Unit 1: The World of Geography

In this unit children will answer the essential question: Why does geography matter?

Children will…

● identify continents, oceans and hemispheres by using globes and maps

● use structural features of a map such as title, legend or key, compass, cardinal and intermediate directions, grid and scale and will include political, physical, vegetation and resource maps

● compare photograph information found in satellite images

● examine where selected communities are located in relation to equator, Tropic of Cancer, Tropic of Capricorn, Arctic Circle and Antarctic Circle

● examine geographic factors, physical features and climate and how this affects lifestyle and how/why people adapt

Units 2-4 Case Study of Three Countries Around the World

In these units children will answer the essential questions: How do culture, geography and history shape a community? How are world communities the same? How are they different?

Children will…

● apply their knowledge from Unit 1 to all selected countries studied

● compare each community’s features to the United States

● consider specific country’s geographic location and features and compare and contrast them to the United States

● examine legends, folktales, oral histories, biographies and historical narratives to learn about important individuals and events

● consider how technology and human activities have altered the environment and explore actions that are being taken to protect the environment

● explore the arts, music, dance, and literature

● compare and contrast the structure and activities of families and schools in each selected community with their own

● learn about languages spoken, customs, traditions, religious beliefs, practices, holidays and festivals and compare and contrast to their own community

● explore people, goods and ideas and their effect on their community

● study government and how leaders are selected in order to compare and contrast with the United States Government

● explore the role of the citizen in each of the selected communities and compare and contrast to the United States

● examine human rights, prejudice and discriminations and steps people can take to change

● investigate available resources and how these resources meet basic needs and wants, such as food, clothing and shelter and the concepts of surplus and scarcity

● inquire how people earn a living

● determine what goods and services are provided (imported) and produced (exported) to other communities

● explore concepts of supply and demand, transportation and communication, and how they influence the community

Unit 5 Human Rights: How Children Can Help Change the World

In this unit children will explore human rights issues as they relate to children in communities around the world. Children will…

• identify basic universal human rights and how they are protected or violated around the world • investigate ways in which people around the world advocate for human rights

• explore ways in which people can protect their own rights and those of others