The structuring of geographic information, the ordering of knowledge into real and mental maps, and the spatial analysis of that information. The basic units of geography and how those units are organized differently by different people. Physical Systems Physical and environmental phenomena, such as land forms and climate, and their interaction through ecosystems, renewable resources, and the hydrologic cycle. Human Systems Human populations and their economic activities, migration patterns, settlement patterns, territorial arrangements, and political conflicts. Uses of Geography A component to understand the past, interpret the present, and plan for the future.
Geographic skills provide the necessary tools and techniques for students to think geographically.
Geographic perspectives specifically addressed in this course are a spatial perspective and an ecological perspective. An ecological perspective will be developed and applied through the examination of the connections and relationships between and among the living and nonliving elements on Earth. Technology use is vital to this course. The use of spatial databases, Internet resources, census information, remotely sensed imagery, and virtual maps including daily television weather maps will enhance instruction. Students will also benefit from the integration of content from other subject areas, such as mathematics, earth science, and language arts.