Major Concepts/Content: The world geography 7 course is designed to build on the background of geographical and cultural studies presented in the fourth grade and the historical development of cultures presented in the sixth grade. Students in the seventh grade course begin to look in-depth at given regions of the world, with an emphasis on physical geography. The program is multidisciplinary, drawing from all the social sciences, with the geography of the host nation used to validate geographic concepts. The seventh grade course of study places emphasis on the following regions: North and South America; Europe; Africa, Oceania; Australia-New Zealand; and Antarctica. 

Major Instructional Activities: A variety of instructional activities will be used to expand the perspectives of the geographical and cultural studies learned in the fourth grade and the historical development of cultures learned in the sixth grade. Students will study earth movement and forms from globes; use maps and graphs to study geographic patterns; research information on major geographic regions; report orally and in writing the information interpreted through research and maps; construct maps; and assume responsibility for information received through lectures, group work, and in-class activities. 

Major Evaluative Techniques: Evaluation will be comprised of vocabulary tests, map skills assessments, projects, essay tests, unit and chapter textbook examinations, and oral and written reports. 

Essential Objectives: Upon completion of the world geography 7 course, students should be able to:

• Study earth movement and forms from globes.
• Learn map characteristics and rotation devices.
• Identify and use different map projections.
• Distinguish natural and political features on maps.
• Use maps to study geographic and human patterns.
• Identify all forms of topography in a region.
• Use maps to obtain and explain information.
• Identify major geographic regions and countries.
• Use charts and graphs to interpret map information.
• Construct maps using standard notation devices.

Last Revised: July 20, 2005