Welcome to World Geography

Welcome to PRE-AP World Geography! Mrs. Van Sant [email protected] ext. 4373 B117 General Objectives:  To determine what geography is, and how it can  To identify the processes that influence political be evaluated. divisions of the planet  To examine people, places, and environments at  To analyze how different points of view affect local, regional, national, and international scales the development of public policies  To explain the physical processes that shape  To compare how components of culture shape patterns in the physical environment the characteristics of regions  To identify the characteristics of major  To analyze the impact of technology and human landforms, climates, and ecosystems and their modifications on the physical environment interrelationships  To use problem-solving and decision-making  To examine the types and patterns of settlement skills to ask and answer geographic questions including the distribution and movement of world  To develop time managements skills to prepare population students for future AP courses and college  To analyze how location affects economic activities in different economic systems Units of Study: Unit 1: Intro and Mapping Skills Unit 2: Geographer’s Tools Unit 3: Climate & Weather Unit 4: Agriculture Unit 5: Political & Economic Unit 6: Population & Migration Unit 7: Industry Unit 8: Cities & Urbanization Unit 9: Culture What you will need for this class:  1- 1” Binder (any color, any style- should  Pens/Pencils (I will NOT be loaning these be at least a 1 inch) out, so please come prepared)  2 packages of notebook paper (you may  Colored Pencils use either college-ruled or wide-ruled)  2 Highlighters  5 Dividers (any style, any color)  1 Box of Tissue Student Expectations: 1. RESPECT yourself, others, teacher, and any guests we may have. 2. Use hands, feet, words, materials, etc. appropriately. 3. Be to class ON TIME, with books and materials, ready to learn! 4. NO electronic devices, such as (but not limited to), cell phones, ipods, mp3 players, cd players, digital cameras/video cameras, etc. will be allowed at any time during my class UNLESS teacher says otherwise. 5. FOLLOW the SOCIAL CONTRACT! 6. Display your Manvel Maverick PRIDE!!! Consequences: 1st violation of rules= verbal warning 3rd violation of rules= parent contact 2nd violation of rules= teacher detention 4th violation of rules= referral to office for punishment *Students with repetitive disciplinary issues may be subject to removal from the Pre-AP class* Grades:  Major Grades 55% of nine weeks grade  Minor Grades 45% of nine weeks grade * Students will receive a minimum of one grade per week and a minimum of three major grades per nine-week grading period. Grades Expectations- Tests, quizzes, projects and other assignments will be challenging and will require higher level thinking. If students have questions concerning their grades in general or grades on specific assignments, they may address these concerns during my scheduled tutorial times before or after school. Tests, essays, and projects- Students will take multiple choice tests throughout the year. Students will also write essays to enhance their writing skills and to engage in higher-level thinking. There will be many projects throughout the semester that will be discussed in greater length as they are assigned. All essays and projects will be turned in typed. If students do not have access to a computer at home, they may get a pass to type it in the library before or after school or at lunch. Reading Quizzes and in-class assignments- Students will have reading outside of class. We do not have a designated textbook for this class, however, we will read articles and other materials to supplement classroom instruction. This class will have a lot of project based learning and students should not expect as much lecture and book work as they might have previously in their social studies classes. The goal of project based learning is for students to explore, research, get creative, and engage in higher level thinking to develop the critical skills necessary for college and their future careers. Homework- All homework is due the next school day, unless otherwise instructed. Homework is due at the beginning of class in the assigned homework bin--- not during class!!! Student Binder- Every student must have a 1” inch binder with 5 dividers. Everything we do will be stored in the binder. All students must have a binder no later than September 6th. A binder check will be conducted for a grade. It is the responsibility of the student to keep up with all assignments returned to them. These should be kept in the binder. Make-up Work- I will have designated tutorial times for students to come in for any work missed while not in class. Students will have the opportunity to make-up quizzes and test during that time. I will assign someone in each class to log assignments in each day of class, so you may go to the assignment log and find out what the student missed also. Students are responsible for getting their own make-up work, and making up any quizzes or tests they missed when they were absent. The student and I will set a date for quizzes and tests to be taken. If student does not make-up the quiz or test by that date, it becomes a zero. Late Work- Please refer to the PAP Contract regarding late work policy. Plagiarism- Plagiarism is a very serious offense and will be dealt with accordingly. In order to maintain the integrity of this class and of the students, plagiarized work will be given a grade of a zero and student will not be given an opportunity to make-up. Students should ask if they are unsure about plagiarism. Teacher Website- I will post resources on my teacher webpage. It is important for students to reference the resources page frequently. All resources will be posted under the Class Resources tab. BYOD: Devices will be used in this class. If a student does not have their own device, they may check out a laptop or Kindle from the library each day. On days we are not using devices they need to be put away. Devices will be taken up and turned into the office if they are out on days we are not using them. Tutorials: Monday and Wednesday 6:55 to 7:15 a.m. Questions, Comments, Complaints, Concerns: This will be a challenging and rewarding experience for you. I understand that sometimes students need a little extra help from me. If you have any additional questions, comments, complaints, or concerns, please set-up a time with me for a student conference and we can get everything taken care of! Last, but not least: I’m here to help you prepare yourself for college and other AP classes you will take in the future! Please do not hesitate to ask for help!

Parents: Please shoot me a quick e-mail with your child’s name in the subject line if you would like to be added to my e-mail list. Also, please sign the google doc on my teacher webpage stating you’ve read and understand the syllabus.

Thanks! Mrs. Van Sant