PROGRAMS - ELEMENTARY - GEOGRAPHY AND EARTH SCIENCES
Geography and Earth Sciences
The word geography comes from the Greek word "geo" meaning earth and "graphein" meaning to write, in essence: A description of the Earth. The study of geography includes all studies connected with the earth and can be divided into two main subject areas: physical and political. The school year begins with a story describing the formation of the universe. This story, told with charts and experiments, is designed to introduce the many aspects of physical geography to elementary students. Topics include chemistry, physics, astronomy, and geology. The goal of the lesson is not for the students to understand all of the information presented, but to ignite interest in the diverse topics presented. The story highlights the delicate balance that exists between the physical properties that compose the earth.
The political aspect of geography extends beyond the boundaries of countries and includes the study of varied cultures. The cultural components including music, art, religion, story and myth are introduced and often integrated with history lessons. Economic considerations of countries are also presented and illustrate the interdependence among human populations.
Concepts presented:
- Formation of the earth and space (Big Bang Theory)
- Composition of the Earth
- Three states of Matter
- The Sun and its relation to Earth
- The movement of air and its effects on climate, and weather
- Work of water and water systems
- The water cycle and erosion
- Geographic features
- Maps and globes
- Latitude and longitude
- Cardinal directions and orienteering
- Zones and global climates
- Cultures and populations
- Political divisions: countries, states, cities
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