WORLD GEOGRAPHY

C. Beckett, INSTRUCTOR

Email Address: cbeckett@scsk12.org

Edublogs Address: http://cbeckett61.edublogs.org

Third Nine Weeks Vocabulary

January 4 – March 12

Chapter 21

1. erg
2. reg
3. depressions
4. wadis
5. hieroglyphs

Chapter 22

1. desertification
2. staple crops
3. dual economies
4. Sahel
5. millet

Chapter 23

1. tsetse fly
2. Swahili
3. ivory
4. sisal
5. genocide

Chapter 24

1. escarpment
2. biodiversity
3. veld
4. Apartheid
5. sanctions

Chapter 25

1. subcontinent
2. boycott
3. partition
4. caste
5. reincarnation

Chapter 26

1. silt
2. storm surge
3. protectorate
4. multiethnic
5. monsoon

Third Nine Weeks Daily Plans

WORLD GEOGRAPHY

C. BECKETT, INSTRUCTOR

Room A139

Email Address: cbeckett@scsk12.org

Edublogs Address: http://cbeckett61.edublogs.org

Course Description

In World Geography, high school students study people, places, and environments at local, regional, national, and international levels from the spatial and ecological perspectives of geography. Students study cultures and geography of the contemporary world.  The range of study includes developing prior social studies skills, which includes using maps, globes, charts, tables, graphs, numerical data, time zones, and lines of longitude and latitude; investigating the five themes of geography and the six essential elements, and the exploration of the human and physical geography of each continent.

Classroom Expectations: Rules and Procedures

My goal as instructor is to provide a positive classroom environment in which all students can learn.  I will teach life skills which include using sound judgment in decision-making and understanding that students are responsible for their actions and the consequences of those actions.  Guidelines outlined in the Shelby County student/parent handbook and Southwind High School agenda book will be followed along with my class policies and procedures. Students are expected to come to class prepared to learn.  Diversions from the rules, policies, and procedures set forth will result in consequences and disciplinary actions.   Inhibiting others’ learning and rude and disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated.  High behavioral expectations are parallel to high academic expectations which will be reflected in every aspect of this class and Southwind High School.

CLASS PROCEDURES

1. Come into the classroom orderly and quietly. You should be in you seat before the bell rings.
2. Use the bathroom prior to entering the classroom.
3. Retrieve materials and sharpen pencils prior to the start of class.
4. Follow any directions / complete any assignments on the board/overhead.
5. Do not converse with classmates while teacher is instructing or a student is speaking.
6. Raise your hand to ask questions and make comments during instruction.
7. Review and study learned material daily.  This is your homework every night!
8. Work diligently on all assignments. EFFORT = SUCCESS
9. Remain in your seat during class unless permission has been given.  Raise your hand to get up for any reason.

Consequences

Students will receive one warning for any inappropriate behavior.  A phone call home will be issued for the second inappropriate behavior.  Administrative referral and removal from learning environment are final classroom consequences for continued inappropriate behavior.  INAPPROPIATE BEHAVIOR includes:

• Eating or drinking in class
• Sleeping or what appears to be sleeping
• Getting out of seat without permission
• Talking during instruction without permission
• Talking during test/quiz without permission = grade of zero/0/F on test/quiz
• Inactivity during class
• Disrespectful or disruptive behavior

Grading Scale

A               93-100

B              85-92

C              75-84

D              70-74

F              69 and below

Weighted Grading

Participation/Classwork               30%

Homework                                    10%

Quizzes                                          20%

Tests/Projects/ Essay                    40%

Attendance Policy

The Shelby County Board of Education (Policy #6108) believes that regular attendance is a necessary requirement of all students and that any student with the maturity and interest should be included in some phase of the school program.  All students are expected to attend school on each day that school is officially in session. Only the following reasons will be considered for excused absences:

• Illness of student.
• Death or serious illness within the student’s immediate family.
• When the student is officially representing the school in a school sponsored activity.
• Special and recognized religious holidays regularly observed by persons of their faith.
• Legal court summons not as a result of the student’s misconduct.
• Extenuating circumstances over which the student has no control as approved by the principal.
• If necessary, verification is required from an official or other source to justify absences.

All other absences than those outlined above shall be considered unexcused.  A written statement, within two (2) school days of the student’s return to school, shall be required from the parent or guardian explaining the reason for each absence.

Assignment Policy

It is expected that ALL assignments be completed and submitted on the assigned due date.  If student has an EXCUSED absence, same amount of time of the absence will be given to make up any missed assignments.  If UNEXCUSED absence, missed assignments may NOT be made up.  If student is absent the day before a test or quiz, s/he is still expected to take the test or quiz as prior notice will always be given before a test or quiz.  If student is absent the day of a test or quiz, s/he will take the test or quiz on the day of return.

Late Work

It is expected that ALL assignments be completed and submitted on the assigned due date.  Students have ONE WEEK to turn in missed assignments.  Additional copies will NEVER be issued.  Extra work cannot be completed for “extra credit.”

Supplies

1 Two-pocket, three-prong folder

Loose leaf notebook paper (inside of prongs in folder)

1 Composition or spiral notebook

Pencils and personal sharpener

Black or Blue pens ONLY

Second Nine Weeks Vocabulary

October 15 – December 19

Chapter 13

1. fjords – narrow deep inlets of the sea set between high rocky cliffs
2. polders – land reclaimed from the sea
3. dikes – earthen walls built along shorelines
4. navigable – describes rivers that are deep enough and wide enough for shipping
5. loess – fine-grained windblown soil that is very fertile

Chapter 14

1. socialism – an economic system in which the government owns and controls the means of producing goods
2. constitutional monarchy – government in which king or queen is head of state
3. uninhabitable – region that cannot support human life and settlements
4. primate city – city that ranks first and dominates a country in terms of population and economy

10. cosmopolitan city – city characterized by many foreign influences

Chapter 15

11. alliances – an agreement between countries to support one another against enemies

12. balance of power exists when countries or alliances have such equal levels of strength that war is prevented

13. confederation – a group of states joined together for a common purpose

14. exclave – an area separated from the rest of the country by the territory of other countries

15. complementary region the combing of two areas with different activities or strengths, each of which benefits the other

Chapter 16

16. autonomy – self-government

17. Renaissance – French word meaning rebirth; describes the renewed interest in learning that spread throughout Europe form the 1300s to the 1500s

18. microstates – very small countries

19. city-states – self-governing city and its surrounding area

20. enclave – territorial or cultural unit that is surrounded by a different territory or culture

Chapter 17

21. czar – title of the emperor of Russia

22. abdicate – resign

23. serfs – poor peasant farmers in Russia who worked for a lord and were bound to the land

24. soviets – local governing bodies of communist Soviet Union

25. autarky – policy under which a country tries to produce all the goods that it needs

Chapter 18

26. caravan – a group of people traveling together for protection

27. monoculture – the cultivation of a single crop in a region

28. nomads – people who move often from place to place

29. transhumance – the practice of moving herds from mountain pastures in the summer to lowland pastures in the winter

30. yurts – movable, round houses of wool felt mats in Central Asia

Second Nine Weeks Daily Plans

This syllabus is subject to change.

Shelby County Schools offers educational and employment opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, or disability.

HONORS WORLD GEOGRAPHY

C. BECKETT, INSTRUCTOR

Room A139

Email Address: cbeckett@scsk12.org

Edublogs Address: http://cbeckett61.edublogs.org

Course Description

In Honors World Geography, high school students study people, places, and environments at local, regional, national, and international levels from the spatial and ecological perspectives of geography.  Students will study the cultures and geography of the contemporary world.  The range of study includes developing prior social studies skills, which includes utilizing maps, globes, charts, tables, graphs, numerical data, time zones, and lines of longitude and latitude;  investigating the five themes of geography and the six essential elements, and the exploration of the human and physical geography of each continent.

Framework of Standards for Honors World Geography

1. Deeper exploration of the culture, values, and history of geography.

2. Projects that apply course curriculum to relevant or real-world situations. These may include oral      presentations, power point presentations, or other modes of sharing findings.

3. Writing assignments that demonstrate a variety of modes, purposes, and styles.

4. Extended reading assignments that connect with the specified curriculum.

5. Extensive opportunities for problem solving experiences through imagination, critical analysis, and application.

Instructional Strategies

1. Direct instruction with class discussion

2. Individual and Group Activities

3. Internet Research

4. Projects

5. Visual Analysis using pictures and videos

6. Mapping Exercises and map quizzes

7. Examination of Case Studies using articles and videos

8. Timed writings for each unit

Course Objectives and Standards

1. Culture- Understand the complex nature of culture and how cultures influence the characteristics of places and regions.  Understand the relationship between physical environments and culture as well as how cultural perspective impacts perceptions of places and regions.
2. Economics – Understand fundamental economic concepts and their application to a variety of economic systems, regionally and globally.  Understand the patterns and networks of economic interdependence on Earth’s surface and the changes that occur in the nature, use, distribution, and importance of resources.
3. Geography – Understand the characteristics and uses of maps, globes, and other geographic tools and technologies.  Understand the characteristics and uses of spatial organization of Earth’s surface, the physical and human characteristics of place, the physical processes that shape Earth’s natural landscapes and affect environments, and how physical systems and environments affect human systems.
4. Governance and Civics – Understand the nature, complexity, and influence of systems of governance and how forces of cooperation and conflict shape the divisions of Earth’s surface. Understand global development and environmental issues.
5. History – Understand the patterns of human settlement and recognize that  places change over time.
6. Individuals, Groups, and Interactions – Understand the impact of individual and group decisions on citizens and communities as well as how groups can effect change at local, regional, and global levels.  Understand how a geographic view is a significant tool in interpreting the present and planning for the future.

Textbook Instructor will use additional textbooks to prepare lectures

Helgren, D. and Sager, R. World Geography Today. Holt, Rinehart and Wintson, 2008.

Companion Website: http://go.hrw.com

WORLD GEOGRAPHY

C. Beckett, INSTRUCTOR

Room A139

Email Address: cbeckett@scsk12.org

Edublogs Address: http://cbeckett61.edublogs.org

Course Description

In World Geography, high school students study people, places, and environments at local, regional, national, and international levels from the spatial and ecological perspectives of geography. Students study cultures and geography of the contemporary world.  The range of study includes developing prior social studies skills, which includes using maps, globes, charts, tables, graphs, numerical data, time zones, and lines of longitude and latitude; investigating the five themes of geography and the six essential elements, and the exploration of the human and physical geography of each continent.

Classroom Expectations: Rules and Procedures

My goal as instructor is to provide a positive classroom environment in which all students can learn.  I will teach life skills which include using sound judgment in decision-making and understanding that students are responsible for their actions and the consequences of those actions.  Guidelines outlined in the Shelby County student/parent handbook and Southwind High School agenda book will be followed along with my class policies and procedures. Students are expected to come to class prepared to learn.  Diversions from the rules, policies, and procedures set forth will result in consequences and disciplinary actions.   Inhibiting others’ learning and rude and disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated.  High behavioral expectations are parallel to high academic expectations which will be reflected in every aspect of this class and Southwind High School.

CLASS PROCEDURES

1. Come into the classroom orderly and quietly. You should be in you seat BEFORE the bell rings. If you are out of your seat at the ringing of the bell – YOU ARE TARDY!
2. Use the bathroom prior to entering the classroom.
3. Retrieve materials and sharpen pencils prior to the start of class.
4. Follow any directions / complete any assignments on the board/overhead.
5. Do not converse with classmates while teacher is instructing or a student is speaking.
6. Raise your hand to ask questions and make comments during instruction.
7. Review and study learned material daily.  This is your homework every night!
8. Work diligently on all assignments. EFFORT = SUCCESS
9. Remain in your seat during class unless permission has been given.  Raise your hand to get up for any reason.

10. Class is in session until the teacher signals the end of class.  DO NOT PACK UP BEFORE CLASS IS OVER!

Consequences

Students will receive one warning for any inappropriate behavior.  A phone call home will be issued for the second inappropriate behavior.  Administrative referral and removal from learning environment are final classroom consequences for continued inappropriate behavior.  INAPPROPIATE BEHAVIOR includes:

• Grooming in class
• Eating or drinking in class
• Sleeping or what appears to be sleeping
• Getting out of seat without permission
• Talking during instruction without permission
• Talking during test/quiz without permission = grade of zero/0/F on test/quiz
• Inactivity during class
• Disrespectful or disruptive behavior

Grading Scale

A             93-100

B             85-92

C             75-84

D             70-74

F              69 and below

Weighted Grading

Participation/Classwork  30%

Homework                           10%

Quizzes                                 20%

Tests/Projects/ Essay      40%

Attendance Policy

The Shelby County Board of Education (Policy #6108) believes that regular attendance is a necessary requirement of all students and that any student with the maturity and interest should be included in some phase of the school program.  All students are expected to attend school on each day that school is officially in session. Only the following reasons will be considered for excused absences:

• Illness of student.
• Death or serious illness within the student’s immediate family.
• When the student is officially representing the school in a school sponsored activity.
• Special and recognized religious holidays regularly observed by persons of their faith.
• Legal court summons not as a result of the student’s misconduct.
• Extenuating circumstances over which the student has no control as approved by the principal.
• If necessary, verification is required from an official or other source to justify absences.

All other absences than those outlined above shall be considered unexcused.  A written statement, within two (2) school days of the student’s return to school, shall be required from the parent or guardian explaining the reason for each absence.

Assignment Policy

It is expected that ALL assignments be completed and submitted on the assigned due date.  If student has an EXCUSED absence, same amount of time of the absence will be given to make up any missed assignments.  If UNEXCUSED absence, missed assignments may NOT be made up.  If student is absent the day before a test or quiz, s/he is still expected to take the test or quiz as prior notice will always be given before a test or quiz.  If student is absent the day of a test or quiz, s/he will take the test or quiz on the day of return.

Late Work

It is expected that ALL assignments be completed and submitted on the assigned due date.  Students have ONE WEEK to turn in missed assignments; they WILL NOT be reminded by the teacher!  Additional copies will NEVER be issued.  Extra work cannot be completed for “extra credit.” Ten points a day will be deducted for all late PROJECTS.

Supplies

SHS Agenda Book – MUST PURCHASE

1 Two-pocket, three prong-folder for EACH NINE WEEK PERIOD (4)

Loose leaf notebook paper

1 Spiral notebook (NOTES and JOURNAL)

Pencils and personal sharpener

Black or Blue pens ONLY

First Nine Weeks Vocabulary

August 10 – October 9

Chapter 1

1. equator – imaginary line that circles the globe halfway between the North and South poles
2. parallels – another name for lines of latitude because they are parallel to each other and the equator
3. prime meridian – imaginary line drawn from the North Pole to the South Pole (through Greenwich, England)
4. meridians – another name for lines of longitude
5. degrees – measurement of distance by parallels and meridians

Chapter 2

1. solstice – time of year when Earth’s poles are pointed at their greatest angel toward or away from the sun (winter and summer)
2. equinox – time of year when  Earth’s poles are not pointed toward or away from the sun (spring and fall)
3. solar energy – energy that comes from the Sun and reaches Earth as light and heat
4. environment – all the biological, chemical, and physical conditions that interact and affect life
5. solar system – The Sun and the group of bodies that revolve around it

Chapter 3

1. weather – the condition of the atmosphere at a given time and place
2. climate – weather conditions in a geographic region over a long period of time
3. temperature – the measurement of heat
4. ecosystems – communities of plants and animals in an are; also includes the non-living parts of the environment
5. front – the meeting of two air masses of widely different temperatures or moisture levels

Chapter 4

1. plate tectonics – theory that explains how forces within the planet create landforms due to Earth’s crust being divided into rigid, slow moving plates
2. continental drift – process in which the plates move across the upper mantle
3. weathering – process in which rock break and decay over time
4. sediment – the breaking of rock into smaller particles of gravel, sand, and mud by weathering
5. erosion – the movement of surface material from location to another by water, wind, ice, and living beings

Chapter 5

1. demography – the statistical study of human populations
2. culture – all the features of a people’s way of life learned and passed down from parents to children
3. globalization – the process in which connections around the world increase and cultures become more alike
4. ethnic group – a human population that shares a common culture or ancestry
5. acculturation – process occurring when a group or individual adopts some traits of another culture

Chapter 6

1. urbanization – the growth in proportion of people living in towns and cities
2. market economy – people freely choose what to buy and sell
3. command economy – government makes the major economic decisions
4. developed countries – countries with high levels of industrialization and people with high standards of living
5. developing countries – less developed, poorer countries that are less productively economically and lower standards of living

Chapters 7-9

1. alluvial soils – soils deposited by streams or rivers that are very fertile
2. megalopolis – a group of cities that have grown into one large, built-up area
3. metropolitan area – a city and its surrounding built-up areas (suburbs)
4. gentrification – process of young professionals and wealthier people moving back to inner cities to buy run-down houses and restore them
5. superpower – a huge powerful country

Chapter 10-12

1. mestizos – people of mixed European and Indian ancestry
2. mulattoes – people born with African and European ancestors
3. indigenous – people or things native to an area
4. landlocked – when a country has no border on the ocean
5. terrorism – the use of fear and violence as a political force

First Nine Weeks Daily Plans

Discipline Policy

Ms. Beckett

World Geography

Classroom Rules and Procedures:

1. Come into the classroom orderly and quietly. You should be in your seat before the bell rings. If you are not in your seat at the ringing of the bell – YOU ARE TARDY.
2. Begin working on assignments on the board immediately upon entering the room and taking your seat.
3. Do not converse with classmates while the teacher is instructing or a fellow student is speaking. Raise your hand to ask questions and make comments during instruction.. Remain in your seat during class unless permission has been given.  Raise your hand to get up for any reason.
4. Work diligently on all assignments. EFFORT = SUCCESS!
5. Cell phones must be turned off and kept in lockers at all times.
6. Respect yourself, your teacher, and your classmates.
7. Complete all assignments by the specified due date.
8. Remain alert and active throughout the entire class period.

Use the restroom PRIOR to entering the classroom and get all materials PRIOR to the start of class.

Consequences for Negative Behavior:

1. 1^st Offense – Verbal Warning and/or immediate student-teacher conference
2. 2^nd Offense – Phone call home to parents
3. 3^rd Offense – Administrative Referral
4. 4th Offense – Removal from classroom and Administrative Referral
5. BLATANT REFUSAL TO FOLLOW DIRECTIONS AND HOSTILE BEHAVIOR IS SUBJECT TO IMMEDIATE REMOVAL FROM CLASSROOM BY ADMINISTRATOR OR SAFETY OFFICER!

Conduct Grading:

- E (Excellent) – Good attendance, consistent participation, timely submission of work.

- S (Satisfactory) – Good attendance, some participation, not all work submitted on time.

- N (Needs Improvement) – Poor attendance, negative/disruptive attitude, seldom participates, regularly does not turn work in on time.

- U (Unsatisfactory) – Poor attendance, consistent negative/disruptive attitude, consistently does not participate, does not turn in work.

Statement of Recognition and Agreement

As the parent of this student, I have read this document with my student, and he or she understands that rules and procedures for this teacher.  I understand that my child is now bound to adhere to all rules and policies set forth by this teacher.  Most importantly, I understand that if I have any questions or concerns that I can contact the teacher or have a conference with the teacher before or after school to address any academic or behavior issues.

__________________________________                                       ________________________________

Student Signature                                                                                                                                                          Parent Signature

Dear Parents and Students,

Welcome to High School!  I am very excited to introduce myself as your 9^th grade World Geography teacher for the 2009-2010 school year.  I expect every student to actively participate in all areas of the class.  Your participation and cooperation is just one of the keys to your success.  I plan to work equally hard to bring you the best possible learning environment.  By working together I know that we can make this year very productive and successful.

This course will cover the study of people, places, and environments at local, regional, national, and international levels from the spatial and ecological perspectives of geography.  The range of study includes developing prior social studies skills, which includes using maps, globes, charts, tables, graphs, numerical data, time zones, and lines of longitude and latitude;  investigating the five themes of geography and the six essential elements, and the exploration of the human and physical geography of each continent.

Please feel free to contact me with any problems or concerns that you may have during the year.  I will do my best to solve these problems and help you in any way that I can.  I am here for you and I want your time spent in this course to be as successful as possible.  Get ready for a great year!

Sincerely:

Ms. Beckett

cbeckett@scsk12.org