Course Name: World Geography – Grade 6
Course Description: This course is designed to build on students’ prior knowledge and skill sets in the application of geographic information and tools to understand complex relations between the physical environment and human existence. While focusing on each part of the world, students are able to recognize characteristics distinguishing regions in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa. Each regional study encompasses an in-depth study of the physical geography, culture, economy, government, and social dynamics defining the land and people. An historical element is intertwined into the regional studies, as an investigation of the earliest civilizations demonstrates how and why people migrated to different locations, and how the people in these places survived and advanced with available resources.
Course Proficiencies: The following is a list of proficiencies that describe what students are expected to know and be able to do as a result of successfully completing this course. The proficiencies are the basis of the assessment of student achievement. The learner will demonstrate the ability to:
1. Recognize and appreciate the impact of geography in determining historical events, social, economic, and political systems, and culture.
2. Distinguish among and utilize different methods to interpret geographical information, including maps, globes, atlases, charts, and technological databases. (6.6.A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A8, A10)
3. Compare and contrast map projections to learn about different ways to view the world in spatial terms. (6.6A6, A9)
4. Apply mental mapping to demonstrate knowledge of space and location, regions, and the natural environment.
5. Classify regions of the world by common physical, historical, cultural, economic, and political characteristics. (6.6B1, C5, D8)
6. Recognize, analyze and discuss how co-existence, conflict, and cooperation occur between and among regions. (6.6B4, D5)
7. Comprehend the impact of the earth’s physical processes and systems on human behavior. (6.6C1, C2, C3, C4, E4)
8. Classify ecosystems and predict how changing ecosystems will affect future generations. (6.6C1, C2, C3, C4, E4)
9. Evaluate how the discovery, production and consumption of resources shape every facet of society. (6.6E3, E5)
10. Compare and contrast various conditions causing individuals to settle or migrate in different locations. (6.6D1, D2, D4, D6)
11. Recognize common and unique cultural beliefs/practices throughout the world, and appreciate the achievements and differences between global cultures. (6.6B1)
12. Recognize how cultures adapt to change, technology, and modernization. (6.6D1)
13. Compare and contrast the growth and decline of cities in different world civilizations and societies. (6.6D2, D4)
14. Apply geographic knowledge of physical and human systems and characteristics of regions to investigate the origin and advancements of ancient civilizations. (6.3A1, A2, A3)
15. Analyze the relationship between humans and the natural environment, recognizing how specific forces may strengthen or weaken both elements. (6.6E2)
16. Recognize the scarcity of natural resources and create solutions aimed at better resource management. (6.6E3, E4, E5)
17. Compare and contrast strategies and policies of global institutions to preserve the natural environment. (6.6E3, E4)
18. Predict how current environmental challenges will affect future generations. (6.6E5)
19. Apply knowledge of physical and human geography to analyze, discuss, and evaluate the land, people, and cultures of the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. (6.6 – all)
20. Understand how global challenges are interconnected, multifaceted, and dynamic based on issues resulting from increased globalization. (6.6D7)
21. Utilize technology and the Internet to investigate, analyze, and synthesize geographic information and solve problems. (8.1.8A.1, 2; B.1, 10)
22. Create a multimedia project related to a regional or country study that integrates visual and written text. (8.1.8A.1, 2, 8, 11; B1, 8, 10)
Assessments:
1. Tests/quizzes
2. Individual and group projects
3. Multimedia presentations
4. Interpretation of maps, charts, databases, and additional sources of information 5. Classroom discussion
6. Performance tasks
Board Adopted Materials:
Text:
World Geography
Salter, Christopher
Holt, Rinehart, and Winston: 2007