Purpose

This one semester course is designed to assist students in achievement of world class standards in geography.  Students will learn information and skills so that they can become active, productive, and responsible citizens within a global society.

Students will study and learn about the physical and human phenomena, spatially distributed over the earth's surface.  The course will cover the six elements of geographic study which include:

• The World in Spatial Terms.
• Places and Regions.
• Physical Systems.
• Human Systems.
• Environment and Society.
• Uses of Geography.

Students will gather, interpret, analyze, summarize and evaluate information related to past and present geographic issues.  All students will acquire information from books, maps, newspapers, data sets and other sources.  They will organize and present the information in maps, graphs, charts and timelines, interpret the meaning and significance of information, and use a variety of electronic technologies to assist in accessing and managing information.  In addition, students will formulate and test hypotheses, report results both orally and in writing, and make use of appropriate technology.

In their study of geography, students will address various sides of issues.  They will identify and discuss possible resolutions.  Students will develop respect for their own personal worth and cultural diversity and begin to understand the benefits and responsibilities of good citizenship.

Students will look at geographic issues and make decisions as to how they as individuals can become involved in solving problems.  As student examine geographic issues, they will develop and implement responsible group plans to address and potentially resolve the issue.  These plans may include service projects that affect their classroom, school, community, state or nation.

1. Five Themes of geography.
2. Environments, Peoples and Cultures.
3. World Cultural Regions.
4. Earth's Resources.

The learner will:

• understand how geographers see the world.
• explain how geography relates to other disciplines and to you personally.
• understand maps, interpret graphs, charts, and diagrams.
• understand the importance of natural resources.
• identify ways in which the distribution of resources affects people and countries.
• distinguish between developed and developing countries.
• understand the challenges that rapid population growth brings to the planet.
• examine the impact of environmental hazards on peoples' lives.
• discuss ways in which the movement of people, goods, and ideas has caused cultural change.
• identify the factors that have contributed to cultural contact and cultural barriers.
• name the factors that determine the earth's cultural regions.

1. Population Patterns.
2. Cultural and Lifestyles.
3. Environment.
4. Government.
5. Land and Resources.
6. Lifestyle Today.

The learner will:

• describe the water resources that the environments of the U.S. and Canada offer.
• list the kinds of resources that the U.S./Canada possess.
• describe the human characteristics of the U.S./Canada.
• explain population distribution in the U.S./Canada.
• explain how U.S./Canada expanded territories and developed strong economics.
• relate how the cultures of these countries developed.
• show how the lifestyles of the U.S. and Canada compare with each other.
• discuss how agriculture and industry affect the economics of U.S./Canada.
• explain how the nation's surplus leads to trade.
• understand how pollution can cause international problems.
• examine how overuse of natural resources is affecting the economics of the region.

1. Land, Climate, and Resources.
2. Populations.
3. Culture and Lifestyles.
4. Governments.
5. Environment.
6. Living in Latin America.

The learner will:

• identify the diverse landforms of Latin America.
• describe the abundant natural resources of Latin America.
• identify the climate regions of Latin America.
• understand the ethnic diversity of Latin America.
• examine population density and distribution, and urbanization of Latin America.
• discuss modern government in Latin America.
• discuss religions and education, and health care in Latin America.
• describe the life and leisure in Latin America.
• investigate agriculture and industry in Latin America.
• summarize the world of trade and interdependence in Latin America.
• explain how the human development of the Amazon Basin has impacted the environment.
• recognize the major challenges that have accompanied rapid urban growth and possible solution in Latin America.

1. Climate.
2. Population Patterns.
3. Governments.
4. Culture and Lifestyles.
5. Resources.
6. Environment.
7. Living in Europe Today.

The learner will:

• identify the natural resources found in Europe.
• will discuss how bodies of water affect Europe's climate regions.
• will recognize why Europe's natural vegetation has changed over the centuries.
• relate how Europe's physical geography influences population distribution.
• explain why population patterns in Europe have changed.
• explain why European cultures have worldwide influence.
• list events that led to the creation of a new Europe.
• discuss the quality of life and reflect cultural traditions in Europe.
• point out effects of changing economics in eastern and western Europe.
• discuss the major economic activities in Europe.
• analyze the cause/effects of environmental pollution in Europe.
• explain why the clean up and reduction of pollution requires cooperation among European governments.
• identify steps Europeans are taking to protect the environment.

1. Land, Climate, Vegetation, Resources.
2. Government.
3. Culture and Lifestyle.
4. Population Patterns.
5. Environment.
6. Living in Russia and Eurasian Republics.

The learner will:

• list/identify landforms in Russia/Eurasia.
• discuss climates and compare natural vegetation in the different regions of Russia/Eurasia.
• identify the diverse peoples and explain where most people of Russia and Eurasia live and why.
• describe the new independence of Russia and Eurasian Republics.
• list the religions and cite changes in education in Russia/Eurasia.
• characterize the life in Russia/Eurasia.
• describe the economics of Russia and Eurasia and identify the ties that bind them together.
• compare agriculture and industry in Russia and Eurasia.
• specify environmental problems in bodies of water in Russia and Eurasia.
• analyze the effects of industrial and pesticide pollution in Russia/Eurasia.

1. Land Variations.
2. Climates/Environments.
3. Governments.
4. Population Patterns.
5. Resources.
6. Cultural and Living in North or Southwest Asia today.

The learner will:

• locate the seas, coastal areas, mountains and plateau's of North and Southwest Asia.
• identify the kinds of natural resources found in North and Southwest Asia.
• identify the three types of climates in North and Southwest Asia.
• describe the types of vegetation and how it is influenced by mountains and rainfall in North and Southwest Asia.
• discuss the different ethnic groups and locate where they live in North and Southwest Asia.
• describe the environments and discuss influences created by the different groups interacting with those in neighboring countries in North and Southwest Asia.
• explain the impact of religion on the development of North and Southwest Asia.
• compare ways of life in North and Southwest Asia.
• describe the geographic factors that have contributed to the regions standard of living.
• summarize the effects of geography on economic activity in North and Southwest Asia.

1. Land, Climate, Vegetation.
2. Population Patterns.
3. Governments.
4. Resources and Environments.
5. Cultures and Living South of the Sahara.

The learner will:

• name the major land forms and explain how topography affects the water systems of nations south of the Sahara.
• list the climate regions and vegetation patterns south of the Sahara.
• describe how elevation and rainfall affect climate south of the Sahara.
• identify major population trends and analyze how economic growth rates affect Africa's population development.
• discuss the diverse people who populate sub-Saharan Africa.
• summarize the challenges facing sub-Saharan Africa.
• name the cultural factors that help define sub-Saharan Africa.
• relate how language, religion have contributed to diversity and explain the obstacles to education.
• identify the major economic activities of sub-Saharan Africa.
• describe obstacles of industrial development in sub-Saharan Africa.
• explain why plants and animals face destruction and how it relates to hunger and human interaction in sub-Saharan Africa.
• show efforts sub-Saharan Africans have taken to offset decades of famine and war.

1. Land, Climates, Vegetation.
2. Resources.
3. Culture and Living in Asia Today.
4. Population Patterns and their Environment.

The learner will:

• identify the natural resources of south and east Asia.
• explain the importance of the regions great river systems.
• describe the varied climate and the importance of seasonal rains.
• explain how seasonal winds affect climates in East Asia.
• identify the ethnic groups in South and East Asia.
• describe the population density and distribution in South and East Asia.
• compare urban and rural life in South and East Asia.
• discuss and illustrate how Asians have achieved independence and how these regions have changed in the 20th century.
• analyze how standards of living differ among the countries of South and East Asia.
• understand how different religions have affected the culture and lifestyle of people in the countries of South and East Asia.
• identify the major crops and appreciate the importance of agriculture and fishing in the South and East Asian economics.
• describe industrial development and the use of resources in South and East Asia.
• explain how industrialization has affected the environment in South and East Asia.
• discuss actions taken by South and East Asians to fight pollution and other environmental problems.
• describe deforestation and changing water use in South Asia.

1. Land and Climates.
2. Population Patterns.
3. Cultures and Lifestyles.
4. Resources.
5. Environments.

The learner will:

• describe and locate the volcanic mountains and coral reefs of these regions.
• identify the climate regions and illustrate the vegetation patterns in these regions.
• examine the blend of peoples in the South Pacific and the sparse settlements.
• examine how the governments in the region have changed over time.
• list factors that have influenced culture in the South Pacific.
• describe the varied South Pacific lifestyles and standards of living.
• examine reasons for economic interdependence in Australia and South Pacific.
• illustrate how industrial development has affected land and climate in South Pacific countries.
• explain the impact of human exploration in the environment of Antarctica.