Advanced World Geography is designed
to provide students with the skills to ask geographic questions, acquire geographic
information, arrange geographic information, analyze geographic information,
and answer geographic questions. Students will master these skills by studying
the six (6) essential elements of geographic content: (1) the world in spatial
terms, (2) places and regions, (3) physical systems, (4) human systems, (5) environment
and society, and (6) the uses of geography. Skill development will include, but
is not limited to, the interpretation and application of maps, graphs, charts,
political cartoons, primary documents, and other social studies tools. The avenues
for these concepts are developed through the social studies strands.
The following competencies will each be addressed through the study of Africa,
Antarctica, Asia, Australia and Oceania, Europe, Middle America, North America,
and South America:
DESCRIBE the relationship among people, places, and environments by mapping information
about them. Use maps and other geographic tools to acquire, process, and report
information.
a. Use mental maps to organize information.
b. Analyze the spatial organization of people, places, and environments on
the Earth’s surface.
RECOGNIZE that the identities and lives of people and individuals are rooted
in particular places and regions.
a. Identify human and physical characteristics of places.
b. Explain why people create regions.
c. Discuss how culture and experience influence people’s perceptions
of places and regions.
EXPLAIN how physical processes shape Earth’s surface and interact with
plant and animal life
a. Describe the physical processes that shape the patterns of Earth’s
surface.
b. Explain how ecosystems are created, sustained, and modified.
DESCRIBE how human settlements and structure are part of Earth’s surface.
a. Describe characteristics, distribution, and migration of human population
on Earth’s surface.
b. Discuss the characteristics, distribution, and complexity of various cultural
groups.
c. Analyze patterns and networks of economic interdependence on Earth’s
surface.
d. Explain the processes, patterns, and functions of human settlement.
Four basic skills are learned, or enhanced, to help the students effectively
study World Geography. These skills will be used throughout the entire year
and are essential to a child's success in this course. They are:
UNIT I: THE WORLD FROM A SPATIAL VIEW
- Create maps to illustrate how population density and location vary in relation
to resources and land use.
- Develop maps of countries, regions, and other locations showing true spatial
relationships.
- Using maps, analyze the cause for large population centers in the world and
the effect they have had on the environment, economy, and society. Create a
chart.
UNIT II: PLACES & REGIONS
- Select a place to research. The student should examine "What makes
this place special?" and "How has this place changed over time?" Create
a presentation or poster.
- Analyze different regions. Debate the pros and cons of settlements in the
regions.
- Choose a country and research the regions found within that country. Create
a diagram showing the differences among the regions and the similarities that
help create a country. Further analysis could also be used to show the reason
for regional conflict in the world.
UNIT III: ENVIRONMENT & SYSTEMS
- Analyze the manner in which the local environment has been impacted by humans.
Create a map/chart.
- Research the impact local business and industry have on the environment and
compare this to like research on selected locations. Create a chart.
- Debate chosen potential global effects to the environment caused by humans
(e.g., acid rain, contaminated ground water, etc.).
- Debate the short and long term cost of environmental (green) business practices.
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