Social Studies
Grade Six
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Knowledge
The globe is a model of the earth. Earth's rotation on its axis causes day and night, its revolution around the sun causes seasonal changes.
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Knowledge
There is distortion when a flat map is made to represent a
sphere.
Using various projections, cartographers have attempted to achieve relative accuracy.
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Knowledge
An atlas contains a wealth of information presented in a variety of
formats.
Much of the information included on maps is coded using a variety of symbols. The symbols have to be interpreted in order for the information to be accessed.
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Knowledge
Globes and maps show natural geographic features.
In comparing land and water surface, the earth has considerably more water surface than land.
Of all the land surface, approximately 4% is considered to be arable (suitable for agriculture).
Optional
Colour coding on some globes and maps indicate elevation. Legends identify the meaning of the colours.
River systems provide a clue to elevation. They begin on high ground (mountains) and flow toward sea level.
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Lines of longitude and latitude are a type of grid system.
Optional
Lines of longitude are used as a guide to establish time zones.
Lines of latitude show location relative to the equator and poles.
The earth (globe) is divided into 24 time zones.
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Knowledge
A location may be identified by its boundaries.
Boundaries between and within countries are politically determined.
In the past, natural barriers (mountain ranges, rivers, lakes) were frequently used as boundary lines. These are still evident in most countries. Recent advances in technology have reduced the necessity of using them as boundary lines.
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Knowledge
Optional
A location may be identified by describing its climate.
Seasonal temperatures of a region are related to the slant of the sun's rays.
Temperature and precipitation are related to a location's proximity to large bodies of water.
Ocean currents influence temperature and precipitation.
Prevailing winds affect both climate and vegetation.
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The climate of a location largely determines both its natural vegetation and the crops grown.
In many regions of the world, the natural vegetation has been replaced by cultivation. The crops grown in these regions are generally for the purpose of food production to meet local needs or for export.
| Table of Contents: Grade Six Unit One |