1. Welcome to Grade 9 Gifted Issues In Canadian Geography!

2. What topics and/or issues do you think we will study in this course? (and don’t just say the Geography of Canada!)

3.  Survey of Canadian Geography (like a taste test!)  Issues-based, case studies  Physical and Human Systems  Interdisciplinary  geography, science, math, English, art, history, politics, computer tech, business  Many different types of activities and assignments

4. Units of Study: 1- Introduction and Skills Review 2- Canada’s Diverse Environments 3- Resource Management 4 - Canada’s People Power 5- Canada’s Global Connections Culminating Activity and Exam

5.  Case studies, real-life situations  Interactive activities like simulations, debates and discussions  Various forms of media  Documentaries, film analyses  Digital resources and maps  Common Geotechnologies (Google Earth, Maps etc.)  Group and individual tasks  Presentations  Role plays  Article analyses  Interactive Review Games  Independent research  Etc.!!!

6. Summative Evaluations  Variety of summative tasks in each unit (assignments, responses, quizzes, debates, etc.)  Unit tests  Culminating assignment (Geo Film Fest)  Final exam

7.  Same curriculum, similar A&E, similar fun activities and games HOWEVER…the way we go about our business is quite different!  Far greater depth and breadth of content  Case studies vary in content and depth  More opportunities for self-directed learning  Different texts and reading materials  Questioning techniques and critical thinking challenges  21 st Century classroom – more integrated use of technology

8.  All course information, resources, digital tools and worksheets are online  Must check regularly to be prepared for class!  Where you go if you are away to catch up http://www.markville.ss.yrdsb.edu.on.ca/teacher/ geography/mainpage.htm  Email will go home to your parents/guardians

9. Moodle 2 Ms. Percy’s Grade 9 Gifted Issues In Canadian Geography 2013 Password: geography  Join it TONIGHT!

10.  Your school Gmail account!  Go to link in the course outline or click herehere  Same username and password as school account  Send me an email with your full name in the subject

11.  Review course outline from website and get signatures  Familiarize yourself with the website  Join Moodle  Sign up for your Gapps account and send me an email

12.  Get as many signatures as you can and introduce yourself to your new classmates  Try and remember at least three people’s names for tomorrow!