The seventh grade social studies curriculum introduces students to cultures of the East, with emphasis on the contemporary geography of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Oceania. Through the study of geography students learn the locations of significant places in each of these world regions; explore cultural and natural features that characterize each region; trace movement of people, ideas, and products within the regions; and discover ways that regions can be divided into sub-regions. Historical background is provide to enable students to understand how a region developed from the past to the present. Differences in governments and economies are examined. The economy of each region and its role in the global economy is explored with special attention paid to economic ties with the United States. Students examine public issues of global significance in these regions and work to resolve them through study, discussion, and writing. Using a variety of media, students compile, analyze, and present geographic and economic data pertaining to the regions. They also consider what actions they and their country should pursue to promote the wellbeing of people who live in these regions.
Units of Study
Southwest Asia and North Africa
In this unit students explore the region of North Africa and Southwest Asia.
They describe and categorize the major geographical features and natural resources
that contribute to the uniqueness of this area. Students examine how the locations
of the countries in this part of the world, at the crossroads of three continents,
have affected the development of the culture and government of the people
who live there. They investigate connections between the past and present
for these countries. Through a case study, students develop an understanding
of the political and economic ties among countries of Southwest Asia and North
Africa and the important implications of these ties for the United States.
West Africa
In this unit the students examine the countries of West Africa as a region
of the world's second largest continent. They discover how location and history
of countries located there affect their present-day conditions, and they explore
the causes of diversity within the region. They construct graphic tools such
as maps and graphs to investigate this diversity. They locate and describe
important factors in the environment of western Africa. Students analyze how
the environment, history, and culture of the region impact economic development,
and they consider related policy issues.
Central and East Africa
Students locate and study the various ecosystems in the region of Central
and East Africa. They identify characteristics of the environment and how
the environment is changed by human activity as well as how human activity
shapes the environment. Students explore the concept of sustainable agriculture
(farming that does not damage the environment and produces enough food to
feed the people) and its use in this region. Finally, students investigate
how international organizations function to solve the problems created by
the pace of economic development in this region and evaluate their effectiveness.
Southern Africa
Students examine the countries of the southern region of Africa looking closely
at the history of this area and noting its political, social, and economic
effects. Students examine apartheid and its impact within South Africa, the
region, and the world. They deepen their knowledge of Southern Africa through
a series of mapping exercises using a variety of information technologies.
They investigate economic implications of the natural resources found in Southern
Africa. From this investigation students examine the relationship between
economic and social conditions and to consider why poverty exists in the midst
of natural wealth.
Central and South Asia
In this unit students study the countries of Central and South Asia. Using
a variety of sources they explore how humans change their environment to their
benefit and/or to their detriment. Students investigate how population and
resource availability in the region impact this human/environment interaction.
Using case studies representing different industries, students explore the
livelihood of the people who live and work in Central and South Asia. Through
these case studies they begin to understand how geographic factors in the
region affect the economy.
East and Southeast Asia
In this unit students explore historical and political change and its effects
on people and places within East and Southeast Asia. The unit begins with
an overview of the Pacific Rim to help students develop mental maps of this
part of the world. From this foundation students explore the history or the
region. They research conditions in the countries of North and South Korea
and trace those conditions back to historical events with particular attention
to the Korean War. Students investigate the role of the United States in the
promotion of democratic governments in the region, and consider how United
States' policy choices affect people in the countries of East and Southeast
Asia today.
China
This unit introduces students to the cultural geography of China. They begin
exploring current daily life in the country. Soon they discover the magnitude
of population in China and some of the effects of its density. This leads
to a focus on population density and its effects. Using population pyramid
graphics, students plot the population of China and compare it to the population
size and age distribution in other countries. They explore the implications
of their demographic findings for the future of China. To broaden their conception
of the country, students compare the government of China to that of the United
States. They also contrast the economic systems of these two nations thereby
sharpening their understanding of the distinction between public and private
goods in an economy. As part of their study of China, students make informed
judgments about population control policy and human rights.
Oceania
In this unit students learn about the physical and cultural characteristics
of the island nations that make up Oceania. They use this knowledge as background
to their study of global warming, a possible problem within Oceania and in
other parts of the world. Students explore the possible impact of global warming
on the people of Oceania. They focus their study of global warming on Australia
and New Zealand. The unit concludes with a simulation in which students prepare
a presentation to the Australian Parliament. The presentation includes causes
of global warming and its consequences and possible solutions to the problem.