AUSTIN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUBJECT/COURSE: World Geography
IPG: Fourth Six Weeks
GRADE LEVEL: 9
MAJOR CONCEPT #1: Location and Place
Overarching The diversity of a location’s land, people, and cultures impacts its society, economic development, and
Idea
natural environment.
Guiding
Questions
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How does location impact the development of daily life in a specific region?
How does location impact the economic development of a specific region?
How does location impact the climate and vegetation of a specific region?
How does a region’s location shape its history?
MAJOR CONCEPT #2: Environment
Overarching Humans alter and modify the natural environment in order to survive.
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Guiding
Questions
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How have humans interacted with their environment?
How do humans use water to alter the environment in various locations?
What problems can emerge when humans alter the natural environment?
MAJOR CONCEPT #3: Culture
Overarching The development of culture in a specific region or society leads to both positive and negative changes in
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that society.
Guiding
Questions
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How does history shape a society’s culture?
How can cultural changes impact a society’s economy and government?
How can cultural changes lead to conflict?
© Austin Independent School District, 2009-2010
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AUSTIN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUBJECT/COURSE: World
Geography
IPG: Fourth Six Weeks
GRADE LEVEL: 9
MAJOR CONCEPT #4: Conflict
Overarching
Tensions between different ethnic groups often lead to conflict and war.
Idea
Guiding
Questions
 What are some of the common causes of conflict in specific regions of the world?
 How can a society’s location promote conflict?
 How can physical growth in a region lead to conflict?
 How have past conflicts and divisions impacted contemporary needs for unity in specific locations?
MAJOR CONCEPT #5: Markets
Overarching Economic market systems are impacted by expansion, unity, and reform.
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Guiding
Questions
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How can a unified economic market system impact the national economies of different societies?
How can changes in economic market systems affect migration?
How can economic market systems impact political systems?
Why is it necessary to reform economic market systems?
How can expanding economic market systems be both beneficial and detrimental to specific societies?
© Austin Independent School District, 2009-2010
2
AUSTIN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUBJECT/COURSE: World Geography
IPG: Fourth Six Weeks
GRADE LEVEL: 9
MAJOR CONCEPT #6: Traditions
Overarching Regional traditions manage to survive despite long periods of upheaval.
Idea
Guiding
Questions
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Why are some traditions able to survive while others die out?
What factors lead to the decline of traditions in specific societies?
How can cultural traditions be preserved for future generations?
© Austin Independent School District, 2009-2010
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