Unit: Introduction to Physical and Human Geography
Unit: Introduction to Physical and Human Geography
An introduction to geography and maps. Students review continents and oceans, and are introduced to the concept of human geography.
Introduction to Physical and Human Geography unit contains 6 learning experiences.
Learning Experiences (Lessons) in Introduction to Physical and Human Geography Each learning experience takes about 45 minutes to teach in the device-enabled classroom.
What Is Geography?
Students are introduced to the study of geography—what it is and what it isn't. They explore and describe the six elements of geography. Next, they learn about the tools geographers use and some of the real-life jobs that geographers do. Finally, they write their own article about how geography affects their everyday lives.
Using Maps
Students learn about the major types of maps and key concepts such as latitude and longitude. Then they encounter various map projections and the uses of projections. Next, they learn about contemporary high tech mapping processes involving tools such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Then they write an explanation of what they have learned, from the point of view of an antique mapmaker. Finally, they view a satellite photo of the moonlit Earth and discuss how it could be interpreted as a map.
World Factbook Tutorial
Students take a tutorial to familiarize themselves with the CIA World Factbook, a resource that will be used extensively throughout the World Geography course.
Continents, Oceans, and Climates
Students review what they know about the continents and oceans. Then they learn additional information about both. Next, they explore the differences between weather and climate and look at the climate zones throughout the world. Finally, students work in groups to learn about climate-related topics and report back to the rest of the class.
Human Geography
Students are introduced to the concept of human geography, including the sub-branches of economics, population, medicine, military, politics, and transportation. Then they explore the history of world population growth, recognizing specific milestones and impacts on Earth. Finally, students work in pairs to do additional research on some of these milestones. They present their findings to the class.
