Mr. Luinstra Geography of Canada 9 Academic (CGC 1D)

Geography of Canada 9 Academic (CGC 1D) Course Outline

Course Description

This course explores Canada’s distinct and changing character and the geographic systems and relationships that shape it. Students will investigate the interactions of natural and human systems within Canada, as well as Canada’s economic, cultural, and environmental connections to other countries. Students will use a variety to geotechnologies and inquiry and communication methods to and evaluate geographic issues and present their findings.

Course Work 70%

Knowledge and Understanding 25%

Application 25%

Thinking Inquiry and Problem Solving 10%

Communication 10%

Final Evaluation 30%

Final Exam 30%

Unit / Topic / Classes
1 / Intro to Canada / 2
2 / Geographic Inquiry / 12
3 / Canada’s Ecozones / 10
4 / Canada’s Parks / 5
5 / Cultures of Canada / 10
6 / Economics of Canada / 10
7 / Canada and World / 10
8 / Canada’s Future / 6

Classroom Requirements

  1. Come to class prepared, with your notebook, lined paper, graph paper, pencil, textbook and a scientific calculator. Talk to your teacher about getting the best calculator for you.
  2. Keep your notebook neat and organized including a date and title on each page. Include section for notes, homework, and evaluations and quizzes.
  3. Pick a study buddy and write their name and phone number below. Call this person when you miss class to find out what you have missed.

Name ______Phone ______

4.  Graphing Calculators will be provided when needed in class.

Provincial Guide for Grading

Percent Percentage
Grade Range / Achievement
Level / Summary Description of the Level of Achievement of Curriculum Expectations
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% / Insufficient achievement of curriculum expectations.
A credit will not be granted.

Learning Skills:

Students’ work habits will be assessed separately from their marks. The following 6 learning skills will be assessed and assigned a letter grade: Responsibility, Organization, Independent Work, Collaboration, Initiative, and Self-regulation. The possible grades assigned are: E(excellent), G(good), S(satisfactory), and N(needs improvement).

Assessment and Evaluation:

§  Assessment: the process of gathering information from a variety of sources (including assignments, demonstrations, projects, performances, and tests) that accurately reflects how well students are achieving the curriculum expectations

§  Evaluation: the process of judging the quality of a student’s work on the basis of established achievement criteria, and assigning a value to represent that quality

§  Students will be assessed using many of the following strategies: quizzes, tests, performance tasks, provincial exam and reports/assignments.

Late Assignment Policy

·  All assignments and tests will have a due date. If a student cannot make the deadline, it is up to the student to speak with the teacher to arrange an alternate due date.

·  The teacher will make every reasonable effort to accommodate the student’s request, providing the reason for the extension is acceptable in the professional judgment of the teacher and it does not compromise the integrity of the assignment.

·  All alterations will be agreed to in writing (late assignment contract for example).

·  Students and parents alike are encouraged to plan appropriately to avoid the extension request process.

·  For assignments that are deemed late by the teacher’s professional judgment, a penalty of 5% of the total mark per day late may be deducted, up to a maximum of 4 days after the due date, and up to the entire mark of the assignment after 5days.

·  Assignments that are handed in after the due date and the 5 day deduction period may be handed in for assessment, but no mark will be given (this will help to meet course expectations/requirements).

The Credit System:

A credit is granted in recognition of the successful completion of a course that has been scheduled for a minimum of 110 hours. Credits are granted by the principal on behalf of the Minister of Education and Training for courses that have been developed or approved by the Ministry. For the purpose of granting a credit, “scheduled time” is defined as the time during which students participate in the planned learning activities designed to lead to the achievement of the curriculum expectations of a course. Planned learning activities include interaction between the teacher and the student and assigned individual or group work related to the achievement of the learning expectations in the course.

Attendance:

Regular attendance at school is critical for the student’s learning and achievement of course expectations. Where, in the principal’s judgment, a student’s frequent absences from school are jeopardizing his or her successful completion of a course, school staff will meet with the student and the parents to explain the potential consequences for the absences, including failure to gain credits, and discuss the steps that could be taken to improve attendance.

Contact Information:

Please contact Mr. Luinstra at KDSS during school hours at 396-9151 to discuss the contents of this course outline. The Ministry of Education website (http://www.edu.gov.on.ca) provides a wealth of information about the components of this course outline.