Arlington Public Schools Social Studies Curriculum 2016 GRADE 8: World Geography
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Arlington Public Schools Social Studies Curriculum 2016 GRADE 8: World Geography ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Social Studies Office acknowledges the contributions made to the development of these materials by all social studies staff and especially the following people: Kindergarten: Our Community Mary Cantwell, Anna Maria Lechleitner, Juanita Wade Grade 1: Our State Marijoy Cordero, Gina Samara, Jaclyn Scott Grade 2: Our Country Jennifer Burgin, Anna Kanter, Maryellen Meden, Eric Sokolove Grade 3: Ancient World Cultures Kim Dinardo, Tara Mitchell, Christine Williams, Tricia Zipfel Grade 4: Virginia Studies Mercedes Dean, Lauren Elkins, Karen Magestad, Kristen Wolla Grade 5: Ancient World Greg Chapuis, Casey Dolan, Nicholas Fernandez, Michelle Jaeckel Grade 6: U.S. History, Civics and Economics to 1865 Patricia Carlson, Breonna McClain, Anne Miller, Tiffany Mitchell, Sara Winter Grade 7: U.S. History, Civics and Economics 1865 to Present Jesse Homburg, Rachel Payne, Lilo Stephens, Patty Tuttle-Newby Grade 8: World Geography Allie Bakaj, Christine Joy, Maureen Nolan, Sarah Stewart Grade 9: World History II from 1500 A.D. Jen Dean, Jeana Norton, Anne Stewart Grade 10: World History I to 1500 A.D. Julie Bell, Kathleen Claassen, Caitlin Dodds Grade 11: U.S. and Virginia History Kevin Bridwell, Greg Cabana, Erica Drummond, Kevin Phillips Grade 12: U.S. and Virginia Government Diane Boudalis, Michelle Cottrell-Williams, Patricia Hunt Diana Jordan Barbara Ann Lavelle Cathy Bonneville Hix Social Studies Supervisor Arlington Public Schools Social Studies Curriculum 2016 GRADE 8: World Geography COURSE DESCRIPTION: The course of study for grade eight is World Geography. The focus of this course is the study of the world’s peoples, places, and environments, with an emphasis on world regions. The knowledge, skills, and perspectives of the course are centered on the world’s peoples and their cultural characteristics, landforms and climates, economic development, and migration and settlement patterns. Spatial concepts of geography will be used as a framework for studying interactions between humans and their environments. Using geographic resources, students will employ inquiry, research, and technology skills to ask and answer geographic questions. Particular emphasis will be placed on students understanding and applying geographic concepts and skills to their daily lives. THEME: The organizing theme for grade eight is INTERACTION. KEY CONCEPTS: Students will learn that INTERACTION defines the network of the language, themes and tools of geography used to study both the past and present world (Geographic Skills). describes the intersection of positions on the earth’s surface, including the major physical and cultural features of each region (Place Geography). describes the climate, topography, biogeography, natural resources, and processes that shape patterns on the earth’s surface (Physical Geography). connects the features of a society as a way of life and the variance of these over time and place (Cultural Geography). links the ways people make a living with the ways they trade with each other (Economic Geography). relates politics and territory with the development of political structures over place and time (Political Geography). conveys the impact of location and development on urban, suburban, and rural areas over time and place (Urban Geography). explains society is interplay with the natural environment on local, regional, and global scales (Environmental Geography). illustrates the geography of the past and how geographic patterns have changed over time (Historical Geography). UNITS and UNIT SECTIONS: I. Introduction to Geography This unit introduces the student to basic geography. the five themes of geography the different types of geography geographic vocabulary global place geography the use of the textbook and a variety of resources Arlington Public Schools Social Studies Curriculum 2016 GRADE 8: World Geography II. Physical Geography and Geographic Skills In this unit, students will demonstrate skills for historical thinking, geographical analysis, economic decision making, and responsible citizenship by: synthesizing evidence from artifacts and primary and secondary sources to obtain information about the world’s countries, cities, and environments; using geographic information to determine patterns and trends to understand world regions; creating, comparing, and interpreting maps, charts, graphs, and pictures to determine characteristics of world regions; evaluating sources for accuracy, credibility, bias, and propaganda; using maps and other visual images to compare and contrast historical, cultural, economic, and political perspectives; explaining indirect cause-and-effect relationships to understand geospatial connections; analyzing multiple connections across time and place; and investigating and researching to develop student-produced products orally and in writing. In this unit students will analyze how physical and ecological processes shape Earth’s surface by: explaining regional climatic patterns and weather phenomena and their effects on people and places; describing how humans influence the environment and are influenced by it; and explaining how technology affects one’s ability to modify the environment and adapt to it. III. Cultural Geography In this unit students will apply the concept of a region by: explaining how characteristics of regions have led to regional labels; describing how regional landscapes reflect the physical environment and cultural characteristics of their inhabitants; analyzing how cultural characteristics, including the world’s major languages, ethnicities, and religions, link or divide regions; explaining how different cultures use maps and place names to reflect their regional perspectives; and developing and refining mental maps of world regions. In this unit students will apply social science skills to analyze past and present trends in human migration and cultural interaction diffusion by: determining how they are influenced by social, economic, political, and environmental factors.; and determining how they influence the current human characteristics of places and regions. In this unit students will apply social science skills to analyze how forces of conflict and cooperation affect the division and control of Earth’s surface by: explaining and evaluating reasons for the creation of different political divisions; and describing ways cooperation among political jurisdictions is used to solve problems and settle disputes. Arlington Public Schools Social Studies Curriculum 2016 GRADE 8: World Geography IV. Demographics, Economics & Political Geography In this unit students will apply social science skills to evaluate the significance of natural, human, and capital resources by: comparing the distribution of major natural resources throughout world regions; showing their influence on patterns of economic activity and land use; and evaluating perspectives regarding the use of resources. In this unit students will apply social science skills to compare and contrast the distribution, growth rates, and characteristics of human population by: examining demographic data to determine the relative level of development; distinguishing between developed and developing countries; and comparing and contrasting the level of economic development to the standard of living and quality of life. In this unit students will apply social science skills to analyze the patterns of urban development by: applying the concepts of site and situation to major cities in each region; explaining how the functions of towns and cities have changed over time; and describing the unique influence of urban areas and challenges they face. In this unit students will apply social science skills to analyze the impact of globalization by: identifying factors, including comparative advantage, that influence the distribution of economic activities and trade; describing ways that economic and social interactions change over time; and mapping, describing, and evaluating economic unions. V. United States and Canada In this unit students will analyze the characteristics of the United States and Canada by: identifying and analyzing the location of major geographic regions and major cities on maps and globes; describing major physical and environmental features; explaining important economic characteristics; and recognizing cultural influences and landscapes. VI. Latin America and the Caribbean In this unit students will analyze the characteristics of the Latin America and the Caribbean region by: identifying and analyzing the location of major geographic regions and major cities on maps and globes; describing major physical and environmental features; explaining important economic characteristics; and recognizing cultural influences and landscapes. Arlington Public Schools Social Studies Curriculum 2016 GRADE 8: World Geography VII. Europe In this unit students will analyze the characteristics of the European region by: identifying and analyzing the location of major geographic regions and major cities on maps and globes; describing major physical and environmental features; explaining important economic characteristics; and recognizing cultural influences and landscapes. VIII. Russia and Central Asia In this unit students will analyze the characteristics of the Russian and Central Asian regions by: identifying and analyzing the location of major geographic regions and major cities