Grade: 7
Length: two semesters
Prerequisites: none
This yearlong global geography course combines the physical and human systems of the world. This course will develop learners’ skills using an inquiry-based approach to geography. Through geographical reasoning, learners will use spatial and environmental perspectives to ask and answer questions about their local and global environments, and to participate in problem-solving and societal decision making. They will acquire the skills necessary to navigate a complex and interdependent world. Learners in this course will analyze the physical, human, and environmental geography of various regions of the world, and evaluate the interdependent relationships and challenges facing human systems in order to solve problems and make decisions.
Communication
GL.1 The learner will demonstrate the ability to read a variety of texts fluently and critically by using a variety of strategies in order to evaluate arguments, biases, intended audience, and purpose.
7C.1 The learner will read for understanding and to construct historical meaning.
The learner will:
Cite specific evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources.
Determine the central ideas or information of primary or secondary sources, and provide an accurate summary of the sources, distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.
Identify key steps in a text’s description of a process, related to history/social studies (e.g., how a bill becomes a law or how interest rates are raised or lowered).
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary specific to domains related to history/social studies.
Identify aspects of a text that reveal an author’s point of view or purpose (e.g., loaded language or inclusion or avoidance of particular facts).
Analyze the relationship between a primary and secondary source on the same topic.
C3
D1.1-5.6-8
AK Cultural
A.5, B.2-3, E.3, 5
AASL
III.A.1-3, V.A.1-3, VI.A.1-3, I.B.1-3, III.B.1-2, IV.B.1-4, VI.B.1-3, III.C.1-3, VI.C.1-2, I.D.1-4, II.D.1-3, IV.D.1-3, IV.D.1-3, V.D.1-3, VI.D.1-3,
ISTE
1.d., 3, 7.a-b
AK Digital Literacy
6-12.EL.4, 6-12.KC.1-4, 6-12.GC.1-4
Social Studies Processes, Knowledge, and Skills
GL.4 The learner will develop research skills by selecting, evaluating, and synthesizing information from varied sources in order to effectively communicate using reasoning and sufficient evidence, both orally and in writing.
7C.2 The learner will produce clear and coherent writing, to include a strong thesis statement and supporting historical evidence.
The learner will:
Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content.
Write a thesis statement – introduce precise claims/thesis and create an organization that establishes a clear relationship between the claim and support/reasoning.
Develop the topic with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.
Use appropriate and varied transitions to create cohesion, and clarify the relationship among ideas and concepts.
Use precise vocabulary and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain a topic.
Establish and maintain a formal style.
Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from, and supports, the argument presented.
With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.
C3
D1.1-5.6-8
AK Digital Literacy
6-12.ID.3, 6-12.ID.4
AASL
I.B.1-3, II.B.1-3, III.B.1-2, IV.B.1-4, V.B.1-3, VI.B.1-2, I.C.1-4, II.C.1-2, III.C.1-2, IV.C.1-3, V.C.1-3, VI.C.1-2, I.D.1-4, II.D.1-3, III.D.1-2, IV.D.1-3, V.D.1-3, VI.D.1-3
ISTE
4.c-d
7C.3 The learner will conduct research to answer a question or solve a problem.
The learner will:
Conduct short research projects to answer a question, including a self-generated question, drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions that allow for multiple avenues of exploration.
Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, and use search terms effectively.
Assess the credibility and accuracy of each source.
Quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism, and follow a standard format for citation.
C3
D1.1-5.6-8
AK Cultural
A.3, A.5, B.2, B.3, B.4, D.5, E.6, E.7, E.8
AASL
I.A.1-2, II.A.1-3, III.A.1-3, IV.A. 1-3,V.A.1-3, VI.A.1-3, I.B.1-3, II.B.1-3, III.B.1-2, IV.B.1-4, V.B.1-3, VI.B.1-2, I.C.1-4, II.C.1-2, III.C.1-2, IV.C.1-3, V.C.1-3, VI.C.1-2, I.D.1-4, II.D.1-3, III.D.1-2, IV.D.1-3, V.D.1-3, VI.D.1-3
AK Digital Literacy
6-12.DC.3
ISTE
1.c, 2.b, 3, 4.b, 5.c, 6, 7.b-c
(This can be taught as an introductory, stand-alone unit. These skills should be revisited and enriched throughout the course.)
Historical
GL.3 The learner will understand how historical events impact the modern era by applying historical inquiry skills in order to understand the forces of change and make informed decisions.
7C.4 The learner will understand the diversity and productivity of cultures and environments.
The learner will:
Analyze the diverse cultural characteristics of the people of the world.
C3
D2.Geo.1-2.6-8,
D2.Geo.10-12.6-8,
D2.Geo.6.6-8
AK Cultural
A.5, B.1-4, E.1
Culture Fair/ Global Village
Geography
GL.6 The learner will understand their place in the world and interdependent relationships by using geographic reasoning and thinking skills in order to evaluate global problems and propose solutions.
7C.5 The learner will describe the consequences of human-environment interaction, and evaluate their impact on human and environmental systems.
The learner will:
Explain how physical features affect climate, population distribution, and economics.
Define elevation and explain how it affects climates along similar lines of latitude.
C3
D2.Geo.2.6-8
AK Cultural
E.1, 5-8
7C.6 The learner will read, interpret, construct, use, and apply information from a variety of maps, charts, globes, and navigational tools.
The learner will:
Identify basic physical forms and systems of the Earth.
Construct, apply, and interpret a variety of maps and their components.
Construct, apply, and interpret charts and graphs.
Define, compare, and appropriately use absolute and relative location.
Identify countries and locate various sites using absolute and relative location.
C3
D2.Civ.1.6-8 D2.Civ.3.6-8, D2.Civ.6.6-8, D2.Eco.1.6-8, D2.Eco.3.6-8
AK Cultural
E.2
7C.7 The learner will identify features and processes, both human and physical, and explain their impact on human activity, climate, and the surrounding environment.
The learner will:
Identify basic human systems of the Earth.
Explain the impact on human activity, climate, and the surrounding environment.
C3
D2.Geo.1-2.6-8
AK Cultural
D.5-6, E.2
7C.8 The learner will analyze the movement of people, goods, and ideas.
The learner will:
Explain the connection between population and resources and how this changes over time.
C3
D2.Geo.8.6-8
AK Cultural
B.2-4
Various “Create Your Own Country” projects
Create a map including required elements of classroom or bedroom
Kagan Match-Mine or Rally Coach longitude and latitude
Longitude and latitude (absolute location): Using an orange and a Sharpie, each learner draws the world as they currently see it. Next, they peel their orange. The seams of the orange represent lines of longitude and latitude. Learners may then eat their orange.
River systems – identify and illustrate parts of a stream. Describe how and why a stream develops. Design your own stream.
Make and use geographic tools (e.g., compass, astro-lab, GPS)
Measure and map distances
Participate in the Geography Bee
GeoHive – useful website for researching geographic and country data, demographic information, and global trends (https://geohive.ie/)
Human Battleship
Compass Walk
Historical
GL.3 The learner will understand how historical events impact the modern era by applying historical inquiry skills in order to understand the forces of change and make informed decisions.
7C.4 The learner will understand the diversity and productivity of cultures and environments.
The learner will:
Describe how major historical events have influenced and changed the region.
Trace the rise and fall over time of various governments within the region.
C3
D2.His.2.6-8, D2.His.9-15.6-8,
D2.Civ.6.6-8, D2.Civ.14.6-8
D2.Geo.1.6-8, D2.Geo.4.6-8,
D2.Eco.1-2.6-8, D2.Eco.6-9.6-8, D2.Eco.14-15.6-8
AK Cultural
A.1, 7, B.2, D.4, E.1, 8
Geography
GL.6 The learner will understand their place in the world and interdependent relationships by using geographic reasoning and thinking skills in order to evaluate global problems and propose solutions.
7C.5 The learner will describe the consequences of human-environment interaction, and evaluate their impact on human and environmental systems.
The learner will:
Describe how major historical events have influenced and changed the region.
C3
D2.His.1 & 3.6-8, D2.Civ.6.6-8, D2.Civ.13-14.6-8, D2.Eco.1.6-8,
D2.Eco.14-15.6-8
AK Cultural
E.2
7C.6 The learner will read, interpret, construct, use, and apply information from a variety of maps, charts, globes, and navigational tools.
The learner will:
Identify economic and political alliances among European nations.
Trace population growth and decline over time.
C3
D2.Geo.1-3.6-8, D2.Geo.5-6.6-8
AK Cultural
E.2
7C.7 The learner will identify features and processes, both human and physical, and explain their impact on human activity, climate, and the surrounding environment.
The learner will:
Describe economic, political, and cultural changes within the region.
Describe and explain the origins of conflict and compromise within the region.
C3
D2.His.2-4.6-8,
D2.His.14-15.6-8,
D2.Civ.3.6,
D2.Civ.14.6-8,
D2.Geo.9.6-8
AK Cultural
A.4-5
7C.8 The learner will analyze the movement of people, goods, and ideas.
The learner will:
Describe Europe’s influence on other cultures, economies, and governments within various historic eras.
C3
D2.His.2.6-8,
D2.His.9-15.6-8,
D2.Civ.14.6-8
AK Cultural
A.6-7
Read a biography from the Renaissance era.
Venn diagram – types of government
Trans-Siberian Railroad.
Historical
GL.3 The learner will understand how historical events impact the modern era by applying historical inquiry skills in order to understand the forces of change and make informed decisions.
7C.4 The learner will understand the diversity and productivity of cultures and environments.
The learner will:
Identify and describe major cultural and religious groups, and explain their impact on the region.
C3
D2.His.1-2.6-8, D2.His.14-16.6-8, D2.Civ.10.6-8, D2.Geo.4.6-8, D2.Geo.7-9.6-8, D2.Geo.12.6-8
AK Cultural
E.3-5
Geography
GL.6 The learner will understand their place in the world and interdependent relationships by using geographic reasoning and thinking skills in order to evaluate global problems and propose solutions.
7C.5 The learner will describe the consequences of human-environment interaction, and evaluate their impact on human and environmental systems.
The learner will:
Describe how diverse climate systems affect human activities throughout the region.
Explain how various countries are addressing environmental issues resulting from human actions.
C3
D2.Civ.10.6-8, D2.Civ.12.6-8, D2.Geo.4.6-8, D2.Geo.8.6-8, D2.Geo.11.6-8, D2.Eco.1.6-8
AK Cultural
E.2-5
7C.6 The learner will read, interpret, construct, use, and apply information from a variety of maps, charts, globes, and navigational tools.
The learner will:
Construct, apply, and interpret charts and graphs.
Construct, apply, and interpret a variety of maps and their components.
C3
D2.Geo.1-2.6-8
AK Cultural
A.1, E.2
7C.7 The learner will identify features and processes, both human and physical, and explain their impact on human activity, climate, and the surrounding environment.
The learner will:
Describe how physical features affect climate, population distribution, and the economy.
C3
D2.Geo.6.6-8,
D2.Geo.10-11.6-8,
D2.Geo.11.6-8
AK Cultural
E.2-5
7C.8 The learner will analyze the movement of people, goods, and ideas.
The learner will:
Describe population trends within the region, their consequences, and how governments react to them.
Identify and describe the factors that have led to the continuing growth of economics.
C3
D2.His.1-2.6-8,
D2.His.14-26.6-8,
D2.Civ.10.6-8,
D2.Geo.7-9.6-8,
D2.Geo.12.6-8
AK Cultural
B.2-4
Gooru – early China, early India (https://gooru.org/welcome/)
Silk Road Google Earth tour (https://www.google.com/earth/)
Religion flipbook/foldable
Historical
GL.3 The learner will understand how historical events impact the modern era by applying historical inquiry skills in order to understand the forces of change and make informed decisions.
7C.4 The learner will understand the diversity and productivity of cultures and environments.
The learner will:
Identify and describe major cultural and religious groups, and explain their impact on the region.
C3
D2.His.1-2.6-8, D2.His.14-16.6-8, D2.Civ.10.6-8,
D2.Geo.4.6-8, D2.Geo.7-9.6-8, D2.Geo.12.6-8
AK Cultural
A.1, 7, B.2, D.4, E.1, 8
Geography
GL.6 The learner will understand their place in the world and interdependent relationships by using geographic reasoning and thinking skills in order to evaluate global problems and propose solutions.
7C.5 The learner will describe the consequences of human-environment interaction, and evaluate their impact on human and environmental systems.
The learner will:
Analyze how population distribution correlates to climate and natural resource availability.
Identify and describe major cultural and religious groups, and explain their impact on the region.
C3
D2.Geo.5-6.6-8,
D2.Geo.8.6-8,
D2.Geo.10-12.6-8,
D2.Eco.1.6-8,
D2.Eco.3-9.6-8
AK Cultural
E.2
7C.6 The learner will read, interpret, construct, use, and apply information from a variety of maps, charts, globes, and navigational tools.
The learner will:
Analyze the political, economic, and cultural role of the Middle East due to its global location.
C3
D2.Geo.9-12.6-8,
D2.Eco.14-15.6-8
AK Cultural
A.1, E.2
7C.7 The learner will identify features and processes, both human and physical, and explain their impact on human activity, climate, and the surrounding environment.
The learner will:
Analyze how population distribution correlates to climate and natural resource availability.
C3
D2.Geo.6.6-8,
D2.Geo.10-11.6-8,
D2.Eco.1.6-8
AK Cultural
D.5-6, E.2
7C.8 The learner will analyze the movement of people, goods, and ideas.
The learner will:
Describe how religious divisions and historical events have led to major conflicts.
Evaluate trading partners and policies of Middle East oil, and how this has impacted world economics.
C3
D2.His.1-2.6-8,
D2.His.9-11.6-8,
D2.His.14-16.6-8,
D2.Civ.3.6-8,
D2.Civ.6.6-8,
D2.Civ.13.6-8
Historical
GL.3 The learner will understand how historical events impact the modern era by applying historical inquiry skills in order to understand the forces of change and make informed decisions.
7C.4 The learner will understand the diversity and productivity of cultures and environments.
The learner will:
Identify and describe ocean currents and their impact on human migration, environmental issues, and climate.
Geography
GL.6 The learner will understand their place in the world and interdependent relationships by using geographic reasoning and thinking skills in order to evaluate global problems and propose solutions.
7C.5 The learner will describe the consequences of human-environment interaction, and evaluate their impact on human and environmental systems.
The learner will:
Describe the influence of imperialism on Indigenous culture and the physical environment.
C3
D2.His.1-2.6-8,
D2.His.9-11.6-8,
D2.His.14-166-8,
D2.Civ.3.6-8,
D2.Civ.6.6-8,
D2.Civ.13.6-8
AK Cultural
A.1, E.2
7C.6 The learner will read, interpret, construct, use, and apply information from a variety of maps, charts, globes, and navigational tools.
The learner will:
Identify and describe ocean currents and their impact on human migration, environmental issues, and climate.
Accurately identify the absolute location of various sites, mindful of Oceania’s unique location relative to the equator and antemeridian (180° longitude).
Accurately identify longitude and latitude.
C3
D2.Geo.1-3.6-8,
D2.Geo.5.6-8
AK Cultural
A.1, E.2
7C.7 The learner will identify features and processes, both human and physical, and explain their impact on human activity, climate, and the surrounding environment.
The learner will:
Identify and explain population patterns within the region.
C3
D2.Geo.7-8.6-8,
D2.Geo.12.6-8,
D2.Eco.1.6-8
7C.8 The learner will analyze the movement of people, goods, and ideas.
The learner will:
Describe the conflict and compromise that resulted from colonization and decolonization.
C3
D2.Civ.6.6-8, D2.Civ.13-14.6-8, D2.His.1-2.6-8, D2.His.9-11.6-8, D2.His.14-16.6-8, D2.Geo.12.6-8, D2.Geo.9.6-8, D2.Geo.7.6-8
AK Cultural
B.2-4
Historical
GL.3 The learner will understand how historical events impact the modern era by applying historical inquiry skills in order to understand the forces of change and make informed decisions.
7C.4 The learner will understand the diversity and productivity of cultures and environments.
The learner will:
Identify and describe major cultural and religious groups, and explain their impact on the region.
Compare and contrast subsistence lifestyles, both within the region and to other lifestyles around the world.
C3
D2.His.1-2 & 14-16.6-8,
D2.Civ.10.6-8,
D2.Geo.4.6 & 7-8-8,
D2.Geo.12.6-8
AK Cultural
A1, A7, B1-2, D4, E1, E8
Geography
GL.6 The learner will understand their place in the world and interdependent relationships by using geographic reasoning and thinking skills in order to evaluate global problems and propose solutions.
7C.5 The learner will describe the consequences of human-environment interaction, and evaluate their impact on human and environmental systems.
The learner will:
Explain the historical and contemporary significance of polar exploration.
Explain how and why environmental changes in the Polar region affect the climate and environment in other regions.
C3
D2.His.1-2.6-8,
D2.His.14.6-8,
D2.Eco.1.6-8
AK Cultural
A1, E2
7C.6 The learner will read, interpret, construct, use, and apply information from a variety of maps, charts, globes, and navigational tools.
The learner will:
Identify landforms that are unique to the region.
Trace the expansion and retreat of sea ice and glaciers over time.
C3
D2.Geo.1-3 & 5-6.6-8,
D2.Geo.9.6-8
AK Cultural
A1, E2
7C.7 The learner will identify features and processes, both human and physical, and explain their impact on human activity, climate, and the surrounding environment.
The learner will:
Describe the climate of the northern and southern polar regions, and explain why those climates are different from other regions of the world.
Accurately identify the absolute and relative locations of various sites, mindful of the regions’ unique location at the geographic poles of the earth.
Compare and contrast polar cultures and environment within the region and to other cultures on similar latitudes and longitudes.
C3
D2.Geo.1-3.6-8, D2.Geo.5.6-8
AK Cultural
A1, E2
7C.8 The learner will analyze the movement of people, goods, and ideas.
The learner will:
Explain the connection between population and resources and how this changes over time.
Compare and contrast great circle distance and shortest distance in the context of global travel within and through the region.
C3
D2.Geo.7-8.6-8
AK Cultural
A1, E5
Historical
GL.3 The learner will understand how historical events impact the modern era by applying historical inquiry skills in order to understand the forces of change and make informed decisions.
7C.4 The learner will understand the diversity and productivity of cultures and environments.
The learner will:
Identify and describe major cultural and religious groups, and explain their impact on the region.
Identify factors that have contributed to political unrest this region has experienced since decolonization.
C3
D2.His.1-2.6-8,
D2.His.14-16.6-8,
D2.Civ.10.6-8,
D2.Geo.4.6-8,
D2.Geo.7-9.6-8,
D2.Geo.12.6-8
AK Cultural
A.1, 7, B.2, D.4, E.1, 8
Geography
GL.6 The learner will understand their place in the world and interdependent relationships by using geographic reasoning and thinking skills in order to evaluate global problems and propose solutions.
7C.5 The learner will describe the consequences of human-environment interaction, and evaluate their impact on human and environmental systems.
The learner will:
Explain the environmental issues across the continent and the effects.
C3
D2.Civ.10.6-8, D2.Geo.4-6.6-8, D2.Geo.8-10.6-8, D2.Geo.12.6-8
AK Cultural
A.1, E.2
7C.7 The learner will identify features and processes, both human and physical, and explain their impact on human activity, climate, and the surrounding environment.
The learner will:
Explain the impact of location, climate, physical characteristics, and natural resources on population distribution in Africa.
Explain how the distribution of natural resources affects economic development.
Identify and describe the various climates of Africa.
C3
D2.Eco.1.6-8, D2.Eco.3-9.6-8, D2.Geo.5-6.6-8, D2.Geo.8.6.-8, D2.Geo.10.6-8,
D2.His.1-2.6-8, D2.His.14.6-8, D2.Eco.1.6-8
AK Cultural
D.5-6. E.2
7C.8 The learner will analyze the movement of people, goods, and ideas.
The learner will:
Identify and analyze economic, political, and cultural interactions between and within African civilizations and nations.
Compare and contrast the processes and impacts of colonization and decolonization.
C3
D2.His.1-2.6-8, D2.His.9-11.6-8, D2.His.14-16.6-8, D2.Civ.6.6-8, D2.Civ.13-14.6-8, D2.Geo.8-9.6-8, D2.Geo.4.6-8, D2.Geo.6.6-8
AK Cultural
B.2-4
Historical
GL.3 The learner will understand how historical events impact the modern era by applying historical inquiry skills in order to understand the forces of change and make informed decisions.
7C.4 The learner will understand the diversity and productivity of cultures and environments.
The learner will:
Identify and describe major cultural and religious groups, and explain their impact on the region.
C3
D2.His.1-2.6-8, D2.His.14-16.6-8, D2.Civ.10.6-8,
D2.Geo.4.6-8, D2.Geo.7-9.6-8, D2.Geo.12.6-8
AK Cultural
A.1, 7, B.2, D.4, E.1, 8
Geography
GL.6 The learner will understand their place in the world and interdependent relationships by using geographic reasoning and thinking skills in order to evaluate global problems and propose solutions.
7C.5 The learner will describe the consequences of human-environment interaction, and evaluate their impact on human and environmental systems.
The learner will:
Identify major natural resources and describe their impact on various economies.
Explain how North American countries are responding to environmental issues.
C3
D2.Eco.1.6-8. D2.Eco.3-9.6-8. D2.Geo.10.6-8. D2.Geo.12.6-8
AK Cultural
A.1, E.2
7C.7 The learner will identify features and processes, both human and physical, and explain their impact on human activity, climate, and the surrounding environment.
The learner will:
Compare and contrast the various cultural, linguistic, political, and physical regions of North America.
Identify major physical features of North America and describe their influence on climate and human activity.
C3
D2.Geo.4.6-8, D2.geo.6.6-8, D2.Geo.7-8.6-8, D2.Geo.10.6-8,
D2.Eco.1.6-8. D2.Eco.3-9.6-8
7C.8 The learner will analyze the movement of people, goods, and ideas.
The learner will:
Compare and contrast the processes and impacts of colonization and decolonization.
Describe North American’s internal and global economic relationships.
Describe economic and political conditions that motivate people to migrate.
C3
D2.Geo.9-11.6-8, D2.Geo.12.6-8,
D2.Eco.1.6-8, D2.Eco.3-4.6-8, D2.Eco.6-7.6-8, D2.Eco.11-15.6-8,
D2.Civ.3.6-8
Gooru – ancient Americas (https://gooru.org/welcome/)
State reports
Kids Voting
Historical
GL.3 The learner will understand how historical events impact the modern era by applying historical inquiry skills in order to understand the forces of change and make informed decisions.
7C.4 The learner will understand the diversity and productivity of cultures and environments.
The learner will:
Compare and contrast diverse sub-groups within the region.
C3
D2.Geo.4.6-8, D2.Geo.6-8.6-8, D2.Geo.10.6-8
AK Cultural
A.1, A.7, B.2, D.4, E.1, 8
Geography
GL.6 The learner will understand their place in the world and interdependent relationships by using geographic reasoning and thinking skills in order to evaluate global problems and propose solutions.
7C.5 The learner will describe the consequences of human-environment interaction, and evaluate their impact on human and environmental systems.
The learner will:
Identify European, Indigenous, and African influences on the development of culture over time.
C3
D2.His.1-2.6-8, D2.His.4-6.6-8, D2.Geo.10.6-8, D2.Geo.12.6-8, D2.Geo.8-9.6-8, D2.Geo.6.6-8, D2.Civ.3.6-8, D2.Civ.6.6-8, D2.Civ.13-14.6-8
AK Cultural
A.1, E.2
7C.7 The learner will identify features and processes, both human and physical, and explain their impact on human activity, climate, and the surrounding environment.
The learner will:
Describe major environmental threats and their causes and effects.
Identify major physical features of South America, and describe their influence on climate and human activity.
C3
D2.Eco.1.6-8, D2.Eco.3-4.6-8, D2.Eco.6-7.6-8, D2.Eco.11-15.6-8, D2.Geo.11.6-8, D2.Civ.3.6-8
AK Cultural
D.5-6, E.2
7C.8 The learner will analyze the movement of people, goods, and ideas.
The learner will:
Describe economic and political conditions that motivate people to migrate.
AK Cultural
B.2-4