9th Grade World Geography
Course Outline and Objectives
1st Semester
1st Six Weeks – Physical Geography, Human Geography
Description:
Unit #1 – Physical Geography: Geography is the study of the physical and cultural landscapes of Earth. Geography can be studied in
many ways, but for this class, geography will primarily be studied through a regional lens; Students will learn about geography by studying
different regions of the world. This will also teach students about latitude and longitude. The physical environment affects human life and
settlement, and is crucial to the study of geography. Physical systems include weather and climate patterns as well as movement of the
Earth’s plates, and changes in the Earth’s surface and environments. Students will study Earth-Sun relationships, climate patterns and
landforms. Plate tectonics and other forces of change will also be covered in this unit. This unit will introduce geographic terminology about
the Earth, the internal forces of plate tectonics, the external forces of erosion and weathering, and natural hazards. Human-Environment
Interaction comes in many forms, from everyday use of consumer products, to political agreements over environment resources, to natural
hazards. Students will learn about natural hazards that affect human settlement.
Unit #2 – Human Geography: Settlement patterns are closely linked to the physical landscape, climate, location of water and resources,
and access to trade routes. Historically people settled close to trade routes (usually water routes) in areas of hospitable climate and terrain.
This general pattern remains true today, although humans have adapted to harsher climates and more rugged terrain, and trade no longer
controls settlement patterns. Population and demographics are key statistics that population geographers analyze. These numbers can give
insight into the standard of living, economic activities, and social problems that affect countries and regions around the world. Students will
create a population pyramid. Students will learn to analyze population pyramids and demographics for a country and draw conclusions
about the standard of living there. Places and regions are identified by unique physical and cultural characteristics. Students will be
introduced to the characteristics of place, and the different types of regions. Understanding cultures around the world is immensely
important in today’s global society. Cultural geography is the sub-field of geography that focuses on the various cultural characteristics
around the world. Although culture is generally thought of as the customs and beliefs of a group of people that are passed from one
generation to the next. Cultural identities are formed from languages, religions, ethnicity, customs, beliefs, economic activities, political
systems, and even art and technology. This unit will help students to define their own personal culture.
Objectives:
Unit 01: Physical Geography (14 Days)
3 A B; 4 A B C; 8 A B C D; 9 A B; 19 A B
Unit 02: Human Geography (12 Days)
5 A B; 6 A B; 7 A B C D; 10 A B C; 11 A C; 13 A; 16 A; 17 A
2nd Six Weeks – The U.S. & Canada, Latin America
Description:
Unit #3 – The United States and Canada: The United States and Canada are composed of several sub-regions that have unique physical
and cultural geography. Students will research the physical, political, economic, and social characteristics that define a particular region in
North America with emphasis on both physical and cultural characteristics. Migration within the US is marked by westward and southern
movements, and urbanization. This unit allows students to learn about the internal migration of people in the United States, based on city
populations and NFL Franchises. It is important to note that NFL Franchises are used for this, since they require a certain amount of
population and demand in order to be viable in a city. Students will investigate the population change in cities that have franchises, and
propose a new city to locate a franchise. Immigration is a hotly debated issue in American politics today. Particularly, illegal immigration .
However, no solution has been found to control illegal immigration. This unit will allow students to learn about the topic of immigration.
Natural hazards occur in every part of the United States. The US has every type of natural hazard occur somewhere within its borders.
Students will learn about hazardous events in the US and how people have dealt with those hazards. Our northern neighbor, Canada is one
of our primary trading partners. Students will learn about Canada, Canadian Geography and Canada’s relationship with the US.
Unit #4 – Latin America: Latin America’s patterns of settlement are closely tied to the physical geography. Deserts, rainforests,
mountains, and islands all inhibit growth in settlements. However, this region also has made use of extensive coastlines, most major cities
are directly on the coast. The focus will be on the physical geography of Latin America, and how it affects settlement patterns. Students will
learn about the diverse physical landscapes and climates of Latin America, and compare the physical geography with population density in
order to draw conclusions about patterns of settlement in Latin America. There are many areas of Latin America that have remained almost
unchanged over the decades, and even centuries, while growth in some areas has been phenomenal. Reasons for growth primarily center on
increased global trade that has created new job markets and a movement of people in Latin America. Many countries still rely on a few
major products for export (rum, sugar, bananas, coffee, copper and other minerals) and tourism as their primary source of income. Latin
America has been stricken with political instability for several decades. The political history of Latin America is one of war, corruption, and
economic downturns. However, many countries are more stable today than ever before. Students will read about controversial events in
Latin America and draw conclusions based on what they have learned.
Objectives: Unit 03: USA & Canada (15 Days)
1 A; 3 A B; 4 A; 5 A; 6 A B;7 A B D; 8 A B C D; 9 A B; 15 A;16 A C;20 A
Unit 04: Latin America (12 Days)
4 A B; 5 A B; 6 A B; 7 D B; 8 A B C; 9 A B; 12 A B C; 15 A B C;16 A B C; 20 A B
3rd Six Weeks – Europe & Russia
Description:
Unit #5 – Europe: The physical geography of Europe has shaped the political, economic and cultural characteristics of the nations in this
region. Mountain ranges served to protect nations, but were also barriers to trade and caused isolation. Climates shaped agricultural activities
in Europe, with the southern edge of this region focusing on crops that could survive a long, dry summer (Mediterranean Climate) while the
western and central regions experience year round rainfall that allow for more diverse farming. Additionally, the northern regions of Europe
experience a very cold climate, which limits their agricultural growth and therefore promotes other economic activities. Europe faces many
environmental challenges that stem from growth and development on the continent. Densely populated areas of Western Europe lead to
more human waste and damage to the environment, while the industrialization in Eastern Europe contributes to water and air pollution.
Other issues affecting Europe include sustainable development, global warming, energy use and development of alternative fuel sources,
deforestation, sea level rises and flooding, light pollution, waste dumping, out-dated factories, and many more issues. Europe is a culturally
diverse region with languages, religions, and customs varying across the span of the continent. Three major language families exists (Slavic,
Germanic, and Romance) and three major religions (Christianity, Islam, and Judaism). Within Christianity, there exist Protestant, Catholic,
and Eastern Orthodox. In addition to language and religion, the different cultures of Europe have varying customs, political views, and
economic practices. Immigration is a controversial issue across Europe, and particularly in France. Students will examine the issue of
immigration in France, including the cultural diffusion and transition that occurs. The European Union unifies 27 countries on the European
continent, whether economically, politically, or financially. Arising from the turmoil of the early 20th century (namely World War II), the
European Union grew out of the desire for the countries of Europe to unite and rebuild. At first the union was only economic in nature, but
over the decades, political and financial unions have been made, most notably with the induction of the Euro. Most European countries now
belong to the E.U., although some remain independent for various reasons (Switzerland, Norway, and the Balkans). Students will learn about
the origins of the European Union as well as the function of the EU, the advantages and disadvantages to membership, and possible future of
unification.
Unit #6 – Russia: Russia is the largest country in the world and spans eleven time zones. Settlement patterns of Russia are uniquely
tied to the physical geography. The Ural Mountains initially served as a barrier to development, as well as the harsh climate and landscape of
Siberia. Students will examine different aspects of the physical geography and settlement patterns of Russia, and draw conclusions about
ways in which the physical geography has affected the human population as well as ways in which humans have modified or adapted to the
environment. Russia is rich in cultural heritage, and has experienced all aspects of political leadership and economic activity. For nearly 500
years Russia was dominated by the Romanov Tsars. Russia experienced political upheaval during the early 1900s, and the Soviet Union rose
out of the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917. This revolution introduced communism and the command economy into Russia. For most of the
twentieth century, Russia was the leader of the U.S.S.R., which collapsed in 1991. A democratic and capitalistic Russia emerged, and rapid
changes have occurred in Russia since 1991. Students will explore the cultural heritage of Russia. Russia and the Republics is a region that
recently has undergone major political and economic changes. While some countries in this region are more developed, other countries are
developing. Demographic data can provide detailed information about the standard of living, economic development, and social/cultural
values of a country. Students will examine basic demographic data of a country and then use that information to illustrate the political,
economic, and social characteristics of a country. Students will look for patterns in the statistics presented to them and infer why those
patterns exist. There are many unique and diverse cultures of Russia and the Republics. Although the Russian culture is the dominant one of
this region, even Russia has diverse cultural groups. The Republics include Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Armenia,
Azerbaijan, and Georgia, and all have a unique culture. This lesson will have students explore these varied cultures of Russia and Central
Asia, many of which are never even covered in a world geography course. These cultures have long and storied histories, many of which
include the domination of other empires, most notably Russia’s attempts at Russification.
Objectives: Unit 05: Europe (19 Days)
2 B; 4 A; 5 A B; 7 B D; 10 B; 11 A B; 13 A B; 14 A; 15 C; 17 A;19 A B; 20 B
Unit 06: Russia (07 Days)
2 A B; 4 A; 5 A B; 6 A B; 7 C; 8 D; 10 A C; 11 B C; 12 A B; 18 B C; 20 A B
Course Outline and Objectives (continued)
2nd Semester
4th Six Weeks – Middle East & North Africa, Sub Saharan Africa
Description:
Unit #7 – Middle East and North Africa: Settlement patterns of Southwest Asia and North Africa are closely tied to climate, location of water
sources, and location of resources. This unit will allow students to compare settlement patterns to climate, water sources, and resources in order to
discover the patterns that exist in Southwest Asia and North Africa. Students will become familiar with Southwest Asia and North Africa through
using maps, making inferences about settlement patterns, and making predictions about changes to settlement patterns in the future. Students will
research a country of Southwest Asia or North Africa to find factual information about climates, physical landscape, vegetation, natural resources and
environmental concerns (e.g. water scarcity or deforestation). The students will also investigate the human population- where it is located and why.
Students will be introduced to the religions and cultures of Southwest Asia and North Africa. The students will learn about the location and history of
the religions in this region, the basic components of these belief systems, and ways in which these religions have changed ideologically and
geographically over time. Conflicts in Southwest Asia and North Africa are key issues in today’s society. This unit will introduce students to social,
political and economic factors that play a role in the development and resolution of these conflicts. Students will examine settlement patterns, ways
of life, cultural interaction, changes in power and conflict in Southwest Asia and North Africa. Sequent occupancy describes, how the past affects
the present. Jerusalem is a good example of this as it illustrates the significance of “place” to three different religions.
Unit #8 – Sub Saharan Africa: Africa is a large continent, with vast and varied landscapes and cultures. Students will examine Sub-Saharan
Africa’s physical environments, settlement patterns and economic activities. Sub-Saharan Africa faces many environmental problems, from
desertification in the Sahel to flooding in East Africa, to animal culls in South Africa to lack of access to clean drinking water. A growing population
and lack of infrastructure has contributed to these problems, but many charitable organizations are trying to aid Africans in addressing these
environmental issues. Students will explore how these environmental problems are reshaping the landscape of Africa. The cultures of Sub-Saharan
Africa are as diverse as the landscape. In this unit, students will explore a culture or country of Sub-Saharan Africa in more detail by gathering
information about customs, traditions, belief systems, language, ethnicity, and more. Conflict is pervasive throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. Much of
the conflict is violent, stemming from poverty, economic decline, ethnic clashes, and desperation. Students will learn about conflicts and social issues
in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Objectives: Unit 07: Middle East; North Africa; and Central Asia (11 Days)
1 A; 2 A B; 3 B; 4 A; 5 A B; 6 A B; 7 A B D; 8 A B C D; 9 A B; 10 C; 11 A B; 14 A C; 15 A B C;
16 A B C; 17 A B; 18 A B C; 19 B
Unit 08: Sub Saharan Africa (12 Days)
1 A B; 2 A B; 3 B; 4 A C; 5 A B; 6 A B; 7 A B C D; 8 A B C D; 10 C; 11 A B; 12 A B C; 13 A B; 14 A B;
15 A B C; 16 A B C; 17 A B;18 A B C; 19 A
5th Six Weeks – South Asia, Central Asia, and East Asia
Description:
Unit #9 – South & Central Asia: Settlement patterns of South Asia are tied to the distribution of resources, water, climate and physical
features. Students will study how settlements of South Asia are affected by location of resources, water, and other environmental factors. Students
will also investigate the affect of the physical environment on political and economic activities.
The Indian Subcontinent has numerous natural hazards that affect the large human population that has settled in this region. In addition to coping
with natural hazards, the people of South Asia have a growing need for more efficient land use and more awareness of environmental degradation.
Students will explore the tectonic forces and earthquakes of South Asia and will learn about the Monsoon and other climates of South Asia. Students
will investigate geographic statistics in order to determine the relationship between political, economic, and social characteristics of a country, and
the standard of living that prevails in that country. Students will create population pyramids and look for patterns in the geographic statistics. The
religions and cultures of South Asia are as diverse as the physical landscape. Several major world religions originated in South Asia, including
Hinduism and Buddhism. The cultural diversity of South Asia is the defining characteristic of the region in many ways, from Hindu gods to Buddhist
temples to the Muslim Taj Mahal. Students will explore the social, political and economic factors that affect these cultures and religions in South
Asia.
Unit #10 – East Asia: This unit will explore the diverse physical environments and settlement patterns in East Asia, with particular emphasis
on China. The students will discover that the location of settlements is dependent upon the physical environment and climate, as well as proximity to
resources and other economic activities. Students will investigate the hazards of either Japan or China and discuss ways in which these hazards affect
human populations. Students will also learn about the Three Gorges Dam Project in China as one way in which people are modifying the
environment for social, political and economic needs. Students will learn about the population dynamics in the countries of East Asia. The students
will explore population growth rates, push and pull factors for migration, primary economic activities that promote or deter population growth and
movement, standards of living, and other information about the populations of each country. East Asia is known for its tremendous power in the
economic markets. Even though several countries in the region have experienced recent economic downturns, China has entered the stage as one of
the fastest growing economies in the world. Students will learn about the economic growth in countries of East Asia and investigate what physical
and cultural factors promote or deter growth. The countries of East Asia have many similarities and differences in cultural traits. Students will
explore the social, political and economic aspects of the cultures in East Asia, as well as the physical geography.
Objectives: Unit 09: South & Central Asia (12 Days)
1 A; 2 A; 3 B; 4 A; 5 A B; 6 A B; 7 B; 8 A B C D; 10 C; 11 A B;12 A B C; 14 A B C; 15 A B C;
16 A B C; 17A B; 18 A B C D; 19 B; 20 A
Unit 10: East Asia (10 Days)
2 A B; 3 B; 4 A; 5 A B; 6 A B; 7 B D; 8 A B C D; 10 C; 11 A B C;12 A B; 14 C; 15 A C; 16 A B C;
17 A; 18 A B C; 19 B; 20 A
6th Six Weeks – Southeast Asia, Australia/Oceania/Antarctica
Description:
Unit #11 – Southeast Asia: This lesson will help students identify settlement patterns and distributions of climates, resources and
economic activities in Southeast Asia. Students will investigate patterns and distributions of Southeast Asia. Students will study how the
physical environment and location of resources determines and affects the distribution of settlements in, and the political and economic
activities of Southeast Asia. In this unit students will investigate the physical processes that affect human populations in Southeast Asia and
identify ways in which people have modified or adapted to the environment. The students will learn about the natural hazards of Southeast
Asia: What they are, where they are, and how they affect people. Like the physical environment and cultures, Southeast Asian economies are
diverse. From major urban areas like Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to rural Laos, Myanmar and New Guinea, the economic wealth of
Southeast Asia is fragmented. Students will identify the physical and cultural factors that promote and deter economic activity in Southeast
Asia. Students will learn about the relationship between economic growth and the migration of people in Southeast Asia. The cultures of
Southeast Asia are diverse in languages, religions and ethnic groups.
Unit #12 – Australia, Oceania, and Antarctica: Students will explore the physical environments of Australia, Oceania, and
Antarctica (landscapes and climates) and the relationships between the physical environments and settlement patterns. The students
will learn about human-environment interaction in Australia, Oceania, and Antarctica, including the positive and negative effects.
Students will specifically learn about social, political and economic characteristics about places in this region. The cultures of
Australia and Oceania are some of the oldest in the world. Students will explore one culture of Australia or Oceania, including the
culture’s history, traditions, languages, and belief systems. Students will examine similarities and differences of the various cultures in
the region.
Objectives: Unit 11: Southeast Asia (11 Days)
1 A; 2 A; 3 B; 5 A B; 6 A B; 7 B D; 8 A B C D; 11 A B C; 12 A C;14 A; 15 B C; 16 A B C;
17 A; 18 A B C; 19 B; 20 A B
Unit 12: Australia & Oceania (15 Days)
2 A B; 3 B; 4 A B C; 5 A B; 6 A B; 8 A B C D; 9 A; 10 C; 11 A B C; 12 B C; 13 A; 15 A B C;
16 A B C; 17 A; 18 A B C D; 20 A B