Social Studies

Social Studies Curriculum

American History - 11th Grade
This class spans the years from the discovery of the New World (Columbus) to approximately 1920. It includes geography with historical locations and events through student use of the computer smart board in the classroom. Highlights include the effects of technology, cultural changes, and efforts by individuals which have resulted in the lifestyles and problems we face as individuals and collectively as a nation.

Economics - 11th/12th Grade
This covers the basic "laws" of economics. Graphing, surveys, and research are also used to illustrate "real world" results. It is meant as both a general introductory class to the field of Economics and as a class that relates to the other social sciences. For example, it often combines the answer to student question of "why" with monetary, social, and historical answers.
It is taught as a Distance Learning Class which originates in the Mitchell Public Schools Distance Learning Lab using Mitchell faculty. Most assignments, and all quizzes, and tests are done through computer internet programs. Currently, the class includes students from Minatare, Garden County, Kimball, and Mitchell High Schools.

World History - 10th Grade
In this comprehensive course, students will explore the development of human societies and civilizations from ancient times to the present. The course also covers major historical events, cultural developments, social movements, and the interactions between different regions of the world. Students will gain an understanding of the interconnectedness of global history and the impact of historical events on the modern world.

Geography - 9th Grade
This covers the areas of location, culture, map skills, graph and table reading skills, human/environment interaction and movement and migration. All continents and regions are covered except Antarctica. The class features student active participation with all maps but especially political and physical maps through the use of the computer smart board in the classroom.

American Government - 12th Grade
This course provides an in-depth exploration of the principles, institutions, and practices of the American political system. Students will examine the structure of government, the foundations of democracy, the role of citizens, and the impact of political behavior on public policy. Through the study of historical and contemporary issues, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the American political landscape.

Psychology - 11th/12th Grade
Psychology covers the areas of perception, motivation, and learning. It is meant to be both an introductory class designed for students who are interested in the subject and a class for those thinking about pursuing a career that will require further classes at the college level.
Psychology is taught as a Distance Learning Class which originates in the Mitchell Distance Learning Lab using Mitchell Public Schools faculty. It currently includes students from Minatare, Garden County, Kimball, and Mitchell High Schools. Most assignments, and all quizzes, and tests are done through computer internet programs.
One of the highlights of this class is the field trip to the Wyoming Women's Center in Lusk, Wyoming plus the Men's Medium Security Facility in Torrington, Wyoming. Parental permission is required for this trip and students must meet the standards and rules of that facility in order to participate.

Introduction to Education- 11th/12th Grade
This course provides an introduction to the field of education with an overview of teaching and coaching at school-aged levels. It includes a review of historical, cultural, and societal influences on education as well as current trends in the field. It also explores the role of the educator and coach, the educational setting, general approaches/strategies, philosophical theory, and management of classroom and facilities. First semester will involve the basic fundamentals of teaching, while the second semester will focus on the effective practice of coaching extracurriculars. Both teaching and coaching complement each other in the education profession.

World History - 7th Grade
7th Grade World History traces the development of the world from the first Ancient Civilizations through changing society and ideas in the 1700s and 1800s. We focus on major world regions including Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas. For each region, we will focus on how they change and develop over time and the impact on people and the world.

 Civics - 8th Grade
8th Grade Civics tells the story of our nation, from the first ideas of uniting to become an independent nation, to the division of the country during the Civil War, and through the changing nation during the Progressive era. Throughout our discussions of historical events, we will be putting special focus on the role and involvement of government both then and in the modern world, including the creation and structure of the Constitution and the roles of the three branches of government.