Northwestern Consolidated Schools of Shelby County Curriculum World Studies (Eastern Hemisphere) 7th Grade Prepared by Rich Ballard 2012-2013 1
Triton Central Middle School Vision Statement We are committed to providing and exiting, healthy, safe, and inspiring learning environment where staff, students, parents, and community think creatively and utilize teamwork to maximize learning and achievement. 2
Northwestern Consolidated Schools of Shelby County World Studies (Eastern Hemisphere) Narrative Description The purpose of the seventh grade social studies curriculum is to provide knowledge and understanding about the Eastern Hemisphere. A central theme of the course is the development of a global perspective in which students recognize that all people are interconnected and that no country is isolated from world events. KNOWLEDGE During the study of the Eastern Hemisphere, the following units will be studied: Introduction to Geography, Southwest and Central Asia, Africa, South and East Asia, and the Pacific Rim. These units expand the students knowledge of the Eastern hemisphere in relationship to the five themes of geography, economics, culture, governments, and history. Current issues related to the major regions included in the course will be explored while gaining an awareness of global perspectives. SKILLS Students will understand different points of view related to the past and present global issues of the regions in this course. Students will improve their ability to acquire, organize, interpret, analyze, summarize, and evaluate data related to the units of study. They will use, interpret, and construct various types of maps, charts, tables, graphs, timelines and visuals. Reading, writing, and thinking skills will be continually developed and reinforced through the use of alternative and authentic learning models. Students will learn to express informed and reasoned positions on regional and global issues. Media resources and technology will be used as tools for simulation and information gathering whenever appropriate. CORE DEMOCRATIC VALUES Students will deepen their understanding and apply democratic values in their consideration of global issues. They will consider developments involving values related to human rights and the dignity of all people. Students will broaden their appreciation and respect of cultural diversity and will include the historical development of human rights. CIVIC PARTICIPATION Students will be given the opportunity to reflect upon the global relationship which characterizes the world in which we live. They will be encouraged to participate in cooperative activities and group decision making. Students will use media and community resources, develop informed positions on issues, and may participate in a variety of service activities. 3
Northwestern Consolidated Schools of Shelby County Units of study by quarter with relevant data from assessments racked each quarter with relevant data entered each year Quarter 1 Units Titles Unit One: A Geographer s World Unit Two: Planet Earth Unit Three: The World s People (Culture) Length of Time 15 Days 13 Days 16 Days Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4 Unit Four: History of the Fertile Crescent Unit Five: Judaism and Christianity Unit Six: History of Islamic World Unit Seven: Southwestern Asia (Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow). Unit Eight : Ancient Egypt Unit Nine: Geography of Africa Unit Ten: History of India Unit Eleven: History of China Unit Twelve: Japan Unit Thirteen: World War I and Two Unit Fourteen: Vietnam War Unit Fifteen: The Rise of Modern China 11Days 12 Days 11 Days 10 Days 12Days 10 Days 10 Days 13 Days 10 Days 20 Days 5 Days 5 Days 4
Northwestern Consolidated Schools of Shelby County 7th Grade Social Studies Eastern World Studies Unit One : A Geographer s World Form of Assessments : ---Unit Pre-test ---Reading Section Quizzes ---Chapter Tests ---Bellringer (Critical Thinking) Questions ---End of Chapter Essay ---Unit Test During this unit students use the five themes of geography to explore the Eastern Hemisphere. The unit begins with the students analyzing a wide variety of maps of the Eastern Hemisphere using the themes of location, place, and region to understand the similarities and differences between the two hemispheres. They continue to explore different ways the Eastern Hemisphere can be divided into regions including both physical and cultural regions. Working in small groups, students gather information about significant physical features of the Eastern Hemisphere including landforms, bodies of water, and vegetation. A series of maps and graphic data describing the climate regions are used by pairs of students to construct climate graphs comparing two different places. The graphs and other data are used to make generalizations about the impact of climate on the people and culture of the regions. Building on the concept of human characteristics, students make additional generalizations regarding population and settlement patterns through an analysis of historical and modern maps as well as satellite images. Students then synthesize what they have learned in the unit during a lesson on human/environment interaction in which they explore various ways people have modified different environments in the Eastern Hemisphere as well as ways in which people have adapted to physical changes in the environment. Finally, students combine what they have learned about the geography of the Eastern and Western Hemispheres as they take a global look at the geography of Earth. Focus Questions 1. What are the significant physical and human characteristics of the Eastern Hemisphere? 2. How is the geography of the Eastern Hemisphere different from the geography of the Western Hemisphere? How is it alike? 3. How have humans used, adapted to, and modified different environments in the Eastern Hemisphere? 5
CourseTimeline Unit One: A Geographer s World INDIANA ACADEMIC STANDARDS FOR SOCIAL STUDIES, GRADE 7: 7.3.2 Locate capital cities in Africa, Asia, and the Southwest Pacific using latitude and longitude on maps and with locational technology such as Global Positioning Systems and Geographic Information Systems; 7.3.5 Explain how ocean currents and winds influence climate differences in Africa, Asia, and the Southwest Pacific and explain how they are adapted through industry, agriculture, and housing. 7.3.1 Identify and locate on maps the countries of Africa, Asia, and the Southwest Pacific. 1. Studying Geography Objectives: Students will learn that... 1. Geography is the study of the world, its people, and the landscapes they create. 2. Geographers look at the world in many different ways. 3. Maps and other tools help geographers study the planet. Vocabulary: geography, landscape, social science, region, map, globe Critical Thinking Question: Ask students how geography s methods and tools can increase understanding of other places. Lesson 1 Assessment: Quiz over assigned reading and lecture. 2. The Five Themes of Geography Objectives: Students will learn that... 1. The five themes of geography help us organize our studies of the world. 2. The six essential elements of geography highlight some of the subject s most important ideas. Vocabulary: absolute location, relative location, environment Activity: Have each student make a bookmark that lists the themes and elements of geography. 6
3. The Branches of Geography Objectives: Students will learn that... 1. Physical geography is the study of landforms, water bodies, and other physical features. 2. Human geography focuses on people, their cultures, and the landscapes they create. 3. Other branches of geography examine certain aspects of the physical or human world. Vocabulary: physical geography, human geography, cartography, meteorology Assessment: Unit Test 7
8