Department of Social Science
Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Secondary School
Course Code:
Course Name:
Level:
CGC 1PL
Geography of Canada
Grade 9 Locally Developed
Student Name: __________________
Textbook #: __________
Course Description:
This course focuses on geographic issues that affect Canadians today. Students will draw on personal
and everyday experiences 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 geotechnologies and inquiry and communication methods to analyse and evaluate geographic issues and
present their findings.
Overall Course Expectations or Strands:
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 ecozone;
describe issues that affect natural and human systems in Canada.
Human-Environment Interactions
By the end of this course, students will:
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:
 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:
 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:
 use the methods and tools of geographic inquiry to locate, gather, evaluate, and organize information about Canada’s natural and
human systems;
 analyse 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 to promote student success
with respect to meeting the expectations of this course.
My signature below indicates that I have read the Course Handout, and I am in agreement with its contents.
Parent’s/Guardian’s Signature: _________________________ Date: _______________
Overall Catholic Graduate Expectations:
Student’s Signature: ________________________________
Date: _______________
Course Timeline:
Unit 1:
Unit 2:
Unit 3:
Unit 4:
Unit 5:
Recognizing Canada’s Diverse Natural Landscapes
Natural Resources: The Challenge of Sustainability
People, Places & Patterns
Canadian Industry: Location, Impact, Opportunity
Canada & the World
10
19
19
19
19
days
days
days
days
days
Evaluation Policies
1. Student marks will be determined by evaluating process & product according to 4 categories (see below) & 4
levels of the Achievement Chart as found in the Ministry Policy document for Canadian and World Studies.
Evaluation Structure:
Knowledge/Understanding
25%
Application
25%
Communication
25%
Thinking/Inquiry
25%
2. A final grade is recorded for every course, and a credit is granted and recorded for every course in which the
student's grade is 50% or higher. The final grade for each course in Grades 9–12 will be determined is as follows:
• Seventy per cent (70%) of the grade will be based on evaluations conducted throughout the
course. This portion of the grade should reflect the student’s most consistent level of achievement
throughout the course, although special consideration should be given to more recent evidence
of achievement.
• Thirty per cent (30%) of the grade will be based on a final evaluation in the form of a Culminating
Performance Task.
Term Work
70%
Final Culminating Activity
30%
3. Feedback will also be provided for student learning skills. Working independently, teamwork, organization, work
habits/homework, and initiative are assessed apart from student achievement in the four categories outlined
above and will conform to the coding:
E – Excellent
G – Good
S – Satisfactory
N - Needs Improvement
4. Assignments submitted after the due date established by the teacher will receive a penalty in accord with our
Board Assessment & Evaluation Policy Document as outlined in the student agenda.
5. Should a student miss an evaluation due to a legitimate absence, in accord with our Board A&E Policy
Document, the student and teacher will make arrangements to address the missed evaluation in a timely
manner. In the cases of extended vacation or prolonged absence, consultation with the appropriate
administrator is required.
6. In the event that the student does not make up the missed evaluation(s), a zero may be assigned.
If it is determined that the evaluation(s) has/have been missed as a result of a skip/truancy or
has/have been plagiarized, a zero may be assigned.
7. For all other cases of absence and/or missed evaluations (including absence during the final
examination period), please refer to our Board A&E Policy as outlined in the student agenda.
May God bless your efforts this semester!