Course Plan: Geography of North America
Grade 7
Course Goals
- To provide students with an understanding of the Five Themes of Geography and their application to North America.
- To foster critical thinking skills by analyzing geographical data and its implications.
- To encourage students to appreciate the diverse cultures, environments, and economies of North America.
Course Aims
- To explore the physical and human geography of North America.
- To examine how geography affects different aspects of life in North America.
- To apply the Five Themes of Geography in real-world contexts.
- To develop map-reading skills and spatial awareness.
Course Structure
The course consists of 20 lessons divided into 4 modules of 5 lessons each.
Module 1: Introduction to Geography and the Five Themes
Lesson 1: What is Geography?
- Definition of geography.
- Importance of studying geography.
- Overview of geographical concepts.
Lesson 2: The Five Themes of Geography
- Introduction to the Five Themes: Location, Place, Human-Environment Interaction, Movement, and Region.
- Brief explanation of each theme.
Lesson 3: Location - Where is North America?
- Understanding absolute and relative location.
- Latitude and longitude concepts.
- Mapping North America.
Lesson 4: Place - The Characteristics of North America
- Physical characteristics (landforms, climate, biomes).
- Human characteristics (culture, language, architecture).
- Case study: Comparing urban vs. rural places in North America.
Lesson 5: Human-Environment Interaction
- How people adapt to and modify their environment.
- Case study: The effects of agriculture in North America.
- Discussion on sustainability.
Module 2: Movement and Migration
Lesson 6: Movement - Transportation and Communication
- How goods, people, and ideas move.
- The importance of transportation routes, including highways and railways.
Lesson 7: Migration Patterns in North America
- Understanding historical and contemporary migration trends.
- Case studies: Immigration waves and their impacts on society.
Lesson 8: Trade and Globalization
- The role of North America in global trade.
- Examination of trade agreements (e.g., NAFTA/USMCA).
Lesson 9: Cultural Exchange
- How globalization facilitates cultural exchange.
- Impact of technology on communication and culture.
Lesson 10: Regionalism in North America
- Definition and examples of regions within North America.
- Exploration of regional characteristics and differences.
Module 3: Physical Geography of North America
Lesson 11: Major Landforms
- Overview of major mountain ranges, plains, and plateaus.
- Case study: The Rocky Mountains and Appalachian Mountains.
Lesson 12: Water Resources
- Importance of rivers, lakes, and oceans in North America.
- Overview of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River system.
Lesson 13: Climate Zones of North America
- Understanding climate types (tundra, temperate, tropical).
- Case study: The impact of climate on agriculture.
Lesson 14: Natural Disasters
- Overview of natural disasters in North America (hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires).
- Discussion on preparedness and response.
Lesson 15: Ecosystems and Biodiversity
- Different ecosystems in North America (forests, deserts, wetlands).
- Importance of biodiversity and conservation efforts.
Module 4: Human Geography and Cultural Diversity
Lesson 16: Population Distribution
- Understanding why populations are distributed unevenly.
- Case study: Urbanization trends in North American cities.
Lesson 17: Cultural Diversity in North America
- Overview of the major cultural groups and their contributions.
- Exploration of Indigenous cultures and contemporary issues.
Lesson 18: Economic Geography
- Overview of major industries (agriculture, manufacturing, services).
- Case study: The economic impact of tourism in North America.
Lesson 19: Political Geography
- Understanding the political boundaries and their significance.
- Discussion on U.S.-Canada relations and border issues.
Lesson 20: The Future of Geography in North America
- Predictions for future geographical trends in North America.
- Discussion on climate change and its implications for geography.
References
- National Geographic Society. (2020). Five Themes of Geography. Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/five-themes-geography/
- McKnight, T. L., & Hess, D. (2019). Geography of North America: A Geographic Analysis. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
- Smith, R. G. (2021). Exploring North America: A Geographic Perspective. New York: Macmillan.
- U.S. Geological Survey. (2022). Natural Hazards in the United States. Retrieved from https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards
- U.S. Census Bureau. (2021). Population and Housing Census. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/
This structured approach allows students to explore and understand the complexities of North America's geography through the lens of the Five Themes, providing a comprehensive educational experience.