Department of Canadian & World Studies
John Cabot Catholic Secondary School
CGC 1P1
Geography of Canada
Applied
Instructor:
Period:
Room Number:
Course Overview:
This course focuses on geographic issues that affect Canadians today. Students will draw on
person and everyday as they learn about Canada’s distinct and changing character and the
natural and human systems and global influences that shape the country. Students will use a
variety of geo-technologies and inquiry and communication methods to examine practical
geographic questions and communicate their findings.
Strands of Study and Overall Expectations include:
 Geographic Foundations: Space and Systems
By the end of this course students will:
 identify patterns and diversity in Canada’s natural and human systems;
 illustrate regional differences using the concept of eco-zone;
 describe issues that affect natural and human systems in Canada.
 Human-Environment Interactions
By the end of this course students will:
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assess the impact of human systems and/or resource extraction on the natural environment;
describe ways in which renewable, non-renewable, and flow resources are used in Canada;
relate current lifestyle choices of Canadians to the prospects for sustaining Canada’s economic and
environmental well-being.
 Global Connections
By the end of this course students will:
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identify the economic, cultural, and environmental connections between Canada and other countries;
report on how Canada influences and is influenced by its economic, cultural, and environmental connections
with other countries;
explain how current global issues affect Canadians.
 Understanding and Managing Change
By the end of this course students will:
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explain the relationship between sustainability, stewardship, and an “ecological footprint”;
identify current or anticipated physical, social, or economic changes and explain how they could affect the
lives of Canadians;
apply the concepts of stewardship and sustainability to analyse a current national or international issue.
 Methods of Geographic Inquiry and Communication
By the end of this course students will:
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use the methods and tools of geographic inquiry to locate, gather, evaluate, and organize information about
Canada’s natural and human systems;
analyze and interpret data gathered in inquiries into the geography of Canada, using a variety of methods
and geo-technologies;
communicate the results of geographic inquiries, using appropriate terms and concepts and a variety of
forms and techniques.
Efforts will be made to meet the individual learning needs of students in order
to ensure these expectations are being met.
Course Breakdown
Resources:
The course will use a variety of resources including
geotechnology,
video,
CD-ROM,
Internet
Applications and a variety of print sources. The
textbook entitled Experience Canada which will be
distributed to students during the first week of the
course. The text and all other resources assigned to
students are the responsibility of the student. Any
damage incurred will result in payment for
replacement. The replacement cost for the text is
$85.00.
Unit One: Methods of Geographic Inquiry
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Constructing Maps
Geographic Skills
Unit Two: Canada’s Natural Diversity
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Landforms
Climate
Vegetation
Unit Three: Canada’s Resource Stewardship
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Fishing, Farming, Forestry, Energy
Managing the Resources
Evaluation Structure::
Unit Four: Canada’s Economic Diversity
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Canada’s Trade Relations
Industry and Manufacturing
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Involvement in World Organizations
Current Global Issues Affecting Canadians
Unit Five: Global Connections
Unit Six: Canada’s People
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Demography
Immigration/Cultural Diversity
Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Communication
Application
25%
20%
25%
30%
The above is reflected both in the term work
(worth 70% of the final mark) and the
summative work (worth 30% of the final mark).
Summative work consists of the Final Exam
(15%) and a Culminating Activity (15%).
Assessment and Evaluation Policy
Students will be assessed & evaluated according to the work produced & skills displayed. Methods of providing
feedback will include assessing work in process & evaluating completed assignments, tests, co-operative learning
activities, simulations and presentations. Peer & self-assessments will also be utilized. Student marks will be
determined by evaluating product according to 4 categories & 4 levels. Please see the chart below for specific
skills and key words used to determine student competency in the different categories.
Level 1:
Level 2:
Level 3:
Level 4:
Level
50-59%
60-69%
70-79%
80-100%
Category
Knowledge/Understanding

demonstrates/
expresses
knowledge and
skills with
limited
effectiveness
Knowledge of content
Understanding of content

Thinking


Critical/creative thinking skills
Planning Skills
Processing Skills

demonstrates/
expresses
knowledge and
skills with
some
effectiveness
Communication

demonstrates/
expresses
knowledge and
skills with
considerable
effectiveness
demonstrates
/expresses
knowledge
and skills with
thorough
effectiveness
Expression and organization of ideas and
information (oral, written & visual)
Communication for different
audiences/purposes
Use of conventions of form, vocabulary &
terminology


Application

Application of knowledge/skills in familiar
contexts
Transfer of knowledge/skills to new contexts
Making connections within and between
various contexts
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Feedback will also be provided for student learning skills. Skills like working independently, team work, organization, work
habits and homework, and initiative are assessed independently student achievement and will be conducted through the use of a
rubric indicating specific criteria to be achieved to receive each of the following letter grades:
E –Excellent
Other Evaluation Issues
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G – Good
S – Satisfactory
N - Needs Improvement
LATE ASSIGNMENTS. Assignments submitted after the Primary Due Date established by the teacher will be accepted with a penalty of
5% off for the first day late and 2% for subsequent days to a maximum of 10%. This four day Penalty Zone is the maximum time
allowed for submissions. The fourth day after the assignment is due is considered the Closure Date upon which no further assignments
will be accepted. If the teacher returns the marked assignments within the four day penalty zone, the date of return is considered the
closure date. Repeated lateness in submissions indicates poor organization skills and will result in parental contact and will be reflected in
the learning skills section of the report card.
INCOMPLETE ASSSIGNMENTS Assignments will be graded according to the extent with which they meet the criteria established
MISSED TESTS A test that is missed for a legitimate reason will be written within a few days of the student returning from the absence.
Student eligibility to write the test and the date of writing will be at the discretion of the teacher in consultation with the department
head.
CULMINATING ACTIVITIES These activities will be due toward the end of the course. They are valued between 5 and 15 per cent of
the final mark and will reflect course material and competencies not otherwise emphasized on the final exam.
PLAGARISM in any form reflects academic dishonesty and may result in a mark of zero for the assignment in question