During the 1st Quarter the students will be learning the basics of geography and how cultures work.
Geography Concepts
Geographers tools: Maps, Globes- advantages and disadvantages of each
Parts of a Map: Date, Orientation,Grid system, Scale, Title, Author, Index, Legend/key, Source
Types of Maps: Mental ( Mind's Eye), Political, Physical, Elevation...
Map Skills: Latitude & Longitude Coordinates
Orientation with a Compass Rose
Physical Features: Land and water.
Special Skills
How to read and use...
timelines
bar graphs, line graphs, pie graphs, pictographs
climographs
cartograms
Cultural Concepts
Culture, cultural traits,- how they develop, evolve, impact others and the environment
Government Types: Authoritarian (Monarchy, Dictatorship), Democratic, Oligarchy
Economic Systems: Free-market, Socialism, Communism
Reflection Connection
Students will complete several written reflections about what they are learning about in Social Studies. The students will write about how they feel about topics that relate to Geography, Culture, and History of the Eastern Hemisphere and the United States. Students can choose from articles in the news as well as items that we discuss in class. Check the Spirals Section #6 for details.
******************************************************************************************
Susan Ryan
6th Grade Geography & World Cultures
Folly Quarter Middle School