September (Week 1) Definitions of Geographic Terms. Explain the difference between latitude and longitude. What physical processes can change places and change over time? How do push and pull factors cause migration? What are some ways people have adopted to their environment? How does studying government, geography or history help people from different culture regions get along better? What kinds of problems do people from different culture regions have in understanding one another? How a particular field of study can increase understanding The Five Themes of Geography World Geography Concepts and Skills #1-6 Vocabulary Exercise in determining latitudes and longitudes. Open response questions focused in essential questions. Cartographer s Challenge America s Stonehenge field trip 1 June 2007
September (Week 2) Three kinds of maps and the difference between these maps How have new tools and knowledge helped cartography? If you were to migrate from where you live now to another state, which theme of geography would be most important for you to study in deciding where to go? Think about: Five themes of geography Reasons for migration The Geographer s Tool World Geography Concepts and Skills #1-6 Testing ability to accurately read maps and graphs using maps, graphs, and multiple-choice format. Open response questions explaining answers based on essential questions. Cartographer s Challenge 2 June 2007
September (Week 3) How does the Gulf Stream affect the climate of Europe? What separates Europe from Asia? How do waterways strengthen trade in Europe? Europe A Land of Varied Riches Europe E.1 On a map of the world, locate the continent of Europe. On a map ofeurope, locate the Atlantic Ocean, Arctic Ocean, Norwegian Sea, and Barents Sea. Locate the Volga, Danube, Ural, Rhine, Elbe, Seine, Po, and Thames Rivers, Locate the Alps, Pyrenees, and Balkan Mountains. Locate the countries in the northern, southern, central, eastern, and western regions of Europe. E.2 Use a map to locate countries and major cities in Europe. E.3 Explain how the following five factora have influenced setttlement and the economies of major European countries. Ability to locate major bodies of water and land masses of Europe. Define important terms. Open response explaining impact of Europe s geography on commerce. Create travel brochures for different European countries emphasizing cultural traditions, commercial exports, sports, tourist attractions, climate, etc. 3 June 2007
September (Week 4) Describe the importance of the new shared currency that is based on the euro. Why would the people of Western Europe support the idea of the European Union and want to become members? Think about: International trade Cultural diversity Relations with other parts of the world Modern Europe The European Union E.3 Explain how the following five factora have influenced setttlement and the economies of major European countries. Vocabulary and concepts through multiple choice, fill in blank, and matching questions. Open response based on the benefits of European Union economic, cultural, and socio-political aspects. Continuation of brochure project 4 June 2007
October (Week 1) Name two types of natural disasters that frequently occur within Latin America. Do you think limber companies and cattle ranchers should be allowed to clear away as much of the rain forest as they want to? Give reasons to support opinion What happens when increased air pressure causes trade winds to lessen? South America and Latin America Physical Geography South America SAM.1 On a map of the world, locate South America and the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. On a map of South America, locate the Amazon, the Andes Mountains, Cape Horn, and the southern, northern, eastern, and western regions of South America. SAM.2 Use a map key to locate the countries and major cities of South America. SAM.3 Explain how the following five factors have influenced settlement and the economies of major South American countries. a. Absolute and relative locations b. Climate c. Major physical characteristics d. Major natural resources e. Population size Vocabulary and concepts (standard format) Open response based on compare/contrast questions Choose Aztec, Inca, or Maya Create a poster based on these 5 criteria: 1. Religion/Warfare 2. Agriculture 3. Customs/Culture 4. Commerce/Trade 5. Reasons for decline 5 June 2007
October (Week 2) From what South American products did European nations profit? How has South America s population changed since the 1500 s? What challenges have many South American governments faced in recent years? South America Establishing Independence SAM.4 Identify when South American countries became independent nations and explain how independence was achieved. Vocabulary and concepts (standard test format) Open response with synthesizing what challenges do you think South America faced in their fights for independence? Continuing poster project 6 June 2007
October (Week 3) How did the area around the Persian Gulf come to be a rich source of Petroleum? How did hunter/gatherers in North Africa and Southwest Asia become farmers? How did rivers in Southwest Asia enrich the soil? North Africa Southwest Asia Africa A.1 On a map of the world, locate the continent of Africa, the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Great Rift Valley. On a map of Africa, locate the northern, eastern, western, central, and southern regions of Africa, the Sahara Desert, the Nile River, Lake Victoria, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the Cape of Good Hope. A.2 Use a map key to locate countries and major cities in Africa. A.3 Explain how the following five factors have influenced settlement and the economies of major African regions and countries. Terms and Names Matching/Multiple Choice Maps and Graphs Open response Documentary 1. Groups assigned an area and report on desert, water, and transportation barriers. 2. These groups come together to put projects together in a logical order for presentation of a documentary portraying accurate information about geographical traits of the entire area. 7 June 2007
October (Week 4) How were the roles of women different in the cultures of modern Egypt and Saudi Arabia? Think about: Political rights and responsibilities; education; limitations of freedoms In the last 50 years or so, how have oil and politics affected each other in Southwest Asia and North Africa? Think about: The development of OPEC; the 1973 embargo; tensions between Iran, Iraq, and U.S. North Africa and Southwest Asia Today (Optional topic) Describe the major obstacles to economic development in some African nations, including linguistics, tribal, and religious diversity, corrupt government, the lack of widespread education, and the political boundaries established in the 19 th century by European nations and the legacy of their rule (G, H, C, E) Terms and Names Matching/Multiple Choice Maps and Graphs Open response Debate on U.S. involvement in Iraq War. 8 June 2007
November (Weeks 1 and 2) Explain how drought and desertification affect parts of Africa using a distribution map. Identify modern countries and capital cities in Africa. Describe 4 climatic regions of Africa south of the Sahara. Africa South of the Sahara Africa A.1 On a map of the world, locate the continent of Africa, the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Great Rift Valley. On a map of Africa, locate the northern, eastern, western, central, and southern regions of Africa, the Sahara Desert, the Nile River, Lake Victoria, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the Cape of Good Hope. A.2 Use a map key to locate countries and major cities in Africa. A.3 Explain how the following five factors have influenced settlement and the economies of major African regions and countries. Standard tests Maps Open Response Internet Activity: Use the internet to research wildlife parks and refuges in Africa south of the Sahara. Where are they located? What are their goals? What problems do they face? Students may create a distribution map of wildlife parks in Africa. 9 June 2007
November (Weeks 3 and 4) How did modern African countries become independent nations and when? The Road to Independence 20 th Century Africa Africa A.4 Identify the locations and time periods of the sub-saharan empires of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay. Standard tests Maps Open Response Research and report on how diamonds are formed deep in the earth, how they are mined in Africa, and how different kinds of African diamonds are used. Use encyclopedias, science references, and other sources. Science: Diamond research project 10 June 2007
December How are oil resources important to Southwest Asia and North Africa? How do Islam, Judaism and Christianity alter the culture of the region? Identify countries and major cities in the Middle East. Western Asia The Middle East Western Asia (the Middle East) WA.1 On a map of the world, locate Western Asia, or the Middle East. On a map of the Middle East, locate the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Caspian Sea, Red Sea, Indian Ocean, Arabian Peninsula, and the Persian Gulf. WA.2 Use a map key to locate countries and major cities in the Middle East. WA.3 Explain how the following five factors have influenced settlement and the economies of major Middle Eastern countries. WA.4 Locate and describe the various ethnic and religious groups of the Middle East. Standard tests Maps Open Response Students create a spreadsheet containing the following information: 1. political distribution 2. religion 3. ethnic 4. population 5. statistics from Data File Technology 11 June 2007
January (Weeks 1 and 2) Locate the countries and major cities in Central and South Asia. Explain how the following five factors have influenced settlement and the economies of major Central and South Asian countries: 1. absolute and relative locations 2. climate 3. major physical characteristics 4. major natural resources 5. population size Describe three aspects of Hinduism. Why is the Gupta Dynasty considered a golden age in science, art and literature? Central and South Asia Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Pakistan, Tajikstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan Central and South Asia CSA.1 On a map of the world, locate Central and South Asia. On a map of Central and South Asia, locate the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, the Ganges River, the Indo-Gangetic Plain, the Northern Mountains, the Deccan Plateau, the Himalayan Mountains, and the Steppes. CSA.2 Use a map key to locate the countries and major cities in Central and South Asia. CSA.3 Explain how the following five factors have influenced settlement and the economies of major Central and South Asian countries. CSA.4 Identify when India, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Central Asian republics first became independent countries and explain how independence was achieved. Explain the relationship of the Central Asian republics to the former Soviet Union. Standard tests Maps Open Response Cuisine of India: Assign recipe research by geographic region of India; find recipe Research floods in the Indus/Ganges River 12 June 2007
January (Weeks 3 and 4) How does Islam reach India? Explain the transition from Mughal to British rule. Identify the historical factors that created a stable democratic government in India and the roles of Mohandas Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru in its development. Describe the political, cultural, and religious differences between the countries in South Asia and the Central Asian Republics. India and Its Neighbors CSA.4 Identify when India, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Central Asian republics first became independent countries and explain how independence was achieved. Explain the relationship of the Central Asian republics to the former Soviet Union. Standard tests Maps Open Response Students create posters choosing either: a. History of the Mughal Empire or b. British rule in India Using 1. timeline 2. five significant events 3. cultural innovations 4. economic achievements 5. political consequences 13 June 2007
February (Weeks 1 and 2) Who brought Islam and Christianity to Southeast Asia? Why? How? How have the economics of Southeast Asia changes in the past 50 years? Contrast the economy of Vietnam immediately after the Vietnam War with the economy under new policies established in 1986. How did the economy change? Why? Southeast Asia: History and Governments Economies and Cultures Vietnam Today Southeast Asia and Oceania SEAO.2 Use a map key to locate major countries and major cities in the various regions of Southeast Asia, Australia, and the major Pacific Islands. SEAO.3 Explain how the following five factors have influenced settlement and the economies of major countries of Southeast Asia and Oceania. SEAO.4 Identify when countries in Southeast Asia and Oceania became independent counties and describe how independence was achieved. Standard tests Maps Open Response Creating a Newscast Small Group Activity: Assign a newsworthy topic either past or present. Briefly discuss content and style of Radio and TV newscasts. Assign students roles of researchers, writers and anchors. Rough drafts must be submitted and final versions to be performed in class. Students evaluate final newscasts as performed by each group both as to content and delivery. English Provide students with a list of sources to find Southeast Asian folktales. Analyze these tales as to: moral, style, comparison to Western folktales, and purpose of folktales in society. 14 June 2007
February (Week 4) How is Japan affected by the three tectonic plates on which the islands rest? Why are some regions of Australia much more suitable for living than others? Which regions are more suitable? What three types of Islands exist in the Pacific? Explain. Oceania: East Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands Physical Geography Southeast Asia and Oceania SEAO.2 Use a map key to locate major countries and major cities in the various regions of Southeast Asia, Australia, and the major Pacific Islands. SEAO.3 Explain how the following five factors have influenced settlement and the economies of major countries of Southeast Asia and Oceania. SEAO.4 Identify when countries in Southeast Asia and Oceania became independent counties and describe how independence was achieved. Multiple choice, matching, fill in the blank, maps, graphs and charts. MCAS open response based on essential questions Report on earthquakes, volcanic activities, tsunamis Recent eruptions How do these natural disasters affect people, economies, cultures, technology, etc.? Include pictures showing event and aftermath, strategies for prevention or minimizing damage, and recovery. Science 15 June 2007
March (Week1) How does geography affect the region s settlement patterns? Where did the earliest settlers of Australia and the Pacific Islands come from? What do the governments of Australia and new Zealand have in common? What is the relationship between modernization and tradition in the Pacific Islands? Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands History and Governments SEAO.1 On a map of the world, locate Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean, Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica, the major Pacific Islands, the Pacific Ocean, and the Coral Sea. On a map of Southeast Asia and Oceania, locate the Bay of Bengal, the South China Sea, the Great Victoria Desert, and the Great Barrier Reef. Multiple choice, matching, fill in the blank, maps, graphs and charts. MCAS open response based on essential questions Create an illustrated map showing paths of migration. List approximate dates of migration. Illustrate with pictures or drawings of people and items from their cultures. 16 June 2007
March (Weeks 2, 3 and 4) How did the Chinese incorporate Confucianism into their government? How did the Communist revolution transition China from the age of dynasties to the modern era? Why has the Chinese government taken actions that repress human rights? North and East Asia: Ancient China Est. Modern China Governments of East Asia North and East Asia NEA.1 On a map of the world, locate North and East Asia, the Pacific Ocean, and the Arctic Ocean. On a map of East Asia, locate the Sea of Japan, the yellow Sea, the East China Sea, the Gobi Desert, the Himalayas, and the Huang He (Yellow) and Chang Jiang (Yantgtze) Rivers. On a map of North Asia, locate Siberia and the Yenisey, Lena, and Kolyma rivers. NEA.2 Use a map key to locate the countries and major cities in the various regions of East Asia. NEA.3 Explain how the following five factors have influenced settlement and the economies of major East Asian countries. NEA.4 Identify when Taiwan, North Korea, South Korea, and Mongolia became independent countries and describe how independence was achieved. Multiple choice, matching, fill in the blank, maps, graphs and charts. MCAS open response based on essential questions Biographies of major Chinese historical figures: Confucius, Lao Tzh (founder of Tao), Sun Yat Sen, Mao, etc. 17 June 2007
April (Weeks 1 and 2) How did the Chinese and Koreans influence Japan s culture? How did WWWII affect Japan s economy? Ancient and Modern Japan NEA.4 Identify when Taiwan, North Korea, South Korea, and Mongolia became independent countries and describe how independence was achieved. Multiple choice, matching, fill in the blank, maps, graphs and charts. MCAS open response based on essential questions Divide class into four groups and assign each group one of the following topics about Japan: 1. going to school 2. working for a corporation 3. home life 4. food Have each group research its subject and prepare an illustrated presentation for the rest of the class. 18 June 2007
April (Week 4) How have the economies of Southeast Asian countries changed over the years? What role does Korean and Taiwan play in the East Asian economy? Economies of East Asia Focus on Korean and Taiwan NEA.4 Identify when Taiwan, North Korea, South Korea, and Mongolia became independent countries and describe how independence was achieved. Multiple choice, matching, fill in the blank, maps, graphs and charts. MCAS open response based on essential questions Debate Merits of government controlled economy v. free market economy. Students will use graph and chart generated by research showing gross national product or five major exports from Korea and Taiwan. 19 June 2007
May How does the geographic location along with transportation barriers and corridors affect the evolution of Russia s national identity? What was the Soviet Union s role during WWII and how does it affect international politics in the post WWII era? How did Soviet leaders attempt to create a strong national identity? Russia: Russian Empire The Soviet Union Eastern Europe Under Communism NEA.1 On a map of the world, locate North and East Asia, the Pacific Ocean, and the Arctic Ocean. On a map of East Asia, locate the Sea of Japan, the yellow Sea, the East China Sea, the Gobi Desert, the Himalayas, and the Huang He (Yellow) and Chang Jiang (Yantgtze) Rivers. On a map of North Asia, locate Siberia and the Yenisey, Lena, and Kolyma rivers. NEA.2 Use a map key to locate the countries and major cities in the various regions of East Asia. NEA.3 Explain how the following five factors have influenced settlement and the economies of major East Asian countries. Multiple choice, matching, fill in the blank, maps, graphs and charts. MCAS open response based on essential questions Compare/Contrast Russian society before and after WWII. Focus on culture, economy, politics, and education. May be done as posters or written reports. 20 June 2007
June What happened to the government of the former Soviet republics after independence? How have the economics of newly formed Eastern European countries changed? How has daily life changed in Russia since the breakup of the Soviet Union? Modern Russia NEA.1 On a map of the world, locate North and East Asia, the Pacific Ocean, and the Arctic Ocean. On a map of East Asia, locate the Sea of Japan, the yellow Sea, the East China Sea, the Gobi Desert, the Himalayas, and the Huang He (Yellow) and Chang Jiang (Yantgtze) Rivers. On a map of North Asia, locate Siberia and the Yenisey, Lena, and Kolyma rivers. NEA.2 Use a map key to locate the countries and major cities in the various regions of East Asia. NEA.3 Explain how the following five factors have influenced settlement and the economies of major East Asian countries. Multiple choice, matching, fill in the blank, maps, graphs and charts. MCAS open response based on essential questions Communism v. Democracy - Creating a new government. Working in small groups of 3-5 students, create a new class government and constitution. Assign each student a role in the government such as senator, governor, president or cabinet member. Students will outline their responsibilities and write a brief constitution including sections on basic rights, freedoms and responsibilities of citizens. 21 June 2007