Perth Academy Geography Department Higher Exam CAN-DO CHECKLISTS The following pages tell you what you should know for each unit of the National 5 Geography course in order to prepare thoroughly for the exam. Read each can-do carefully. Do you know what it means, or what it is asking you to do? If you know for sure, tick () the box If you are not quite sure, put a question mark (?) in the box If you don t know at all, put an X in the box Complete the can-do list when you come to revise that unit. When you have done the box ticking exercise you will see what you know and what you don t know. Focus more of your revision on the can do s you have NOT ticked. These are your weak points and you will need to improve them before the exams. Repeat the exercise when you have revised the unit. This time there should be more ticks than question marks or crosses. Keep doing this until you get as many ticks as you can. Exam Skills 1. Exam date and format, exam technique I know the date and time of the exam I know how long the exam lasts I know how many questions to answer in each paper I know how long to spend on each question I know the format of each paper and what questions I have to answer I know the two (topics) questions I have to answer in Paper 2 I know how many marks the exam is out of I know the meaning of the following exam instructions:- Describe; Explain; Match; Give reasons; Account for;.. in detail; Give map evidence; Give advantages and/or disadvantages; I know that the best way of describing a graph is to give figures I know that illustrations in the exam are a good source of information I know that some questions ask you to use named examples you have studied, therefore I have to learn case studies.
I know that I should leave time to over answers to:- - See that they make sense - Are detailed enough for the marks - Have answered exactly what the question is asking I know the broad cut off figures for an A, B or C grade 2. Ordnance Survey Mapping I know the main Land Features OS symbols from the symbols sheet I know the roads and paths OS symbols from the symbols sheet I know the Railway features OS symbols from the symbols sheet I know the Water Features OS symbols from the symbols sheet I know the Rock Features OS symbols from the symbols sheet I know the Tourist Information OS symbols from the symbols sheet I know the Abbreviations OS symbols from the symbols sheet I know the Antiquities OS symbols from the symbols sheet. I can read 4 figure grid references I can read 6 figure grid references I can provide 4 and 6 figure grid references as map evidence I can measure distance using the scale line I can compare a cross section with the OS map to match named locations or features on the cross section. I know that the scale of a 1:50000 map is 2cm to 1km I know the 3 main ways to identify height on an OS map I know the vertical interval of contours on an OS map I know the area of one grid square on an OS map I can identify river, glaciated, limestone and coastal landforms on an OS map I describe the main features of river, glaciated, limestone and coastal landscapes on an OS map
Unit 1: Physical Environments Hydrosphere - Rivers and their Landscapes Hydrographs I can describe the main characteristics of a flood hydrograph I can analyse a flood hydrograph to determine if a river is likely to flood I can explain why some rivers are more likely to flood than others I can give reasons why there are differences between rural and urban areas Landscapes and Landforms I can describe the main features of the following landforms:- V -shaped valleys, waterfalls, meander, ox bow lake, levee I can use a diagram, a map and a photograph as a source for the description I can explain the following river erosion/deposition processes:- - corraision (abrasion), - hydraulic action - attrition - deposition due to reduced speed I can explain the formation of a V-shaped valley using these processes I can explain the formation of a waterfall using these processes I can explain the formation of a meander using these processes I can explain the formation of a ox-bow lake using these processes I can explain the formation of a levee using these processes I can identify river landforms on an OS map I should be able to draw a diagram if required, which will have annotations to explain how the landform was created. I can describe the main features of river landscapes on an OS map Land Uses in River Landscapes I can describe, in detail, the following land uses in river landscapes, including from an OS map Farming (lowland and upland farming) Forestry (commercial and scenic) Industry (factories, quarries) recreation and tourism water storage and supply (reservoirs) renewable energy (HEP and wind turbines) Lithosphere - Coastal Landscapes Landscapes and Landforms I can describe the main features of the following landforms:-
headlands, bays, caves, arches, stacks, stumps, needles, sandspit, sandbar, lagoon, tombolo I can use a diagram, a map and a photograph as a source for the description I can explain the following processes of coastal landscapes:- - Differential erosion (headlands and bays) - Chemical weathering/corrosion (caves, arches, stacks, stumps) - Hydraulic action (caves, arches, stacks, stumps) - Corrasion (caves, arches, stacks, stumps) - Longshore drift (sandspit, sandbar, tombolo) I can explain the formation of headlands and bays using these processes I can explain the formation of caves, arches, stacks and stumps using these processes I can explain the formation of sandspits, sandbars and tombolos using these processes I can identify coastal landforms on an OS map I should be able to draw a diagram if required, which will have annotations to explain how the landform was created. I can describe the main features of coastal landscapes on an OS map Land Uses in Coastal Landscapes I can describe, in detail, the following land uses in coastal landscapes, including from an OS map - Farming - Military - Industry (quarrying) - Recreation and tourism (walking, rock climbing, sightseeing, boating, historic attractions) - Renewable energy (wind and tidal) - Nature Reserves Lithosphere - Glaciated Landscapes Landscapes and Landforms I can describe the main features of the following landforms:- corrie, pyramidal peak, arête, u-shaped valley I can use a diagram, a map and a photograph as a source for the description I can explain the following processes of glaciated landscapes:- - Ice Plucking (process which makes land steep, rugged, jagged) - Abrasion (process which smooths and deepens corries and U shaped valleys, not as relevant for arêtes/pyramidal peaks) - Freeze Thaw Weathering (scree to loosen rock for ice plucking) I can explain the formation of a corrie using these processes I can explain the formation of a U shaped valley using these processes I can explain the formation of an arête using these processes
I can explain the formation of a pyramidal peak using these processes I can identify glacial landforms on an OS map I should be able to draw a diagram if required, which will have annotations to explain how the landform was created. I describe the main features of glacial landscapes on an OS map Land Uses in Glaciated Landscapes I can describe, in detail, the following land uses in glaciated landscapes, including from an OS map with particular reference to the Highlands (eg Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and the Ben Nevis/Fort William area) Farming (mainly sheep farming ) Commercial Forestry Industry (Near Fort William there is a paper mill, a distillery and an Alumninium factory) recreation and tourism (walking the West Highland Way, hill walking, mountain climbing, ski-ing, sightseeing) water storage and supply (reservoirs- for water supply and HEP) renewable energy (wind, HEP) Lithosphere Carboniferous Limestone Landscapes and Landforms I can describe the main features of the following landforms:- limestone pavement, gorge, swallow hole, surface drainage, stalagmites and stalactites I can use a diagram, a map and a photograph as a source for the description I can explain the following processes of glaciated landscapes:- - Carbonation (process which allows water to pass through the limestone) - Freeze Thaw Weathering (scree to loosen rock for ice plucking) I can explain the formation of a limestone pavement using these processes and rock permeability I can explain the formation of a gorge using these processes and rock permeability I can explain the formation of a swallow hole using these processes and rock permeability I can explain the formation of stalagmites and stalactites using these processes and rock permeability I can identify limestone landforms on an OS map I should be able to draw a diagram if required, which will have annotations to explain how the landform was created. I describe the main features of carboniferous limestone landscapes on an OS map Lithosphere Mass Movements
In relation to glaciated uplands, carboniferous limestone and coastal landscapes: I can draw annotated diagrams for scree slopes, rock falls, slumping and landslips I can describe each of the above mass movements I can explain the processes that cause these to occur Biosphere Soils In relation to all three soil types, gley, brown earth and podsol: I can draw a soil profile I can describe the properties of each soil I can explain how the soil is formed I can use my knowledge to compare the properties and formation factors for each soil Biosphere Sand Dune Succession (Psammoseres) I can describe the evolution of sand dunes from the strandline to the climax vegetation I can give named examples of plants found at each stage I can describe the conditions at each seral stage I can explain the changes in vegetation from strandline to climax vegetation I can give the meaning of climax vegetation Atmosphere Global Heat Budget I can describe the effects of the atmosphere on the receipt of solar radiation at the Earth s surface I can draw a diagram to show this I can explain the causes of latitudinal variations of solar radiation receipt I can draw a diagram to show this Atmospheric Circulation I can explain how air is circulated in the atmosphere to redistribute energy around the globe I can draw an annotated diagram to highlight this I can explain the influence of surface air pressure and wind belts in this process I can describe and explain the movement of air in each circulation cell Ocean circulation I can explain how ocean currents redistribute energy around the globe I can use named examples to highlight this Global Warming I can describe both human and physical causes of global warming
ITCZ I can offer potential consequences of global warming I can describe trends in CO 2 emissions and compare these to global temperature I can describe the main characteristics of the influencing air masses including their nature, origin and movement I can explain the influence of the ITCZ on rainfall distribution in West Africa
Population Unit 2: Human Environments I can describe patterns of population distribution from a world map and /or a country map using terms such as continents, countries, names of locations within a country, directions of locations (north west, south east etc) I know examples of world locations which are sparsely populated (eg tundra, deserts, rainforests, mountains I know examples of world locations which are densely populated (eg Europe, eastern North America, south east Asia, Indian sub continent) I can describe which parts of an area are densely populated and which are sparsely populated from a map I can explain examples of physical factors which influence population distribution - Temperature - Soils - Rainfall - Relief of land - Location near the sea I can explain examples of human factors which influence population distribution - Suitability for farming - Accessibility sea transport, road etc - Soils - Rainfall - Availability of natural resources Population Change I can describe patterns of birth and death rates in a developing country I can describe patterns of birth and death rates in a developed country I can explain the main factors affecting birth rates in a developing country like Kenya:- - Children bringing in an income - Lack of pensions, services for older people - Less availability of contraception - High infant mortality rate - Lack of technology in farming I can explain the main factors affecting birth rates in a developed country like Scotland:- - Compulsory education to at least 16 - Laws against child labour - High cost of living (mortgages etc) - Desire for a higher standard of living - More rights for women, better education for women and more women wanting a career
- Later marriage - Easier availability of contraception and family planning I can explain the main factors affecting death rates in a developing country like Kenya:- - Fewer hospitals and doctors - Poverty and less government income - Less health care for expectant mothers and new born babies - Poverty and food - Lack of clean water - Disease eg Malaria I can explain the main factors affecting death rates in a developed country like Scotland:- - Higher incomes and taxation levels - Can afford a NHS, more hospitals, doctors, nurses, medicines - Better food/diet - More health education - Higher standard of living, higher quality of life I can describe the numbers in different age categories in a population pyramid by selecting example figures from young, working age, and older age groups I can explain differences in age categories in a population pyramid using factors affecting birth and death rates plus life expectancy I can compare two population pyramids developed with developing country I can compare two population pyramids of the one country at different times Demographic Systems I can describe ways in which population data can be collected I can explain why it may be difficult to collect this information in some countries I can describe and explain population structures from population pyramids I can describe population change and birth and death rates in the Demographic Transition Model I know what birth and death rates are like in the different stages of the Demographic Transition Model I can give reasons for birth and death rates in different stages of the Demographic Transition Model Migration I can describe and explain the following types of migration: - Voluntary migration - Forced migration - Rural-Urban migration
Rural I can use case studies of Poland to UK and Turkey to West Germany to highlight the benefits and problems of international migration for both the host and donor countries Agricultural Systems I can describe the inputs, processes and outputs of: - Shifting cultivation - Commercial arable farming - Intensive peasant farming I can use named examples to compare these systems Rural Landscapes I can describe the rural landscapes mentioned above: - Field pattern - Infrastructure etc. Rural Change (post 1950) I can describe changes to the systems and landscapes of the agricultural system named above: - Shifting cultivation impact of deforestation - Commercial arable impact of government policy - Intensive peasant Green Revolution The Green Revolution: I can describe and explain the advantages and disadvantages of Genetically Modified crops (GM) on the rural landscape of a less developed country (LDC), eg GM crops and food needs. I can describe and explain the advantages and disadvantages of the impact of new technology on the rural landscape of a less developed country (LDC) I can describe and explain the advantages and disadvantages of biofuels on the rural landscape of a developing country Impact of Government Policy: I can describe examples - of diversification of farming - mechanisation/technology - organic farming - GM crops - Government policies I can explain why government policies encouraged farmers to diversify (diversification) and what advantages it brings the farmers. I can describe and explain the advantages and disadvantages of the impact of new technology on the rural landscape of a developed country eg mechanisation of farms/agribusiness I can describe and explain the advantages and disadvantages of organic farming on the rural landscape of a developed country I can describe and explain the advantages and disadvantages of GM crops on the rural landscape of a developed country
I can describe and explain the effects government policies have on the rural landscape of a developed country - Quotas Impact of Deforestation: I can explain the reasons why deforestation is happening I can highlight the problems deforestation is causing to: - Traditional way of life - Landscape - Habitats Industry Industrial Systems I can define and give examples of primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary industries I can describe the main location factors for heavy industry I can describe the main location factors for light industry I can explain why heavy industry located in the valleys of South Wales I can explain the location of modern light industries Industrial Landscapes I can describe the characteristics of a heavy industrial landscape I can describe the characteristics of a light industrial landscape I can use OS maps to: - describe the location of current industry - compare two industrial areas - describe the landscapes of industrial areas Industrial Change Using named examples from South Wales: I can give reasons for the decline of heavy industry such as iron and steel making I can highlight the impact these changes had on the people and landscapes in those areas I can describe ways in which the government and the EU have attempted to regenerate old industrial areas Urban Urban Systems I can describe the location factors for a settlement I can describe the various functions of a settlement For a named city: I can describe the site and situation that led to its growth I can describe changing functions in the city in relation to its growth I can use OS maps to identify and compare suitable sites for a settlement by highlighting its advantages and disadvantages
I can use OS maps to identify reasons why a settlement has grown in a particular location Urban Zones I can describe the characteristics of the main urban zones: - CBD - Inner city - Suburbs - Rural-urban fringe - Greenbelt I can recognise these areas on an OS map I can compare the differences and similarities using an OS map Urban Change (post 1950) With reference to a named city: I can describe and explain the main changes in urban areas, including: - Out of town shopping centres and their impact on the CBD - Regeneration of the CBD e.g. landscaping and pedestrianising - Traffic management - Regeneration of former industrial areas
Unit 3: Environmental Interactions Candidates should answer only two environmental interactions from the 6 options given in paper 2. The two options in bold are the ones studied at Perth Academy Options are:- - Rural Land Resources (Paper 2 question 1) - Development and Health (Paper 2 question 6) - Rural Land Degradation - River Basin Management - Urban Change and its Management - European Regional Inequalities I know which 2 of the 6 options I answer questions on in the exam I know which numbers those two questions are in the exam I know not to answer questions on any of the other four topics. Question 1 Rural Land Resources YOU WILL NEED TO BE ABLE TO RECOGNISE AND EXPLAIN THE FORMATION OF ALL LANDSCAPE FEATURES FROM THE LITHOSPHERE! Land Use Conflicts Know a case study for each landscape type I know what is meant by a land use conflict I know examples of land use conflicts from case studies. Either Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park or the Lake District for Upland Glaciation; the Yorkshire Dales national Park for Carboniferous Limestone; and the Dorset coast for Coastal Landscapes I know examples of conflicts in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs or Lake District NP between land users such as:- - National Park authorities and unlawful camping, camp fires and partying - Quiet water sports (fishing, sailing) and noisy water sports (water skiing, powerboats) - Farmers/National Park authorities and some careless tourists ( litter etc) - HEP and National Park authorities/conservationists I can describe methods used to solve/limit these conflicts I can evaluate the effectiveness of these methods I know examples of conflicts in The Yorkshire Dales NP between land users such as:- - National Park authorities/ environmentalists/tourists and quarrying - Farmers/National Park authorities and careless tourists e.g. litter I can describe methods used to solve/limit these conflicts
I can evaluate the effectiveness of these methods I know examples of conflicts on The Dorset Coast between land users such as:- - Tourists being unable to access areas due to military exercises - Locals unhappy at congestion in villages I can describe methods used to solve/limit these conflicts I can evaluate the effectiveness of these methods I can describe the socio-economic opportunities provided by each of these landscape types (remember: link each opportunity to a feature e.g. boating on Lake Windermere which is a ribbon lake) I can describe why some National Parks receive more visitors than others Question 6 Development and Health Development Indicators Your case studies will come from developing countries I can accurately name both social and economic indicators including the unit of measurement I know the difference between single indicators of development and composite indicators such as HDI and PQLI I can describe the problems with using a single indicator and the benefits of a composite indicator to measure the development of a country I know which continents contain mainly developing countries and developed countries I know examples of developed countries and developing countries I know examples of social indicators of development such as:- - Health (hospital beds or numbers of people per doctor) - Literacy % - Population indicators such as birth, death, infant mortality rates, life expectancy - Population change natural increase/decrease I know how and why these social indicators are different in developed countries and developing countries I know examples of economic indicators of development such as:- - Gross National Product (GNP): the total amount of money from goods and services produced by a country in one year. - Percentage of working population (active population) employed in agriculture or industry. - Average per capita income (income per person). - Consumption of electricity per capita. - Trade patterns and balances I know how and why these economic indicators are different in developed countries and developing countries
Development Differences I can explain why differences exist in levels of development between different countries e.g. - Chad is land locked so trade is restricted which limits development - Saudi Arabia has natural resources such as oil which allows it to develop more - Tourism will boost wealth and development e.g. Thailand MAKE SURE YOU USE NAMED EXAMPLES!! I can explain why differences exist in levels of development within the same country (BRAZIL!) e.g. - Amazon Basin is a poor region due to its inhospitable climate and high level of disease (Malaria) - South East (golden triangle of Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte and Sao Paulo) is wealthy as Rio has a natural harbour which is good for trade and Copacabana beach which attracts tourists etc. MAKE SURE YOU USE NAMED EXAMPLES - 5 REGIONS WITHIN BRAZIL!! Disease - Malaria I can describe the human and physical factors necessary for the spread of the disease I can describe, using named examples, the methods used to control the disease I can comment of the effectiveness of these I can explain the benefits to a developing country of being able to control the disease Primary Health Care I know the basic premise behind PHC I can describe, using named examples, ways in which PHC strategies are used to improve health I can explain why PHC is a good way to improve health in developing countries Please see the next page for the Ordnance Survey 1:5000 map symbols