Geography+Curriculum+Grade+8

__** Part A: Global Settlement Patterns **__
 * __Grade 8 Geography 2015-2016 __**

Time frame: Sept / Oct / Nov

Main resources: Pearson Physical Geography 8 Chapters 1/2/3, Nelson Geo 8 Chapters 1/2/3/4

Big Ideas / Framing Questions: Assessment: Chapter/Unit tests – comprehension, inquiry, critical thinking (What where? Why there? Why care?) Class work / tasks – maps, graphs, diagrams, population maps, population pyramids
 * 1) How does the Earth’s environment affect human settlement patterns in the past, present, and future? (site and situation, factors / history of settlement, population growth, density, rural / urban change, etc.)
 * 2) What are the social, political, and economic consequences of settlement patterns and how can we adapt to these for positive change in the future?

__** Part B: Economics and the Quality of Life **__

Time frame: Nov / Dec / Jan

Main resources: Pearson Physical Geography 8 Chapters 3/4/5/6, Nelson Geo 8 Chapters 5/6/7/8

Big Ideas / Framing Questions: Assessment: Chapter/Unit tests – comprehension, inquiry, critical thinking (What where? Why there? Why care?) Class work /tasks – worldmapper data analysis, GapMinder data analysis, HDI analysis, Bill Gates Foundation Case studies
 * 1) What factors influence the quality of life in countries and communities? (economic systems, economic sectors, multiplier effect, balance of trade)
 * 2) How do we measure quality of life and use the data to address and respond to global inequalities in wealth and quality of life? (Universal declaration of human rights, GDP, life expectancy, literacy, living standard, types of aid, etc.)