Geography is about determining the significance of “place” as it relates to the natural environment, the human environment, and interactions within and between them. To investigate geographic issues, students must analyse the influences and interrelationships that give a place its distinctive characteristics and thus its spatial importance. Geographic analysis also requires an investigation of the economic, environmental, social, and political perspectives that relate to an issue. The application of the concepts of geographic thinking, spatial skills, and the use of field studies are central to the geographic inquiry process and the learning of geography.
Courses
Learn more about the Geography courses available at Maple HS.
Review the Ontario Curriculum for Canadian and World Studies in secondary school.
The Grade 9 geography courses provide students with opportunities to explore these three aspects of geography as they investigate geographic issues in Canada. In these courses, students will examine issues relating to interactions between physical processes and people living in Canada; changing populations in this country; economic and environmental sustainability; and interconnections between Canada and the global community. In the Grade 9 geography courses, students will develop their ability to apply both the geographic inquiry process and the concepts of geographic thinking. They apply this process and these concepts as they investigate geographic issues in Canada and deepen their awareness of interconnections between Canadian and global issues. These courses enhance students’ ability to act as responsible global citizens and environmental stewards. Students will develop their spatial skills as they analyse information and data obtained from diverse sources, including field studies, aerial photographs, satellite imaging, various types of maps and graphs, geographic information systems (GIS), and digital representations.
The study of geography in Grade 9 builds on the knowledge, attitudes, and skills, including thinking skills, developed in geography in Grades 7 and 8 and enables students to move on to the further study of geography in Grades 11 and 12.
Students will work towards:
- developing an understanding of the characteristics and spatial diversity of natural and human environments and communities, on a local to a global scale;
- analysing the connections within and between natural and human environments and communities;
- developing spatial skills through the use of spatial technologies and the interpretation, analysis, and construction of various types of maps, globes, and graphs;
- being responsible stewards of the Earth by developing an appreciation and respect for both natural and human environments and communities
Concepts of Disciplinary thinking
- Spatial Significance
- Patterns and Trends
- Interrelationship
- Geographic Perspective