Unit 8
Oceania and Antarctica
UNDER CONSTRUCTION: Some pages might be updating to new curriculum for 7th and 8th grade
Oceania and Antarctica
In this unit, students Study and map the physical and human geography of Oceania and Antarctica. Topics include: The Physical and Human Geography of Oceania and Antarctica, Relative and Absolute Location: What Makes Australia Unique?, and The Pacific Islands and Antarctica: Life Surrounded by Ocean.
How can we describe the physical and human geography of Oceania and Antarctica?
How does a country’s location shape life within its borders?
The Pacific Islands and Antarctica: Life Surrounded by Ocean
Social Studies
Label physical and political maps of the region.
Use latitude and longitude to identify locations on a map.
Identify and describe characteristics of the region’s physical and human geography by using maps and charts.
Practice layering geographic information, similar to geographic information systems (GIS).
Compare and analyze information presented on different types of maps of the same region.
Examine how absolute location and relative location affect a place.
Analyze how location has played a role in shaping aspects of life in Australia.
Investigate the impact of location and other factors on threatened species worldwide.
Explain how the ocean affects life on islands in the Pacific.
Create an illustrated map depicting how physical and human geography affect life on three types of islands: continental islands, volcanic islands, and atolls.
Evaluate the overuse of ocean resources, and explain what is being done to protect oceans today.
Language Arts
Summarize information that is presented graphically in writing.
Support a claim with evidence and reasoning in writing.
Make and justify a claim orally.
Use reliable sources to find answers to specific questions.
Select relevant details to write summaries.
NJ Student Learning Standards for (Content Area):
6.3.8.CivicsPR.4:.Use evidence and quantitative data to propose or defend a public policy related to climate change.
7.PAaE.1.Using a variety of formats designed for a purpose and an authentic audience forms the basis for clear communication. Strong arguments contain claims with organized evidence and valid reasoning that respects the diversity of the world and the dignity of each person. Writing findings and engaging in civil discussion with an audience provides a key step in the process of thinking critically about conclusions and continued inquiry.
NJSLStandards - Technology and other content areas
Career Readiness, Life Literacies, and Key Skills Practices: Consider the environmental, social and
economic impacts of decisions. Activity: Students will identify the jobs that were used in Feudal Society and trace one’s history that is still a job in today’s society.
Career Ready Practice: 9.2.8.CAP.3: Explain how career choices, educational choices, skills, economic conditions, and personal behavior affect income.
8.1.8.DA.CI: People use digital devices and tools to automate the collection, use, and transformation of data.