Course Plan

1. Geography and Allegany

2. The Five Themes of Geography

3. Basic Map Usage and Skills

4. Geography of the World (earth’s landforms, water, climate, vegetation, culture, and people)

5. Canada

6. Mexico

7. China

8. Africa

9. Current Events:  Throughout the year we will be devoting time to current events.  You will be responsible for one current event summary and report each trimester.

The basic skills learned in #1-4 will be used to explore the physical geography, history, and culture of each of the places above (#5-8).  We will spend the first trimester and part of the second working in areas #1-4.  Then we will start our trip around the world! There will be projects and activities associated with each country or area. World affairs can change rapidly, so I reserve the right to revise #4-9 based on breaking events (Katrina is certainly an important example this year).  The final project is the most important way I will assess your learning.  There is a final exam as well.

Grading

• Homework and class participation:  Consistent and neat homework preparations, as well as positive contributions in class, are both important.   You should demonstrate your interest in learning on a daily basis.  (10% each)
• Projects: several shorter projects or research pieces per trimester (20%)
• Paragraphs:  well-structured expository paragraphs will be taught, practiced, and evaluated (20%)
• Quizzes:  shorter announced and unannounced (occasionally) quizzes on basic material (20%)
• Tests: covering basic material from class, handouts, and the text.  There will always be plenty of notice and a review sheet.  Tests will always include a paragraph question (20%)