WORLD GEOGRAPHY Unit 1: Connecting Themes What are the Themes in World Geography?

1. CONFLICT AND CHANGE Change is the result of conflict between or within societies. Describe a conflict that caused you to change the way you do things. How can change take place without conflict? Give an example of conflict producing change.

2. CULTURE Culture is the product of the religion, beliefs, customs, traditions, and government of a society. Why do you wear the clothing that you choose? Why do you have the right the freedoms guaranteed in the first amendment? How does culture affect your life on a regular basis? What rules would you create to promote a positive classroom environment? What is the culture of your school?

3. HUMAN-ENVIRONMENT INTERACTION Humans, their society, and the environment affect each other. What items, if any, do your school and/or family recycle? Where are recycling centers located in your community? What is the importance of being good stewards of the land?

4. INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS, INSTITUTIONS The actions of individuals, groups, and/or institutions affect society through intended and unintended consequences. How do the actions of individual students affect the classroom environment? How could the actions of a group of students affect your school or community? How could governmental decision-making affect you and your family?

5. LOCATION Location affects a society’s economy, culture, and development. Why is summer vacation longer than winter break? In you lived in Alaska how would your lifestyle be different? How does the location of your home impact you?

6. MOVEMENT/MIGRATION Movement and migration of people and ideas affects all societies involved. Why do you live where you live? What happens to a town or region when a big employer opens or closes?

7. PRODUCTION, DISTRIBUTION, CONSUMPTION The production, distribution, and consumption of goods/services produced by a society are affected by the location, customs, beliefs, and laws of the society. Where are many of the foods that you eat grown? How do these foods reach your plate? Where are many of the items you use at home or school manufactured? What connections do you notice between the manufacturer’s location and types of goods?

8. CONSEQUENCES Actions of individuals, groups, and/or institutions affect society through intended and unintended consequences. How has terrorism affected our world? How have you volunteered to help someone?

9. INNOVATIONS Technological innovations have intended and unintended consequences for a society. How has technology impacted your life? How can people have friends that they have never physically met? How can technology have unintended consequences for a society?

1O. CONTINUITY While change occurs over time, there is continuity to the basic structure of the society. How is your school day in high school different than earlier grades? How is your school day in high school the same as in earlier grades?

11. GOVERNMENT INTERACTION As society becomes more complex and interacts with other societies the complexity of the government also increases. Why are rules necessary? How do the rules change for sports from backyard games to professional games?