Grade 9 Geography – The Geography of Canada
September 2009 – January 2010
School: Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Department: Canadian and World Studies
District: Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board
Course Title: Geography of Canada
Grade: 9
Course Type: Applied
Course Code: CGC1P1
Credit Value: 1.0
Teacher:
Course Description/Rationale
This course draws upon students’ everyday experiences and uses a variety of frameworks, including the
ecozone framework, to help students learn about the geography of Canada and the country’s place in the
global community. Students investigate the interconnections among the country’s landforms, climate, soils,
plants, animals, and human activities, in order to understand Canada’s character and diversity.
How This Course Supports The Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations
The Catholic vision regarding the value of creation and all living things is foundational to the study of the
discipline of Geography. Understanding the process that shapes the earth and how life-forms interact with
the environment and each other, are rooted in Stewardship, Solidarity, Justice, and the principle of the
Common Good. The essential areas of learning which are presented in this course enable students to act
as responsible citizens and as informed Catholics, and to make judgements about environmental and
societal issues. Essential to our faith is the call “to realize our responsibility within the creation and our
duty towards nature and the Creator”, Joannes Paulus II, 1989.
Course Outline*
Unit 1: An Introduction to the Geography of Canada
Unit 2: Physical Geography
Unit 3: Human Geography
Unit 4: Environmental Geography
Unit 5: Global Connections
*units subject to change
Required Course Materials
□ binder
□ pens & pencils
□ calculator
□ ruler
□ pencil crayons
□ notebook dividers
□ lined paper
□ OLMC student handbook
Evaluation Policy:
A variety of assessment methods will be used including, but not limited to observation, reflection,
conferencing, paper and pencil testing and performance assessment. Units include checklists, rubrics,
reflection logs, quizzes, and a host of other assessment instruments. 70% of the final grade will be
determined by the teacher in reviewing the cumulative evidence provided by the student throughout the
semester. The teacher will determine the student’s most consistent overall level of achievement with
appropriate consideration of the student’s more recent performances. 30% of the final grade will be based
on student achievement on the final evaluation activities.
Term Work = 70%
(consists of tests, quizzes, assignments)
Knowledge/Understanding
Knowledge of facts and terms
Understanding of concepts & relationships
25%
Thinking & Inquiry
Critical & creative thinking skills
Inquiry skills
25%
Communication
Communication of ideas & information
Use of symbols & visual
Oral & written communication
25%
Applications in familiar contexts
Use of technology
Connecting themes of study to life
Application
25%
Final Evaluation = 30%
Final Culminating Assignment
15%
Final Exam
15%
Student Achievement:
Percentage
Grade Range
Achievement Level
80-100%
Level 4
A very high to outstanding level of achievement.
Achievement is above the provincial standard.
70-79%
Level 3
A high level of achievement.
Achievement is at the provincial standard.
60-69%
Level 2
A moderate level of achievement.
Achievement is below, but approaching, the provincial standard.
50-59%
Level 1
A passable level of achievement.
Achievement is below the provincial standard.
Below 50%
Remedial
Summary Description
Insufficient achievement of curriculum expectations.
A credit will not be granted.
Feedback will also be provided for student learning skills. Skills such as working independently, team work,
organization, work habits and homework, and initiative will be graded using a letter grade;
E-Excellent, G-Good, S-Satisfactory, N-Needs Improvement
Classroom Expectations
It is expected that every student fulfill their duties and responsibilities as students of Our Lady of
Mount Carmel Catholic Secondary School. Students are expected to follow and comply with the
Code of Conduct and all rules and policies of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Secondary School, as
stated in the student handbook.
Students are expected to…
 always be in full uniform during class unless a note from an administrator is provided
 attend and arrive to class on time, prepared with all books and necessary materials
 be seated at their assigned desk when the bell rings and for the duration of class
 be present and prepared for all unit tests and quizzes
 complete and submit assignments on time
 complete all homework assignments, including work missed while absent
 avoid plagiarism and cheating on tests, quizzes, homework and other assignments
 meet course requirements with their best effort
 ask for help when its needed
 at all times, be attentive and respectful to the teacher and fellow classmates
 refrain completely from cursing or using vulgar or coarse language
 keep desks and surrounding area clean and free from distractions at all times
 maintain a state of cleanliness in the classroom and respect its contents
 maintain an organized and complete course binder or notebook
 refrain from eating or drinking while in the classroom, unless excused by the teacher
 completely avoid the use of all personal electronic devices
These classroom rules and expectations will be strictly enforced.
Failure to abide by these policies or any school policies will result in various consequences involving the
student, teacher, parents, and/or school administration.
Achievement Agreement
In signing below, you authorize that you have read the Course Outline AND the Rules &
Expectations for Grade 9 Geography: Geography of Canada (CGC1P1) and understand the
structure of the course, the rules and expectations, acceptable classroom behaviour, and the
assessment and evaluation of students in this course, as outlined in the course syllabus.
I,
(print student name) have read and understand the
rules and expectations of the course, Grade 9 Geography: Geography of Canada (CGC1D1). I
will do my best to fulfill the requirements of this course, abide by the rules, and arrive to class
prepared for each lesson. I will respect my fellow classmates and my teacher, and I understand
the consequences for failing to do so.
Student Signature
We/I, the parent(s)/guardian(s),
(print parent/guardian name) have read the course outline and are/am aware of the expectations
of the course. We/I will do our/my best to ensure that my son/daughter performs to his/her
academic potential.
Parent/Guardian Signature
Parent/Guardian Signature
If you have any questions or concerns at any time throughout the course of the semester, please
do not hesitate to contact me at the school.
Thank You.
Grade 9 Geography Teachers