Geography Standard Two - Grades 6-8

Sample Activities

After developing an environmental profile of a place, students would use their knowledge of the forces which shape topography (tectonic forces and erosion) and climate (dispersal of solar energy in the atmosphere and oceans) to explain the characteristics of the local environment [Environments]

This activity represents a case example of Science Standard Five, concerning forces that shape the earth and atmospheric dynamics.

Students might use the concept of a system (a set of linked causes) to describe how the earth is moved and reshaped by rivers and streams, or how the atmosphere and oceans are inter-related. They would then provide examples of ways humans have attempted to regulate or adapt to these natural forces [Environment].

This activity represents a case example of Science Standard Five, concerning forces that shape the earth and atmospheric dynamics.

Students could be asked to explain the causes of monsoon seasons (or other distinctive climatic occurrence) and identify the parts of the world where they occur. They could describe ways in which people have adapted to this climatic phenomenon [Environment].

Drawing a world map which illustrates areas of high earthquake activity, students could use it to compare with a map of tectonic plates and explain the reasons for the close association of the two maps. They might compare both maps with maps of population density and explain how humans have adapted to seismic activity [Environment].

Again, this provides a good example to also support Science Standard Five, concerning forces with shape the earth.

Students might be asked to examine agricultural practices in several of the world's sub-regions in order to identify practices which affect the environment tough increasing erosion by wind and weather, depleting underground reserves, cutting down forests, etc., to identify practices which conserve water and topsoil [Environment].

to Geography Standard Two.