Social Science Department
St. Marguerite d’Youville S.S.
10815 Dixie Road, Brampton, Ontario. L6R 2W5
Telephone: (905) 789-5560 Fax: (905) 789-1143
Course Name:
Course Code:
Instructor:
Period:
Room Number:
Physical Geography
CGF 3M1
Mrs. Falacho
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course examines the main elements of the physical environment (climate, soils, landforms,
oceans, vegetation), the processes that shape them, and the relationship between the
environment and human beings. Students will apply a wide range of geographic tools and
methods to explore the distribution and ongoing evolution of the elements of the physical
environment on a variety of scales, from local to global.
OVERALL CURRICULUM EXPECTATIONS
At the end of this course students will be able to:
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explain major theories of the origin and internal structure of the earth;
analyze the sources and nature of energy flows through the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere,
and biosphere and;
explain the physical processes that create landforms, climate, soils, and vegetation.
explain how the earth provides both a habitat for life and a resource for society;
evaluate the impact of natural systems on people and their activities;
evaluate the impact of human life on environment and;
explain the importance of stewardship and sustainability as guiding principles for human use of the
physical environment.
explain how the earth provides both a habitat for life and a resource for society;
explain the reasons for the global patterns of continents and oceans, landforms, climate, soils, and
vegetation;
explain the importance of water to global systems and;
analyze local, regional, and global issues related to physical geography.
analyze the causes and consequences of climate change;
analyze how changes in natural systems are caused by natural phenomena and;
explain how human uses of the earth, especially uses involving technology, cause changes over time
in natural systems.
use the methods and tools of geographic investigation and inquiry to locate, gather, evaluate, and
organize information;
analyze and interpret data gathered through research and investigation, using a variety of
methods and geotechnologies and;
communicate the results of geographic inquiries and investigations, using appropriate terms and
concepts and a variety of forms and techniques.
COURSE CONTENT
This course will be organized according to the following themes:
1
Planetary Systems
2
Structure of the Earth
3
Gradational Process
4
Weather and Climate
5
Independent Study
RESOURCES
Chasmer, Ron. Earth Matters: Studies in Physical Geography. Oxford University Press, 2001.
Canadian Oxford School Atlas, 8th ed. Oxford University Press.
Newspaper and Magazines
Articles in ‘The Monograph’ (OAGEE)
Catholic Board Course Profile (www.curriculum.org)
Other (e.g. Print Media & Internet Resources)
REPLACEMENT COST AND DAMAGE
The replacement cost for a lost, stolen, or damaged textbook which is beyond repair is $75. The
cost of repairing a damaged textbook will be paid by the student.
ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION POLICY
Students will be assessed and evaluated according to the work they have produced and skills
they have displayed. Methods of providing feedback will include assessing works in progress and
evaluating completed assignments, tests, co-operative learning activities, simulations,
presentations ect. Student marks will be determined by assessing and evaluating according to
the achievement level chart given below.
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%
Achievement Level Description
Insufficient achievement of curriculum expectations.
A credit will not be granted.
Student work will be in assessed and evaluated according to the four categories defined in the
curriculum document (Ontario Curriculum, Canadian and World Studies, 2005).
Category and Description
Weight
Knowledge and Understanding:
 Includes content acquired throughout the course and comprehension of its
meaning and significance.
25
Thinking:
 Deals with the use of critical and creative thinking skills and or processes.
25
Communication:
 Is conveying meaning through various forms.
25
Application:
 Includes the use of knowledge and skills to make connections within and
between various contexts.
25
FINAL GRADE
The final grade in the course will be based on the following:
Grade Distribution
Term Work
70
Course Culminating Activity or ISU
10
Examination
20
OTHER EVALUATION ISSUES
Please refer to the Student Agenda Handbook (2008/2009) for school policies on late
assignments, incomplete assignments, missed tests and examinations, plagiarism,
absences, school suspensions and other related issues.