World Regional Geography
TEXTBOOK NOTE:
The World Regional Geography class will use the following textbooks for 2010 - 2011:
1. The Geography Coloring Book, 3rd Edition, by Wyn Kapit, ISBN – 0-13-101472-2 , Amazon Link
2. Smithsonian’s “Earth” – softback – ISBN – 978-0-7566-3332-5, Amazon Link
3. Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the greatest Scientific Problem of His Time by Dava Sobel – softback – ISBN - 978-0802715296 – amazon link
4. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Creating Currents of Electricity and Hope by William Kamkwamba, either soft or hardback (softback to be released on July 27, 2010), ISBN - 978-0061730320 , Amazon Link
5. FORMAL TEXTBOOK – At this point I do not intend to have a formal textbook – I will notify the parents if I change my mind
Description: This challenging course will take a full year, divided into two semesters. The course will walk the students around the approximately 200 nations of the world using a regional approach and heavily relying on the Five Themes of Geography (Location, Place, Human Environment & Interaction, Movement and Region). Each class will use current events to tie into the region being studied and the cement the information into the memory of the student. 2-4 weeks will be spent on each continent/region.
Expectations: Each student is expected to prepare for each class, arrive promptly, and treat the tutor and fellow students with the utmost of respect. Note taking is expected and will be rewarded by a far higher score than those who do not take careful notes. A project will be completed each semester: an individual project to finalize the fall semester and a group (or small group) project to finalize the course. The work for the course will involve approximately 5 hours a week outside of class. This does not include research for projects. The homework will include reading in the main text, coloring in the secondary text, doing online research, reading current events and writing up short essays on them, and taking quizzes and tests (two “take-home” honor system mid-terms, one each semester).
Materials: Each student will be required to have the following books: a loose leaf notebook with sections, writing tools, and have access to a computer and the Internet. I rely heavily on email communication and expect my students to have access to the internet for research. I will also be asking them to complete at least one assignment that needs a spreadsheet. This can be Microsoft Excel or the Apple equivalent or the free online Google spreadsheet application.
Communication: The best way to contact me is by email. My home phone number is: 301-352-4188, and my email is clsinfo@comcast.net & GeographyTeacher@comcast.net . I will be available at study hall if prearrangements are made.
Please read Mrs. Schaeffer's Course Expectations before you register for her class.
updated 2/29/08
