Grade 9 : Issues in Canadian Geography, Academic
This course examines interrelationships within and between Canada’s natural and human systems and how these systems interconnect with those in other parts of the world. Students will explore environmental, economic, and social geographic issues relating to topics such as transportation options, energy choices, and urban development. Students will apply the concepts of geographic thinking and the geographic inquiry process, including spatial technologies, to investigate various geographic issues and to develop possible approaches for making Canada a more sustainable place in which to live.
UNIT CONTENT AND COURSES OF DELIVERY
Introduction to Canadian Geography (10 hrs)
This unit defines geography as an academic discipline, describes the subject matter that geographers study, and identifies the tools that geographers use in their investigations. Students learn about Canada’s geography and apply geographic thinking concepts to questions relating to Canada’s size and location, the natural environment, physical landscapes, and the people that have made Canada home, including where Canadians choose to live and work.
Canada's Natural Environment
This unit discusses various aspects of Canada’s natural environment, including: physical landscape and regional variation, weather and climate, Canada’s ecology, biospheres, vegetation, ecozones, and how these elements of the natural environment affect human geography, and vice versa.
Canada's Economic Development
The third unit explores Canada’s natural and human resources. It examines various industries in Canada and how resources and industries contribute to the economic development of Canada. Specifically, students learn about renewable and non-renewable resources, and Canada’s various economic sectors: primary, secondary, energy, as well as the service and knowledge sectors.
Canada's Changing Population
This unit provides an in-depth look at Canada’s population, including subjects such as: demography, population trends, interpreting statistics, immigration, global influences, a history of the various Aboriginal populations in Canada, settlement patterns, urbanization, and land use.
Livable Communities
Unit five addresses important topics such as sustainability and globalization. Students assess their own ecological footprints, as well as Canada’s footprint compared to other countries. The emphasis on sustainable food and resource practices prepares them for their final assessment project.
Project
For their final project, students apply course concepts to analyzing a global issue collaboratively with a partner. They will apply their research skills and consult a variety of media and literature to substantiate their claims. They will create a final media piece to present their findings (documentary, video presentation, PowerPoint, Prezi, etc.) This assignment is worth 15% of the student’s overall grade.
Exam
This is a proctored exam worth 15% of your final grade.
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