Learning Goals

Basic I can define and explain the importance of these key geographic terms: absolute
Geography location, distortion, map projection, relative location.

Semester 1: I can understand the difference between absolute and relative location.
first 3 weeks
I can locate major parallels and meridians.

I can use latitude and longitude to determine absolute location.

I can measure distance using scale.

I can identify continents and oceans for a given hemisphere.

I can design a map with basic map components (title, legend, compass rose, grid
system, scale).

Core concepts I can

ongoing
1.Analyze a map to draw conclusions about life in
Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa.

2. Determine the strengths and weaknesses of various types of

government.

3.Analyze a current event determine how cultural traditions

impacted the point of view of those involved.

4.Compare how traditional, command, and market economies

answer the economic questions of
(1) what to produce, (2) how to produce, and (3) for whom to
produce.

5.Compare and contrast different economic systems

6. Evaluate how the literacy rate affects the standard of living

7. Describe how land and religion are reasons for continuing

conflicts
Southwest I can
Asia

Semester 1 -Explain how water pollution and the unequal distribution of water
impacts irrigation and drinking water.

-Explain the diversity of religions within the

Arabs, Persians, and Kurds

-Compare and contrast the prominent religions in Southwest Asia

(Middle East): Judaism, Islam, and Christianity.

-Explain the reason for the division between Sunni and Shia
Muslims.

-Explain the historical reasons for the establishment of the modern

State of Israel in 1948

-Explain U.S. presence and interest in Southwest Asia; include the

Persian Gulf conflict and invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.

Africa
I can
Semester 2

1.Explain how the European partitioning across Africa contributed to

conflict, civil war, and artificial political boundaries
2. Explain how nationalism led to independence in
South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria.

3. Explain the creation and end of apartheid in South Africa and the roles of
Nelson Mandela and F.W.de Klerk.

4.Explain the impact of the Pan-African movement.

5. Explain how water pollution and the unequal distribution of water impacts
irrigation, trade, industry, and drinking water.
 6. Explain the relationship between poor soil and deforestation in Sub-Saharan
Africa.

7. Explain the impact of desertification on the environment of Africa from the

Sahel to the rainforest.

South & South I can..

East Asia

Semester 2 *Locate and label geographic features of India and China (Ganges River, Indus River,
Himalayas, Gobi Desert, Chang Jiang River, Huang He River)
*Compare and contrast the major religions of India (Hinduism and Buddhism)
*Complete a timeline of Buddha's life and describe his basic teachings and how
Buddhism began
*Explain India's caste system
*Explain the Untouchables role in India
*Identify technological advances of China and explain their importance to Ancient
Chinese culture
*Compare and contrast the main Chinese philosophies-