Units

Unit 1 - Location

Unit 2 - Interaction

Unit 3 - Identity

Unit 4 - Interdependence

Major Concepts

location earth globe/map/atlas natural geography grid boundaries weather/climate

interaction time/change point of view culture needs/wants resources values/beliefs

identity nation minority group organization change

interdependence needs/wants technology global village exchange equity/inequity rights/responsibilities

Main Understandings

Globes and maps contain information about fundamental systems including natural features, political divisions and cartographic markings. Locations have specific combinations of characteristics which make them different from other locations.

Interaction occurs between/among groups of people and the environments in which they live. Interactions often lead to change.

Identities evolve within a context of interrelated factors including history, the social and physical environments, and human needs and wants.Minority groups and individual people within a nation may have unique Identities.

Global interdependence may or may not act to the advantage of the countries involved. Decisions regarding interdependent relationships involve a variety of complex factors. Interdependence involves both rights and responsibilities.

Skills & Abilities

Interpret information found on globes and maps. Organize information obtained from a variety of resources.

Recognize and express various points of view.Locate and gather information from a variety of sources.Organize and present information in various ways.

Identify and analyze identities of nations, minority groups, and social organizations.Locate, gather, organize and present information.

Locate, gather, organize and present ideas and information.Link interdependent systems. Relate current events to the concepts under study.

Values

Consider globes and maps as valuable sources of information. Appreciate that elements of the natural environment are interrelated.

Respect for lifestyles quite different from their own. Appreciation for the complexity of factors which influence lifestyle.

Respect for their own identity and that of others. A belief in human worth and dignity. A sense of purpose through participation.

An understanding of the diversity of roles that various countries and people play in interdependent relationships.

Foundational Objectives

Enable students to understand vocabulary and symbols needed to interpret information in a variety of resource material including globes and maps, and to use the vocabulary and symbols to communicate their ideas and learned information. (N,C) Develop students’ abilities to find and use information independently.(IL)

Develop an understanding of how knowledge of historical experiences is created, and of how to evaluate these experiences, as recorded in historical documents and portrayed in artifacts, from different points of view. (CCT) Understand and model respect for other people by acknowledging the importance of their historical experiences and culture. (PSVS).

Recognize that understanding theinterrelationships among history,climate, resources and cultural patterns can lead to betterunderstandings of different cultural groups. (PSVS) Promote the ability to analyze and understand a social problem, and to design and carry out a plan of action. (CCT,IL)

Enable students to think for themselves as they examine various sides of an Issue by role-playing simulations. (CCT) Explore social and economic inequities and their effects on peoples of the world. (PSVS). Construct clear, achievable goals and plan to meet them. (IL)

Abbreviations for Common Essential Learnings: C - Communication, N - Numeracy, CCT - Critical and Creative Thinking, TL - Technological Literacy, PSVS - Personal and Social Values and Skills, IL - Independent Living