Course Plan: Geography of North America - Five Themes
Course Goals and Aims
Goal
To enhance students' understanding of North America's geography through the lens of the Five Themes of Geography: Location, Place, Human-Environment Interaction, Movement, and Region.
Aims
- To familiarize students with geographical terminology and concepts specific to North America.
- To develop critical thinking and analytical skills regarding spatial relationships within North America.
- To encourage students to engage in discussions about human and environmental interactions.
- To promote awareness of cultural, economic, and social diversity in North America.
Course Structure
Module 1: Introduction to Geography and the Five Themes
- Lesson 1: Introduction to Geography
Overview of what geography is and its importance.
- Lesson 2: The Five Themes of Geography
Introduction to the five themes with a focus on how they relate to North America.
- Lesson 3: Geographic Tools and Techniques
Understanding maps, tools, and technology used in geography.
Module 2: Theme 1 - Location
- Lesson 4: Absolute Location
Understanding latitude and longitude.
- Lesson 5: Relative Location
How North America is situated relative to other continents and countries.
- Lesson 6: Geographic Coordinates
Practical exercises using coordinates to identify locations in North America.
Module 3: Theme 2 - Place
- Lesson 7: Physical Characteristics of North America
Exploration of landforms, climates, and natural resources.
- Lesson 8: Human Characteristics of North America
Discussion of cultures, languages, and population density.
- Lesson 9: Case Study: Major Cities of North America
In-depth look at cultural and geographical features of cities like New York, Toronto, and Mexico City.
Module 4: Theme 3 - Human-Environment Interaction
- Lesson 10: Natural Resources in North America
Types of resources and their use by human populations.
- Lesson 11: Environmental Issues
Discuss issues such as pollution, deforestation, and climate change.
- Lesson 12: Case Study: The Great Lakes
Exploration of human impact and environmental protection efforts.
Module 5: Theme 4 - Movement
- Lesson 13: Migration Patterns
Understanding why and where people move within North America.
- Lesson 14: Trade and Transportation
Exploring major trade routes and transportation systems (highways, railways).
- Lesson 15: Cultural Diffusion
Analyzing how ideas and traditions spread across North America.
Module 6: Theme 5 - Region
- Lesson 16: Defining Regions
What makes a region? Introduction to formal and functional regions.
- Lesson 17: Geographic Regions of North America
Overview of different regions: Southwestern, Northeastern, etc.
- Lesson 18: Cultural and Economic Regions
The influence of geography on culture and economy in various regions.
Module 7: Interconnections and Case Studies
- Lesson 19: Urban vs. Rural Areas
Exploring the differences and interactions between urban and rural settings.
- Lesson 20: Case Study: The American Southwest
Geography, culture, and environment interaction in this unique region.
- Lesson 21: Case Study: The Arctic Region
Unique challenges of geography in the Arctic and its effect on local cultures.
Module 8: Geography in the Modern World
- Lesson 22: Impact of Technology
How technology affects our understanding and interaction with geography.
- Lesson 23: Climate Change and North America
Discuss how geography influences climate-related issues.
- Lesson 24: Future of Geography
Predictions for changes in North America’s geography in the coming years.
Module 9: Assessment and Review
- Lesson 25: Review of Five Themes
Group activities and quizzes to reinforce the five themes.
- Lesson 26: Preparing for the Final Project
Guidelines on the final project or presentation on a chosen theme.
- Lesson 27: Project Work Day
Time allocated for researching and preparing presentations.
- Lesson 28: Project Presentation Day
Students present their findings and projects.
Module 10: Reflection and Evaluation
- Lesson 29: Course Reflection
Discussing what students learned about geography and its relevance.
- Lesson 30: Final Assessment
A culmination test or project evaluation based on all course concepts.
References
- National Geographic Society. (2023). "The Five Themes of Geography." National Geographic.
- Smith, D. W. (2021). "North America: A Geography Study." Chicago: Geography Press.
- United States Geological Survey (USGS). (2022). "Understanding Geographic Features." USGS.
- Bureau of Economic Analysis. (2023). "Economic Regions of the United States." BEA.
- South Carolina Department of Education. (2021). "South Carolina College & Career Readiness Standards for Social Studies." SCDoE.
This coursework plan adheres to the South Carolina college and career readiness standards and provides a structured approach to teaching the geography of North America through the Five Themes of Geography.