Waltham Public Schools

This course introduces students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine socioeconomic organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their research and applications.

Detailed information regarding alignment to standards for the Advanced Placement Human Geography course can be found in the College Board’s course and exam description: AP Human Geography

Unit	Timeframe	Big Ideas (Statements or Essential Questions)	Major Learning Experiences from Unit
Thinking Geographically	13 class days	Why do geographers study relationships and patterns among and between places? How do geographers use maps to help them discover patterns and relationships in the world? How do geographers use a spatial perspective to analyze complex issues and relationships? Integrates elements of Unit 7 that are handy to the rest of the year	Site & Situation Padlet GIS Data & Satellites World Systems Theory Classification Graphic Organizer National Geographic Mapmaker Big Mac Index Evaluation Paint a Padlet Portrait of a Country
Population & Migration Patterns & Processes	11 class days	How does where and how people live impact global cultural, political, and economic patterns? How do changes in population affect a place’s economy, culture, and politics? How do changes in population affect a place’s economy, culture, and politics?	Country Population Profile Demographic Transition Model Population Policies & Planned Cities World Migration Report Refugees & Internally Displaced Persons Deep Dive
Cultural Patterns & Processes	11 class days	How does where people live and what resources they have access to impact their cultural practices? How does where people live and what resources they have access to impact their cultural practices? How and why do cultural ideas, practices, and innovations change or disappear over time?	Examples of Sequent Occupance Cultural Landscapes Identity & Space Autopsy of a Dead Language My Cultural Diffusion Study Religion, Culture & Language in Action Universalizing & Ethnic Religions Chart
Political Patterns & Processes	11 class days	How do historical and current events influence political structures around the world? How are balances of power reflected in political boundaries and government power structures? How can political, economic, cultural, or technological changes challenge state sovereignty?	Foray into the Political How is space politically organized? Political Power & Territoriality Boundaries in Africa Gerrymander Game Comrades of Yore Supranational Organizations
Agriculture & Rural Land-Use Patterns & Processes	11 class days	How are urban areas affected by unique economic, political, cultural, and environmental challenges? How are urban areas affected by unique economic, political, cultural, and environmental challenges? How are urban areas affected by unique economic, political, cultural, and environmental challenges?	Agricultural Practices & Sustainability Top Crop Modern Agricultural Issues Agricultural Production & Agricultural in the News Commodity Dependence CAFOs, GMOs, Fish & Chickens
Cities & Urban Land-Use Patterns & Processes	11 class days	How do physical geography and resources impact the presence and growth of cities? How are the attitudes, values, and balance of power of a population reflected in the built landscape? How are urban areas affected by unique economic, political, cultural, and environmental challenges?	A Tale of One City: StoryMap Project (unit long) Causes & Impacts of Urban Change
Industrial & Economic Development Patterns & Processes	8 class days	How are urban areas affected by unique economic, political, cultural, and environmental challenges? How might environmental problems stemming from industrialization be remedied through sustainable development strategies? How might environmental problems stemming from industrialization be remedied through sustainable development strategies?	Industrial Grade Choice Board Human Development Measures Industrial Revolution in Space & Time Ch 19 Industrial Cleanup Site Sector Scramble
REVIEW	7 class days	Review Season for the AP Exam	AP Classroom Progress Checks Practice Exams Unit Review Days Custom Blookets & Quizlets