules for my classroom are simple but address a wide range of behaviors. 

1. Respect all people and all property. 

2. Please be on time and bring your laptop, charger, paper, and a writing utensil to class every day.

Laptop and Internet Procedures

The students will use their laptops every day in class to access course materials.  Please make sure you have your laptop and charger with you for each class.

Grades

Letter grades for the course are determined by the school wide-grading scale outlined in the student handbook.

Grade Rounding Policy

The percent grade as shown is Campus/Parent Portal is the percent is use to determine the student’s grade for my course.  I do not round the percent up or down.

Make Up Work

Work is due on the assigned date at the beginning of class.  If you miss an assignment due to an excused absence you have two calendar days to hand in the missing assignment.  Exams and quizzes should be completed prior to known absences.  If you anticipate a class absence please see me in advance and remember—you are responsible to make sure you are aware of all assignments, due dates, missing notes and other class information.