Geography 12 Course Outline
Geography is the study of the relationship between the physical and biological processes on Earth and their interaction with human culture. The main goal of this course is to equip you with the knowledge to see the world as a product of many dynamic systems that are constantly influencing each other. At the end of the course, you will have a greater understanding of some of the issues that face us on a national and global scale. The hope being that the knowledge you gain here will provide a basis for intelligent decision-making: both on a personal level and as a citizen faced with important social, economic, and environmental issues.
Texts: Geography 12 Student Workbook (Sovio) Cost: $30
This Earth: Physical Geography and the Environment
Various other materials provided by your teacher
Themes covered in Geography 12
Tests and quizzes 25%
Homework, Assignments and projects 55%
Final exam 20%
Learning Outcomes:
Students will successfully demonstrate broad learning outcomes for each unit:
The Bottom Line: Every student should have a C+ in Geography 12.
Marking, late work policy, class expectations:
All assignments will have a deadline attached to them but I will accept work early. Assignments that are ‘late’ are considered ‘Incomplete’ and will appear as an ‘I’ on your report card.
Once assignments have been marked and returned to the class, the assignment is considered closed. You must then hand in an alternate assignment of your creation.
Please note that if a student is absent on the day of an exam, they will be expected to write the test on their first day back to class.
I will be keeping track of class participation and using these observations to determine your work habits and conduct report card marks. If your grades are on the borderline, for example, 1-2% away from a particular letter grade, and you have excellent participation, I will not hesitate to bump you up. Participation means contributing to the class in a meaningful way, always being prepared with your materials, working on assigned materials during class time and providing notes for unexcused absences.
Classroom expectations at the Grade 12 level are high. In addition to the codes of conduct in your student planner (which you should be writing homework in every day), class discussion will take place in a safe and respectful way so that all members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts. In order to be a positive and engaged student, headphones or other electronics are not permitted during instruction or discussion. Technology will be allowed for education purposes. Please check with me if you are unsure.
Also, other than water, no food or beverages can be consumed in the classroom.
Many students and parents wonder what makes an A, B, or C-? This chart might be helpful so you can see what student characteristics are generally associated with which letter grades. Notice that at the A level, these are behaviours that students choose to do, not a natural gift they are born with.
In addition to your textbook, necessary materials include
(604) 538-6678
Email is the quickest way to reach me outside of class. Students are encouraged to email questions at any time. Extra help can be arranged any day at lunch or after school by request.
Texts: Geography 12 Student Workbook (Sovio) Cost: $30
This Earth: Physical Geography and the Environment
Various other materials provided by your teacher
Themes covered in Geography 12
- Mapping: basic skills focusing on bearings, symbols, grid reference, scale calculations, distance and area determination, topographic contour mapping and interpretation, map and aerial photograph interpretation
- Geomorphology: structure of the Earth’s core, convection and magnetism, isostacy, continental drift, plate tectonics, composition of lithosphere, volcanism, folding, faulting, and earthquakes.
- Gradational processes: physical, chemical, and biological weathering, processes of erosion (glaciers [ice], deserts [wind, water], coasts [wave action]), mass wasting.
- Hydrosphere: surface water (hydrol
- Introduction: five themes of geography, tools of the geographer, four spheres and interactions, cultural evolution, global citizenship, Gaia hypothesis
- Atmosphere: weather (layers of atmosphere, how climate controls affect temperature, wind, pressure, and precipitation, weather map interpretation and symbol recognition), climate (climates of the world).
- Biosphere: biomes including location, characteristics, climate, soil profile, adaptation of flora and fauna.
- Environmental Issues: ongoing examination of environmental concerns/hazards, understanding environmental vocabulary and solutions to current problems.
- Resources and Sustainability: covered throughout the course and in the Case Studies; includes: social, economic, political, and cultural impacts of energy production and use, waste disposal, water use, fishing, mining, forestry and agriculture
Tests and quizzes 25%
Homework, Assignments and projects 55%
Final exam 20%
Learning Outcomes:
Students will successfully demonstrate broad learning outcomes for each unit:
- Not yet met < 67% (insufficient, developing)
- Met 67-85% (basic, competent)
- Exceeds <86% (exemplary, mastery)
The Bottom Line: Every student should have a C+ in Geography 12.
Marking, late work policy, class expectations:
All assignments will have a deadline attached to them but I will accept work early. Assignments that are ‘late’ are considered ‘Incomplete’ and will appear as an ‘I’ on your report card.
Once assignments have been marked and returned to the class, the assignment is considered closed. You must then hand in an alternate assignment of your creation.
Please note that if a student is absent on the day of an exam, they will be expected to write the test on their first day back to class.
I will be keeping track of class participation and using these observations to determine your work habits and conduct report card marks. If your grades are on the borderline, for example, 1-2% away from a particular letter grade, and you have excellent participation, I will not hesitate to bump you up. Participation means contributing to the class in a meaningful way, always being prepared with your materials, working on assigned materials during class time and providing notes for unexcused absences.
Classroom expectations at the Grade 12 level are high. In addition to the codes of conduct in your student planner (which you should be writing homework in every day), class discussion will take place in a safe and respectful way so that all members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts. In order to be a positive and engaged student, headphones or other electronics are not permitted during instruction or discussion. Technology will be allowed for education purposes. Please check with me if you are unsure.
Also, other than water, no food or beverages can be consumed in the classroom.
Many students and parents wonder what makes an A, B, or C-? This chart might be helpful so you can see what student characteristics are generally associated with which letter grades. Notice that at the A level, these are behaviours that students choose to do, not a natural gift they are born with.
In addition to your textbook, necessary materials include
- A three ring binder with lined paper
- Pens, pencils, coloured pencils, and a ruler
- Student workbook
(604) 538-6678
Email is the quickest way to reach me outside of class. Students are encouraged to email questions at any time. Extra help can be arranged any day at lunch or after school by request.