CLASS OUTLINE: 7th grade World Geography continues where 6th grade World Geography ends. In 6th grade, students learned information concerning the studies of our Western Hemisphere, whereas in 7th grade, students will learn and apply knowledge concerning our Eastern Hemisphere. During 7th grade, students will continue their learning process of the "Five Themes of Geography": 1. The study of a place's location, 2. Its character, 3. How people interact with the place, 4. The flow of people, goods, ideas through it, and 5. How it is similar to and different from other places. In addition, special emphasis is placed on: Human Environment Interactions, Location, Movement and Connections, Regions, Patterns and Process, and Global Issues and Events. Students will also increase their knowledge concerning the basic studies of: Earth Science, Study of Climates, Vegetations, Populations, Cultures, World History, World Resources, and Land Use.

AREAS OF STUDY: Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Northern Eurasia, Southwest Asia, Africa, South Asia, East Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands, and Antarctica. Students will continue to increase their knowledge concerning maps, charts, graphs, and diagrams. Additional lab work will help students evaluate global issues. 7th grade Geography will meet all of Michigan's established geography state standards and benchmarks, as well as many standards included in the following related disciplines: Historic Perspective, Civic Perspective, Economic Perspective, Inquiry, Public Discourse and Decision Making, and Citizen Involvement.

MY EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY: I believe that in order for students to learn, they must really want to learn. I try to accomplish this goal by making Geography interesting, relevant, as well as showing them the connection of this knowledge with their own lives. I believe that geography is very important to a comprehensive education, and can help strengthen a student's foundation of information while developing skills necessary for building on that base. I try to teach my students through exercises using map and globe skills, reading skills, note taking skills, and computer skills. In order to keep the students stimulated, I not only teach using informative lectures and reading outloud, but also allow students to learn from one another in cooperative group settings. Critical thinking skills are always encouraged as well as enhanced. I believe a "hands on" approach is an important tool to help keep student interest at a high level. I also believe that you as their parent and I as their teacher have the responsibility to make sure that your child receives the best education possible.

CLASS RULES: Each student receives a complete listing of my classroom rules, grading system, citizenship requirements, and class expectations. These rules are posted in the my room as well as on the Internet. The school's code of conduct is strictly enforced.

TEXTBOOK: World Geography, by Thomas J. Baerwald and Celeste Fraser of Prentice Hall, copyright 1998. Students will be required to keep a Geography Portfolio only during the second semester (3rd and 4th card-markings). Included in this Portfolio will be: Oral Notes, Maps, Homework, Quizzes, Class Work, Dittos, Cooperative Group Assignments, and Tests.

STATE OF MICHIGAN GEOGRAPHY OBJECTIVES:

1. All students will describe, compare and explain the locations and characteristics of places, cultures, and settlements.

2. All students will describe, compare and explain the locations and characteristics of ecosystems, resources, human adaptation, environmental impact, and the interrelationship amongst them.

3. All students will describe, compare and explain the locations and characteristics of economic activity, trade, political activities, migration, information flow, and the interrelationship amongst them.

4. All students will describe and compare characteristics of ecosystems, countries, major world regions, and patterns and explain the processes that created them.

5. All students will describe and explain the causes, consequences, and geographic context of major global issues and events.

MY EDUCATIONAL GOALS FOR 7TH GRADE GEOGRAPHY STUDENTS:

1. Demonstrate skills needed using globes, maps, charts, and graphics.

2. Help students to understand the historical importance of geography as well as its present affects on humanity.

3. Instruct students on how to appreciate and understand the different cultures and peoples of our world.

4. Help students understand and locate the different regional, political, and cultural environments of our Eastern Hemisphere.

5. Teach students about the world's global issues including; environmental problems, political and economic conflict, and interdependence.

6. Motivate students through active learning and integrated technology.

7. Demonstrate how to analyze the spatial organizatin of people, places and environments on Earth's surface.

8. Show students how human actions modify the physical environment.

9. Explain to students how geography helps to determine the past , how it affects our present , and how it may affect our future.

GRADING SYSTEM: All grades are recorded as points. For example, a test may equal 178 points and a homework assignment 10 points. I compute a student's grade by totaling all possible points and dividing these points into the cumulative points earned by each student. A simple and fair percentage system is then used to compute the student's point total to a letter grade. Computerized grading lists will be posted weekly. Names will be listed using a confidential number code. The percentage system I use is: I am in the process of having student grades posted on the Internet. Hopefully, I will have this new service available for the first card marking period.