Grade 2 Geography Curriculum Guide
Alberta Curriculum (2025-2026)
Overview
In this Grade 2 Geography course, students will explore their local community, landmarks, maps, and understand the relationship between the people and their environment in Alberta.
Monthly Breakdown
September
Guiding Question: What makes our community special?
Learning Outcomes:
- Identify local landmarks and their significance.
- Create a simple map of the community.
Procedure:
- Begin with a "Community Show and Tell" where students bring an item or picture that represents their community.
- Discuss the items, leading into a conversation about local landmarks.
- Introduce basic map-making by focusing on symbols (e.g., tree for parks, house for homes).
Skills & Knowledge:
- Develop observation skills by noticing details in their environment.
- Gain knowledge of important community places.
Formative Evaluation:
- Observe students during discussions.
- Collect students' maps for feedback.
October
Guiding Question: How do people interact with their environment?
Learning Outcomes:
- Recognize how activities in their community affect the environment.
Procedure:
- Field trip: Visit a park or natural area to observe and record interactions.
- Group activity: Discuss what we saw and how we can protect our environment.
Skills & Knowledge:
- Understand environmental stewardship.
- Simple data collection through drawings or words.
Summative Evaluation:
- Create a poster that represents ways to protect the environment.
November
Guiding Question: What are the different types of weather and seasons in Alberta?
Learning Outcomes:
- Describe weather patterns and seasonal changes.
Procedure:
- Start with a "Weather Wheel" showing various weather types.
- Daily weather report project where students record daily weather and discuss seasonal changes.
Skills & Knowledge:
- Apply observational skills to track weather.
- Gain knowledge of seasonal changes in Alberta (e.g., summer vs. winter).
Formative Evaluation:
- Daily participation and accuracy in weather reporting.
December
Guiding Question: How does transportation connect us to different places?
Learning Outcomes:
- Identify modes of transportation in their community.
Procedure:
- Read a story about transportation, discuss various vehicles and their purposes, and then create a class mural of different transportation modes.
Skills & Knowledge:
- Understand how transportation impacts community structure.
Summative Evaluation:
- Create individual drawings of their favorite mode of transportation with a short explanation.
January
Guiding Question: What are maps, and how do we use them?
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand basic map symbols and directions (north, south, east, west).
Procedure:
- Hands-on activity using simple map-reading tools and games (e.g., hiding an object and giving map clues).
Skills & Knowledge:
- Basic navigation skills using maps.
Formative Evaluation:
- Participation in activities and map reading.
February
Guiding Question: What is our place in Canada?
Learning Outcomes:
- Identify Alberta and other provinces on a map of Canada.
Procedure:
- Use a large map to locate Alberta and discuss geographic features (e.g., mountains, plains).
- Create flags for different provinces and territories.
Skills & Knowledge:
- Broaden understanding of Canada’s geography.
Summative Evaluation:
- Group presentation of facts learned about one province.
March
Guiding Question: How do cultures shape our communities?
Learning Outcomes:
- Recognize and respect different cultures within their community.
Procedure:
- Invite guest speakers from various cultural backgrounds.
- Discussion and art project representing different cultural symbols.
Skills & Knowledge:
- Develop an appreciation for diversity.
Formative Evaluation:
- Participation and respect in discussions.
April
Guiding Question: How do we use resources in our daily lives?
Learning Outcomes:
- Identify natural resources used in the community.
Procedure:
- Class discussion on food, water, and materials in everyday life.
- Create a "resource collage" showcasing local resources.
Skills & Knowledge:
- Understand the importance of natural resources.
Summative Evaluation:
- Present the collage and explain the significance of the resources chosen.
May
Guiding Question: What is the importance of conservation?
Learning Outcomes:
- Describe ways to conserve natural resources.
Procedure:
- Discuss conservation projects (e.g., recycling, planting trees) and initiate a classroom project.
Skills & Knowledge:
- Develop critical thinking about sustainability.
Formative Evaluation:
- Participation in projects and discussions.
June
Guiding Question: What have we learned about our community and the world?
Learning Outcomes:
- Reflect on the year’s learning and articulate knowledge gained.
Procedure:
- Create a "Geography Yearbook" compiling their favorite activities and lessons learned.
Skills & Knowledge:
- Synthesize information and present findings creatively.
Summative Evaluation:
- Present the Geography Yearbook to their peers and parents.
Evaluation Goals and Procedures
- Formative Assessments: Ongoing feedback during class activities, discussions, and projects to gauge understanding.
- Summative Assessments: End-of-unit projects and presentations to assess knowledge retention and application.
- Holistic Approach: Encourage a well-rounded understanding of geography through active participation, collaboration, and creativity.
Through this curriculum plan, students will not only learn about geography but will also be encouraged to appreciate their role within their communities and the wider world.