UNIT #1:
Introduction to World Geography
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OVERVIEW
Mapping Skills is the first mini-unit, or topic taught, in the “Introduction to Geography” unit. This topic covers map projections, mapping tools, the earth-sun relationship, and climate zones.
LEARNING TARGETS
- Students can identify 3 map projections and argue the pros and cons of using each one.
- Students can create a map that accurately includes the following mapping tools: title, key/legend, compass, and scale.
- Students can accurately locate the following lines on a world map: Latitude, Longitude, Equator, Prime Meridian, Tropic of Cancer, and Tropic of Capricorn.
- Students can explain how the tilt of the earth’s axis affects climate.
- Students can compare the three different climate zones: low latitudes, middle latitudes, and high latitudes.
- Students can explain how elevation, wind, and ocean currents may affect climate zones.
TOPICS and TERMS
- Types of Maps: Political Maps, Physical Maps, Special Purpose Maps
- Mapping Tools: Title, Key/Legend, Compass, Scale
- Map Projections: Mercator, Peters, Winkel Tripel
- Grid System: Latitude, Longitude, Equator, Prime Meridian, Tropic of Cancer, Tropic of Capricorn
- Climate: Solstice, Equinox, High Latitudes, Middle Latitudes, Low Latitudes
OVERVIEW
TOPOGRAPH is the second mini-unit, or topic taught, in the “Introduction to Geography” unit. This topic covers elevation, land and water features.
LEARNING TARGETS
- Students will be able to distinguish various topographic features as either land features or water features.
- Students will be able to describe and define the following land features: canyon, mountain, volcano, peninsula, plateau, isthmus, valley, island, archipelago, steppe, delta, and desert.
- Students will be able to describe and define the following water features: lake, river, strait, gulf, tributary, bay cataract, fjord, and ocean
- Students will be able to recognize the following land features on a map: canyon, mountain, volcano, peninsula, plateau, isthmus, valley, island, archipelago, steppe, delta, and desert.
- Students will be able to recognize the following water features on a map: lake, river, strait, gulf, tributary, bay, cataract, fjord, and ocean.
TOPICS and TERMS
- Key Terms: Topography, Elevation, Land Features, Water Features
- Land Features: Canyon, Mountain, Volcano, Peninsula, Plateau, Isthmus, Valley, Island, Archipelago, Steppe, Delta, and Desert
- Water Features: Lake, River, Strait, Gulf, Tributary, Bay, Cataract, Fjord, and Ocean.
OVERVIEW
FIVE THEMES is the third mini-unit, or topic taught, in the “Introduction to Geography” unit. This topic covers how geographers use the 5 themes of geography to gain a deeper understanding of the world.
LEARNING TARGETS
- Students will be able to identify and define the five themes of geography.
- Students will be able to formulate questions about a place using the 5 themes of geography as a guide. For example, “How do Japan’s limited area and high elevation affect how their population interacts with the environment?”
- Students will be able to write a description paragraph explaining how the 5 themes of geography apply to a specific place.
- Students will be able to argue the benefits and drawbacks of using absolute or relative location to describe a given place.
- Students will be able to apply specific examples of each of the themes of geography to the world.
TOPICS and TERMS
- Five Themes of Geography: Absolute Location, Relative Location, Place, Human Interaction with the Environment, Movement, Region.
OVERVIEW
STANARD of LIVING is the fourth and last mini-unit, or topic taught, in the “Introduction to Geography” unit. This topic covers how geographers and social scientists use specific indicators such as life expectancy and literacy rate, etc. as well as current events to determine the degree of wealth and material comfort available to a person or community.
LEARNING TARGETS
- Students will be able to compare and contrast two or more countries and argue their standard of living by citing specific evidence.
- Students will be able to distinguish the difference between a developed and developing nation.
- Students will be able to identify specific resources to use when determining the standard of living.
- Students will be able to use the CIA World Factbook to research and determine a country’s standard of living.
- Students will be able to argue how cultural diffusion, a population’s age, migration, trade relationships, and interdependence can influence culture.
TOPICS and TERMS
- Key Terms: Standard of Living, Developed Nation/Country, Developing Nation/Country, Rural, Urban, Population Pyramids
- Social Indicators: Life Expectancy, Infant Mortality Rate, Sanitation Facility Access, Improved Drinking Water, Physician Density, School Life Expectancy
- Economic Indicators: Gross Domestic Product, Per Capita Income, Labor Force by Occupation, Unemployment Rate, Inflation, Diversified Industries and Poverty Line
- Political/Government Indicators: Head of State, Term Limits, Transition of Power, Suffrage
- Sources: CIA World Factbook, World Bank, United Nations
- Culture: Cultural Diffusion, Interdependence
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