Geography 12
What forces created and continue to influence the landscapes we see around us? What is the difference between a cirrus and cumulonimbus cloud? What will global warming mean for our planet? By the time you leave this course, you will have the answers to these questions and more!
Geography is the study of the earth as our home - the study of landscapes, environments, and people; how people affect the earth and how the earth affects people. This course is designed for students who wish to gain a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of the complex surroundings in which we live. During the course, you will be asked to examine your own values and attitudes as we study various geographic issues. Be prepared to work hard, but be prepared for all of the exciting things that you will learn about the world around you.
Geography 12 is divided into eight sections:
Section 1
Introduction to Geography
-the 5 themes of geography
-the earth’s spheres
Section 2
Tectonic Processes
-the earth’s layers
-volcanism
-earthquakes
-faulting and folding
-the effects of these processes on humans
Section 3
Gradational Processes
-weathering and mass wasting
-fluvial (running water), glacial, aeolian (wind) and coastal processes on the earth
-the effects of gradational processes on humans
Section 4
Weather and Climate
-layers of earth’s atmosphere
-factors affecting temperature, precipitation, air pressure and wind
-weather phenomena (daily and extreme events)
-interpreting weather maps and stations
-the world’s major climate regions
-human impact on atmospheric conditions (global warming, ozone depletion, acid precipitation)
Section 5
Biomes
-characteristics of earth’s major biomes, including vegetation and soil
-interactions between human activity and biomes (deforestation, desertification, soil degradation, species depletion)
Section 6
Resources and Environmental Sustainability
-considerations in resource management
-environmental impact of human activities
-energy production and use, forestry, fishing, mining, agriculture, waste disposal, water use
Section 7
Topographic Maps and Aerial Photo Interpretation
Section 8
Final exam review
Evaluation
Your school mark for Geography 12 will be based on the following:
Assignments (written, oral) - 45%
Tests and quizzes - 35%
Participation (discussions, group work, etc.) - 10%
Use of agenda book – 5%
There is an optional government exam at the end of this course, worth 40% of your overall mark. Please see a counselor early to see what the entry requirements are for the post-secondary institution that you will be attending.
All students will write a final class exam, covering the entire course.
The following structure will be used to determine your letter grade:
A = 86-100%
B = 73- 85 %
C+ = 67- 72 %
C = 60- 66 %
C- = 50-59 %
I = in progress or incomplete
F =given to students after an "I" has been previously assigned
Students issued an “I” will have the opportunity to write a comprehensive in-class examination in order to attempt to reach a passing grade of 50%. This examination will cover the learning outcomes for the part of the course for which the student has received the “I”. The examination will consist of several thematic essay-type questions on which the student will be asked to demonstrate his or her mastery of the learning outcomes of the course.
Students must receive a high enough mark on this exam that will allow their mark to average out to 50%. For example, a student receiving an “I” mark of 40% would need to obtain 60% on the exam in order to average out to 50%. After writing the “I” test, students will receive a term mark no higher than 50%.
Attendance:
Regular and punctual attendance is necessary in order to participate fully in class and to be successful in the course. Unexcused absences will not be tolerated. If you know that you will be absent from classes, it is YOUR responsibility to let me know so that assignments may be given ahead of time. If you miss a test due to illness (or unavoidable absence), a note must be provided prior to the start of the next class if you wish to write it. It is your responsibility to collect any handouts that you have missed in your absence. Any handouts given in the course will be placed in the basket at the front of the room.
Late Assignments:
Assignments that are late will be deducted 10% per school day. Assignments that are more than three (3) school days late will not be accepted. Please see me privately before the due date should there be a valid reason that prevents you from submitting the assignment on the due date.
Plagiarism:
When completing assignments, it is important that you properly reference any information that you have obtained. See me for the proper way to credit your source. Students submitting plagiarized assignments, in part or in whole, will be given zero on the assignment and a phone call to your parent/guardian will be made.
Quality of Assignments:
Our expectation at PSO is that you will take some pride in the work that you complete for your respective courses. Assignments should be completed in a manner that reflects this. Start early on assignments, do a rough copy or notes, and take the time to have someone you trust proofread your work. Assignments that are completed in a sloppy manner will be returned to you unmarked.
Keeping your notebook organized:
Given that there is at least one final exam waiting for you at the end of the course and that the course covers a huge amount of material, it is absolutely critical that you keep careful track of all assignments, handouts, etc. Get in the habit of putting the date on all notes you take and on all handouts you receive. This will allow you to keep better track of things and will save your life should your binder randomly explode.
Technological considerations:
Please ensure your cell phones are OFF (not on silent or vibrate) during class time. After one warning, your phone will travel to the office. Please also make sure your iPods/MP3 players are off while I am talking or while discussion is occurring. Again, failure to comply with this rule will result in the loss of this privilege for the entire class.
Eating/drinking Given the new Ministry of Education guidelines for healthy eating in class and schools, you may consume the following in class:
Drinks – water, milk or juice
Food – must be healthy in nature (fruit, vegetables, low fat/low sugar products)
Being able to eat or drink in class is a privilege extended to you; please do not abuse it or the class may lose this privilege.
Need help?If you find that you are having difficulty with any assignment or if you wish to discuss any matters, please don’t hesitate to come and see me.