EL SEGUNDO UNIFIED
EL SEGUNDO HIGH SCHOOL
COURSE OF STUDY
Course Title: Basic World Geography
Department: Social Studies
Grade Levels: 9
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This one-semester course is designed as a combination of two grade nine elective courses: Physical Geography and World Regional Geography. This includes a systematic discussion of the physical landscape through geomorphology and topography, the patterns and processes of climate and weather, and water resources through hydrology. Attention is also given to the nature of natural resources and their relation to physical geography. Additionally, place-name geography is explored so that students develop a good sense of where major physical features of the earth are located. There is also extensive discussion of the distribution and characteristics of the world’s major cultures and of the dynamics of migration and cultural diffusion. Furthermore, students will explore why people and nations of given areas behave the way they do and discuss the relationship between the economic problems and the geography of the region. The objective of the course is to lay the foundation for success in all academic areas while at the same time enable and prepare the student for success in our contemporary world.
Length: 18 weeks
Prerequisite for Enrollment: Individualized Education Plan
Recommendation for Enrollment: Required ninth grade course.
Type of Course: Basic
Based on the State Standards for Geography identified
for 10th & 11th Grades
1.0: Students
analyze how professional geographers use the Five Themes of Geography to
analyze data and solve problems. (Personal/Social Development, Critical
Thinking/Problem)
2.0: Students
understand how the movement of the earth affects time, climate, and seasons. (Personal/Social Development,
Integration of Core Knowledge)
3.0: Students
describe how water has shaped our planet, geographically, politically, and
economically, and understand its significance as a natural resource. (Critical Thinking/Problem
Solving, Integration of Core Knowledge)
4.0: Students
identify global landforms and understand how they are formed. (Critical Thinking/Problem
Solving, Integration of Core Knowledge)
5.0: Students learn
how to draw sketch maps and use them as geographic tools. (Personal/Social Development,
Integration of Core Knowledge)
6.0: Students
identify major political and geographic features of the world. (Personal/Social Development,
Critical Thinking/Problem Solving, Integration of Core Knowledge)
7.0: Students draw
upon current events to make geographic connections between past and present
events. (Critical
Thinking/Problem Solving)
8.0: Students
understand how culture traits and culture regions can influence the development
of societies and create conflicts among nations. (Critical Thinking/Problem
Solving, Integration of Core Knowledge)
9.0: Students
explain how people acquire and use the resources necessary to modify their
environments. (Critical
Thinking/Problem Solving, Effective Communication)
10.0: Students
describe characteristics of developed and developing nations and how they
affect economic, political, and environmental issues. (Critical Thinking/Problem
Solving, Integration of Core Knowledge)
11.0: Students
analyze global population patterns. (Critical Thinking/Problem)
12.0: Students
analyze the following elements in each major geographic region, the
12.1: Describe the major landform regions and climates. (Effective Communication,
Integration of Core Knowledge)
12.2: Identify major urban areas and the social, political, and economic
challenges they face. (Effective Communication, Integration of Core Knowledge)
12.3: Understand how the development of natural resources or lack thereof
has or has not benefited the region. (Critical Thinking/Problem Solving, Integration of
Core Knowledge)
12.4: Examine the cultural geography. (Personal/Social Development, Critical
Thinking/Problem Solving, Integration of Core Knowledge)
12.5: Identify environmental challenges. (Personal/Social Development,
Critical Thinking/Problem Solving)
A. Demonstration (Effective Communication)
B. Tutorials and
C. Class work and Homework (Integration of Core Knowledge)
D. Explanation by Instructor and Guided Practice (Integration of Core Knowledge)
E. Guest Speakers (Personal/Social Development, Effective Communication)
F. “Hands On” Experience with maps (Personal/Social Development)
G. Individual and
Group Decision Making (Personal/Social
Development)
H. Videos (Critical Thinking/Problem Solving, Integration of Core Knowledge)
I. Interactive Geographic Games and Puzzles (Personal/Social Development, Critical Thinking/Problem Solving)
A. Quizzes and Unit Tests
B. Semester Exam
C. Homework and Class Participation
D. Projects
E. Written Essays
F. Oral Presentations
G. Notebooks
H. Visitations to
A. Text: World Geography and Cultures by Globe Fearon
B. Worksheets
D. Overheads (both teacher and student produced)
E. Internet -- used for research
F. Videos
G. Speakers
H. Newspapers
I. Magazines
J. Almanacs
K. Atlases
L. Computer Simulations
M. Globes
N. Continental and