Unit 1 – Geography – Student Guide
Content
 5 themes of Geography (students will have an opportunity to explore each theme in greater depth through an investigation of relevant topics and
various skill building activities)
Standards and Benchmarks
 Standard I: Analyze how individuals, groups, and institutions create and change structures of power, authority, and governance
3. Describe the role of institutions in furthering both continuity and change
 Standard II: Explore and apply geographic knowledge and skills
1. Describe ways that humans have influenced, and be influenced, by geographic conditions
2. Use geographic tools and concepts to generate interpret information
3. Locate and identify physical and political features of selected regions
Essential Questions
 How do institutions further both continuity and change in world? (Standard 1;3)
 What is geography? (Standard 2:1)
 How do geographic features influence humans? (Standard 2;1) Explain examples of push factors and pull factors.
Skills
  Use primary (S,N,E,W) and intermediate directions (NW,SE etc) to locate places on a map/globe? And why is this important in today’s world?
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Recognize, name and locate important lines of latitude and longitude (eg. Equator)
Use absolute location and relative location to locate places on a map and to find SAMS geo scavenger hunt
Identify absolute location (latitude, longitude) for a designated place
Use the index of an atlas to locates places and regions accurately
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Explain the difference between a map (projection) and the globe
Recognize name and locate principal features (physical and political)
Recognize different types of map projections
Explain and give real world examples of 5 themes of geography
EAGLES
 Literate: Individuals who communicate articulately through reading, writing, speaking, listening and artistic expression.
 Skilled: Inquirers who reason soundly and critically
Vocabulary
Longitude, latitude, Equator, migration, push factors, pull factors, hemisphere, revolution, rotation, globe, map projection, distortion, geography, political
map, physical map, absolute location, region, great circle route, cardinal directions, intermediate directions, compass rose, relative location, Prime
Meridian.
Assessment
 Geo Quest project, Scavenger Hunt, Inspiration Vocabulary, Mini Essay regarding geo-case study
Student Learner Profile
Cooperation / Collaboration (Listens and reflects. Asks appropriate questions. Takes leadership responsibilities. Contributes as a group member. Is adaptable)
Preparation / Organization (Turns work in on time. Brings required materials to class. Keeps materials organized. Is punctual)
Integrity / Attitude (Respects property, materials and classroom environment. Demonstrates academic integrity and ethical use of technology Demonstrates a positive
attitude. Respects self and others)
Active Learning / Effort (Participates in class. Reflects on learning to make improvements. Uses class time effectively. Explores possibilities and takes responsible
risks. Demonstrates persistence. Works to best ability)