We discussed Oceania.

Homework: Reach Chapter 23. Map test on Wednesday.

Looking Ahead: Oceania.

We began Ch. 23 with a few videos to introduce Oceania.

Homework: Ch 22 Test due Monday with additional essay question given in class. Reach Chapter 23. Map test on Wednesday.

Looking Ahead: Oceania.

We completed Chapter 22 with discussion of New Zealand.

Homework: Ch 22, Activity 4 and Ch 23, Activity 1. Reach Chapter 23.

Looking Ahead: Oceania.

We continued discussing Australia including the different regions.

Homework: Read Chapter 22. Type up 5 interesting facts you found in the reading for both Australia and New Zealand.

Looking Ahead: New Zealand.

We took the whole Africa map test today. We then proceeded to a few introductory videos and discussion of Australia

Homework: Read Chapter 22. Type up 5 interesting facts you found in the reading for both Australia and New Zealand. Chapter 22, Activity 1 due Wednesday.

Looking Ahead: Australia.

 After the map test for North Africa, the students presented their country to the class.

Homework: Chapter 21 Test (sent via email). Africa map test on Monday with all African countries (and occupied territory). Read Chapter 22. Type up 5 interesting facts you found in the reading for both Australia and New Zealand. .

Looking Ahead: Australia.

We watched short introductory videos for the nations and occupied territory in North Africa.

Homework: Read Chapter 21. Country presentation for North Africa due on Wednesday.

Looking Ahead: North Africa.

We completed in Chapter 20 on western Africa today. The students used the remaining class time to work on their take home test and map activity for Chapter 21.

Homework: Ch. 20 Test due Monday. Read Chapter 21. Chapter 21, Activity 1 due Monday. Country presentation for North Africa due on Wednesday.

Looking Ahead: North Africa.

We continued discussion on Chapter 20.

Homework: Ch. 20, Activity 6 due Wednesday. Read Ch. 20, Activity 5 for in class discussion.

Looking Ahead: Ch. 20 Test. North Africa.

We continued discussion on Chapter 20 including per capita caloric intake and physicians with a comparison to US numbers.

Homework: If you have not read Chapter 20, do so. Be prepared for class discussion. Map Quiz for Ch. 20 on Monday.

Looking Ahead: Africa.

After taking the map test, we began working on Chapter 20.

Homework: Read Chapter 20. Be prepared for class discussion.

Looking Ahead: Africa.

The students completed their presentations for the south and east African countries.

Homework: Map Test for east and south Africa is Monday. Chapter 19 Test. Chapter 20, Activities 1 and 3. Read Chapter 20.

Looking Ahead: Africa.

The students continued their presentations for the south and east African countries. We will continue those presentations on Wednesday.

Homework: Add to your country presentations if your presentation needs additions. Read Chapter 19 if you haven't already. Map test for south and east Africa is Wednesday.

Looking Ahead: Africa.

The students began their presentations for the south and east African countries. We will continue those presentations on Monday.

Homework: Country presentations. Read Chapter 19 if you haven't already.

Looking Ahead: Africa.

Today, in class, we used class time to begin research for the countries assigned to each student for Chapter 19. The students will collect information about each of their countries and present it to the class.

Homework: Ch. 18, Activity 1 and 4, Country presentations. Read Chapter 19 if you haven't already.

Looking Ahead: Africa.

Today, in class, we took the Asia map test and completed Chapter 18.

Homework: Ch. 18 Test. Read Chapter 19.

Looking Ahead: Spring Break and Africa.

Today, in class, we previewed the area of the Mediterranean coast of the Middle East with some introductory videos. We then discussed Turkey and Cyprus.

Homework: Asia Map Test on Wednesday Read Chapter 18.

Looking Ahead: Middle East and Spring Break.

After taking the map test for the Middle East, we spent the remaining portion of class working on the skill of answering short answer/essay questions.

Homework: Ch. 17 Take Home Test due Monday. Read Chapter 18. Ch. 18, Activity 1 and 2 due Monday.

Looking Ahead: Middle East.

After the long break with President's Day and the inclement weather day, we completed discussion of Chapter 17 covering the Persian Gulf region.

Homework: Map Test on Wednesday over the Middle East region including Persian Gulf and East Mediterranean countries. Read Chapter 18. Ch. 18, Activity 1 and 2 due Monday.

Looking Ahead: Middle East.

We began discussion of Chapter 17 covering the Persian Gulf region.

Homework: If you need to improve your outline for Chapter 17, do so. If your writing is not easily legible, type it. No other homework.

Looking Ahead: Middle East.

Today, we finished up East Asia with North Korea, South Korea, and Japan. The students used the few minutes remaining to get a start on outlining Chapter 17.

Homework: Chapter 17 Activity 1 map due Wednesday. Outline Chapter 17.

Looking Ahead: Middle East.

Today, we discussed East Asia. We studied Mongolia and China with its various region, government, autonomous areas, and climate. We will conclude discussion on Monday.

Homework: Take home test for Unit 16. Read Unit 17.

Looking Ahead: East Asia and Middle East.

Today, we concluded the unit on Southeast Asia and began the unit on East Asia with a few introductory videos.

Homework: Map test for Southeast Asia is first thing in class on Wednesday. Make sure you study spelling the names correctly. Unit 16 Activities 1 and 4 due Wednesday. If you haven't, read Unit 16.

Looking Ahead: East Asia

Today, the students presented their countries from Southeast Asia. We also discussed how to answer short answer questions properly.

Homework: Take home test for Unit 15 due Monday. Study for map test for Unit 15 on Wednesday. Read Unit 16

Looking Ahead: Map test for Unit 15. East Asia

Today, we took the map test for Unit 14 and finished with the few remaining countries in the region. For Unit 15, the students are each going to present a country to the class. The spent the remaining class time on working on that project.

Homework: Unit 15, Activity 1 map due Wednesday, Unit 15 countries presentation due Wednesday. Look for an email with details.

Looking Ahead: Southeast Asia

No School. Inclement Weather.

No School. Inclement Weather.

No School. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

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Today, we had guest speakers to teach us about India. Varghese and Rachel Chacko are grandparents of two of our geography students. They immigrated to the United States as young adults from southern India.

Homework: Complete the take home Chapter 14 test by Wednesday the 23rd. Read Chapter 15, Southeast Asia. Map Test for Chapter 14 will be first thing on Wednesday the 23rd.

Looking Ahead: Southeast Asia

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Today, we continued the chapter on Central Asia and South Asia. The focus today was on Kyrgystan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Tibet.

HOMEWORK AND LOOKING AHEAD:

Homework: Make sure to reread the section in Chapter 14 on India. We will have guest speaker on Wednesday to present India to us. Be prepared with questions for our speaker.

Looking Ahead: India.

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Today, we began the chapter on Central Asia, South Asia, and the Caucasus. The focus today was on Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

HOMEWORK AND LOOKING AHEAD:

Homework: Ch. 13 Take Home Test due Monday. If you haven't already, read Chapter 14. Ch. 14 Activities 1, 2, and 4 due Monday.

Looking Ahead: Central Asia and South Asia.

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Today, we completed the chapter on Russia. We discussed the South European region of Russia including the Volga River and the Caucasus. In addition, we watched a few video featuring the geographic challenges facing Russia as well as a video dealing with the separatist conflicts within the Caucasus.

HOMEWORK AND LOOKING AHEAD:

Homework: Ch. 13, Activity 2 due Wednesday. Read Chapter 14 for class on Wednesday.

Looking Ahead: Ch.13 Test. Asia; The Caucuses, Central Asia, and South Asia.

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Today, we began discussing Russia

HOMEWORK AND LOOKING AHEAD:

Homework: No Homework.

Looking Ahead: Russia.

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Today, we took the map test for Eastern Europe. We then continued to complete the discussion for the remaining countries for Eastern Europe.

HOMEWORK AND LOOKING AHEAD:

Homework: Read Chapter 13.

Looking Ahead: Russia.

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Today, we began the day with the map test for Western Europe. We then viewed the power point for the Open House tonight. To give a quick preview of countries, we watched a few 1 to 3 minutes videos on Poland, the Baltic states, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. After, we began discussion and made it through Poland.

HOMEWORK AND LOOKING AHEAD:

Homework: Read Chapter 12. Complete Activity 1, Eastern Europe map, in your activity book for Chapter 12.

Looking Ahead: Continue in Chapter 12, Eastern Europe.

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Today, we began the day with the map test for Western Europe. We then viewed the power point for the Open House tonight. To give a quick preview of countries, we watched a few 1 to 3 minutes videos on Poland, the Baltic states, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. After, we began discussion and made it through Poland.

HOMEWORK AND LOOKING AHEAD:

Homework: Read Chapter 12. Complete Activity 1, Eastern Europe map, in your activity book for Chapter 12.

Looking Ahead: Continue in Chapter 12, Eastern Europe.

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With no school on Monday due to the snow day, the Western Europe map test is postponed until Monday. Today we completed the presentations on the Western European countries.

HOMEWORK AND LOOKING AHEAD:

Homework: Map test on Monday. Chapter 11 take home test due Monday (sent via email). Read Chapter 12. If you wish to augment your research for your countries, please submit to me in an email by Friday.

Looking Ahead: Continue in Chapter 12, Eastern Europe.

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We began the chapter on Western Europe. The students each were assigned 3 of the 24 Western European countries to present to the class. The basics to include were contained in the email sent out last week detailing the assignment. We began those presentations and will continue on Monday.

HOMEWORK AND LOOKING AHEAD:

Homework: Read Chapter 11. Be ready to present your assigned 3 countries on Monday, if you haven't already, with the details contained within the email. The images for each of the countries needs to be emailed no later than Wednesday, the 21st. Complete Activities 1, 4, 5, and 6 due Wednesday the 28th. Map test on Wednesday the 28th.

Looking Ahead: Continue in Chapter 11, Western Europe.

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We completed the chapter on South America with discussion of Brazil and the Amazon. The students took the South America Map Test, and then used class time to begin the Chapter 10 Take Home Test. The project for the Open House was introduced. Details will be coming in an email.

HOMEWORK AND LOOKING AHEAD:

Homework: Read Chapter 11. Be ready to present your assigned 3 countries on Monday with the details contained within the email. The images for each of the countries needs to be emailed no later than Wednesday, the 21st. 

Looking Ahead: Chapter 11, Western Europe.

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We continued the chapter on South America. We watched introductory videos for the remaining South American countries. Then, we broke each country down with more specifics to be able to compare and contrast within those sub-regions of South America.

HOMEWORK AND LOOKING AHEAD:

Homework: South American Map Test on Wednesday.  Remember, you can earn extra credit points by identifying capital cities of the countries. Read the first section of Chapter 11.

Looking Ahead: Chapter 11.

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We continued the chapter on South America. We watched introductory videos for the Guiana Highlands and Andean countries. Then, we broke each country down with more specifics to be able to compare and contrast within those sub-regions of South America.

HOMEWORK AND LOOKING AHEAD:

Homework: Complete Chapter 10 Activity 3. Begin studying for the map test for South America which will be on Wednesday the 14th. Remember, you can earn extra credit points by identifying capital cities of the countries.

Looking Ahead: Chapter 10, South America.

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We began the chapter on South America. In order to introduce this region, we watched a few videos to give the students a real view of the differing climates and varied types of regions existing within South America and even within countries in South America. We began discussing the countries bordering the Caribbean, Columbia and Venezuela.

HOMEWORK AND LOOKING AHEAD:

Homework: Complete Chapter 10 Activities 1 and 2. If you haven't done so, read Chapter 10.

Looking Ahead: Chapter 10, South America.

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We finished discussion of Middle America today with a breakdown of Costa Rica, Panama, and the countries of the Caribbean. We compared and contrasted countries within each region with language, political and economic stability, and conditions of the citizenry.

HOMEWORK AND LOOKING AHEAD:

Homework: Map Test (Activity 5 map) of Monday. Take home Ch. 9 test. Read Chapter 10.

Looking Ahead: Chapter 10, South America.

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Today, we had a guest speaker. Fabian Shepard spoke to the class about Panama. Fabian is a naturalized citizen who grew up in Panama. After Fabian's talk, we continued to discuss the other Central American countries.

HOMEWORK AND LOOKING AHEAD:

Homework: No homework. Prepare for map test

Looking Ahead: Map Test for Chapter 9 (Activity 5 map) on Monday the 5th. Take home test on Wednesday.

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Today, we finished the unit on the United States with a presentation by the last remaining group on the South. We began the chapter on the Middle America and the Caribbean. This unit covers Mexico, Central America, and the island nations in the Caribbean.

HOMEWORK AND LOOKING AHEAD:

Homework: If you have not read chapter 9, please do so. Complete Ch. 9, Activities 2 and 5. The Chapter 9 map test will be over Activity 5. I will be emailing the Chapter 8 test today. The test is optional for the students to be able to help offset previous test scores in which they may have done poorly. An extra credit opportunity is available. The students will need to produce a quality, typed outline of Chapter 9. Details will be in the email sent with the test. All of these would be due on Monday.

Looking Ahead: Map Test for Chapter 9 (Activity 5 map) on Wednesday the 31st.

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Today, we took the test on the states and state capitals. In the time remaining, one of the two remaining groups presented their region.

HOMEWORK AND LOOKING AHEAD:

Homework: Read the chapter 9

Looking Ahead: Chapter 9.

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Today, we flipped roles in the classroom. The students split into groups to prepare to present about their designated region. The first two groups presented, and the final two groups will present on Monday.

HOMEWORK AND LOOKING AHEAD:

Homework: United States map and state capitals test which will be on 10/ 22. Read the chapter 9

Looking Ahead: Chapter 9.

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Today, we began discussion of the second of two chapters on the United States. We discussed the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states including industry, important cities, and sites.

HOMEWORK AND LOOKING AHEAD:

Homework: Chapter 8 Activities 1,3,4,6, and 7 due Wednesday. Continue to prepare for the United States map and state capitals test which will be on 10/ 22. Read the chapter 8 if you haven't and be prepared for class discussion.

Looking Ahead: Continue in United States.

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Today, we completed discussion of the first of two chapters on the United States. We discussed the various people groups, the government structure, climate, industry, and wealth of resources.

HOMEWORK AND LOOKING AHEAD:

Homework: Chapter 7 Test due Monday. Begin to prepare for the United States map and state capitals test which will be on 10/ 22. Read the chapter 8 and be prepared for class discussion.

Looking Ahead: Continue in United States.

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Today, we took our first map test using the maps in Chapter 6, Activity 2 and 3. After the test, we began the first of two chapters on the United States. We began to discuss geographic regions from east to west coast with discussion of the watersheds from the eastern and western continental divides.

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HOMEWORK AND LOOKING AHEAD:

Homework: Complete the Chapter 7, Activities 1 and 4 due on Wednesday. Begin to prepare for the United States map and state capitals test which will be 2 weeks from today on 10/ 22. Read the chapter, if you haven't already, and be prepared for class discussion.

Looking Ahead: Continue in United States.

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Today, we completed the chapter on Canada. We are breaking our discussions into a regional approach to look more in depth at the provinces. We are comparing and contrasting the provinces; historic background in settlement, industry, and land forms, etc. We watched a few videos to encounter a visual representation of Canada's geography. 

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HOMEWORK AND LOOKING AHEAD:

Homework: Complete the Chapter review in Activity 5 due Monday. Prep for the chapter test by studying the maps on Activity 2 and 3. Read Chapter 7. Closed book map test on Monday.

Looking Ahead: United States!

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Today, we began the chapter on Canada. We are breaking our discussions into a regional approach to look more in depth at the provinces. We are comparing and contrasting the provinces; historic background in settlement, industry, and land forms, etc.

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HOMEWORK AND LOOKING AHEAD:

Homework: No homework. Begin prepping for the chapter test by studying the maps on Activity 2 and 3. If you already haven't read Chapter 6.

Looking Ahead: Canada! Closed book map test on Monday.

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Today, we finished discussing Ch. 5. We broke down the different terms used in the collection of demographics, life expectancy, birth and death rates, and how government collect and use that information. We discussed the different areas we live in-- urban, suburban, and rural --and how those area have cultural differences. We talked about the different types of government and how those types of government impact its citizens.

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HOMEWORK AND LOOKING AHEAD:

Homework: Correct Chapter 4 test. Complete Chapter 5 test. Read Chapter 6.

Looking Ahead: Canada!

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Today, we began discussing human interactions. We discussed languages including discussion of the role English plays in international functions such as business. We discussed culture and regional similarities and differences as well as ways that culture is transmitted including family, faith, and media.

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HOMEWORK AND LOOKING AHEAD:

Homework: Student Activity 2 and 3.

Looking Ahead: Complete discussion of Chapter 5 and Chapter test.

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Today, we discussed economic systems, GDP, per capita GDP, and wealth of nations in GDP and per capita GDP. We discussed the difference between the classifications of underdeveloped, developing, and developed countries. As a class, we talked about doing quality work and what that takes. We used the first section of the chapter test to demonstrate good study skills and using the resources available to you to answer questions.

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HOMEWORK AND LOOKING AHEAD:

Homework: Ch. 4 test due Monday. The student may redo questions missed on their Ch. 3 test. They need to type their responses for the redo to be counted. Read Ch. 5.

Looking Ahead: Chapter 5

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Today, we discussed reading for retention and developing good study skills. In order to help develop skills for this class and their future, we outlined the reading through the first 3 sections of Chapter 4 discussing the material as we went. The student should begin using this study skill to help them in retaining the reading material and test prep.

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HOMEWORK AND LOOKING AHEAD:

Homework: Complete the outline that we worked on in class for Chapter 4. Read Activity 1 and 2 for Chapter 4.

Looking Ahead: Chapter 4 test.

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Today, we completed discussion of Chapter 3. We discussed in more depth the water cycle, ocean water currents, the distribution on temperature through wind and water currents, the coriolis effect, jet streams, climates, and vegetation. Because of our current discussion of the coriolis effect along with wind and ocean currents, weather and climate, we watched a video about Hurricane Florence.

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HOMEWORK AND LOOKING AHEAD:

Homework: Chapter 3 Test is due Monday. Read Chapter 4.

Looking Ahead: Chapter 4 discussion and activities.

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Today, we continued discussion in Chapter 3. We discussed the earth's waters, both fresh and salt. Did you know the ongoing debate about the classification of the Southern Ocean? There is disagreement if it is its own distinct body of water. Though it doesn't have the normal land mass boundaries as the other oceans, many classify it as a separate body due to its different salinity and its currents. We broke down the earth's lakes and discussed the salinity in the salt lakes in comparison to the fresh water lakes. We examined the features of river systems, natural harbors, and the unique characteristics in wetlands. The differences and causes of weathering and erosion were discussed as well. We watched a video to give a more thorough explanation of the Coriolis Effect to begin to set up discussion about the climate.

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HOMEWORK AND LOOKING AHEAD:

Homework: Chapter 3, Activities 4 and 5 are due on Wednesday.

Looking Ahead: Chapter 3 test.

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Today, we began Chapter 3, The Earth's Surface and Climate. In studying the earth's history, we watched a video to contrast the old earth theory prevalent in secular society with the new earth theory. In examining the earth's surface, we discussed the layers of the earth as well as landforms. We listed the continents according to land mass.

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HOMEWORK AND LOOKING AHEAD:

Homework: Chapter 3, Activities 2 and 3 are due on Monday. Follow the directions for Activity 2, but on Activity 3, in order to create a map that is easier to read, create a legend for problems 5-10, 11-16, and 24-25.

Looking Ahead: We will be working on the oceans, internal and external forces on the earth's surface, and climate next week. Anticipate Chapter 3 test by the end of the week.

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Today in class, we watched a few videos to clarify different maps, map distortions, and explain more clearly topographic maps. For map distortions and types of maps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIID5FDi2JQ  For an explanation on topographic maps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoVcRxza8nI To access maps on USGS: https://www.usgs.gov/
 

After viewing the videos and discussing the distortions in relation to a globe's representation in scale of size and location, we focused on reading a topographic map.

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Homework: No school Monday. For Wednesday, the students need to complete the take home test for Chapter 2 and Read Chapter 3.

Today in class, we discussed some of the basics of geography. We focused on some the specific definition of geography, the main branches of geography, some smaller branches of science based upon geography. We discussed the history of geography and some of the historical contributors. We focused on lines of latitude and line of longitude including the named parallels and meridians. With an activity, we found the location of a point on a grid with the latitude and longitude. The students completed Chapter 2, Activity 3 in class.

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HOMEWORK AND LOOKING AHEAD:

Homework: Chapter 2 Activity 2 needs to be completed for Wednesday, August 29th. This requires a computer and using Google Earth to find coordinates to find a location. Please follow the directions given at the top of Activity 2.

Looking Ahead: No School on Monday.

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Today in class, we discussed the first part of the reading for Chapter 1 as well as the reading in Activity 1. We discussed the Creation Mandate in Genesis 1 and how that mandate and stewardship are balanced in regard to mankind's cultural pursuits. We discussed the geography and culture during Abraham's time as well as the characteristics that were in place that aided the Great Commission in the 1st century church.

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HOMEWORK AND LOOKING AHEAD:

Homework for Wednesday, 8/22:

The students need to complete Activity 2 if they have not already done so. The students need to come to class ready to discuss: After reviewing the book's examples of Christian sojourning, here are some additional scriptures to look at in reference to how to live as sojourners in a hostile world (1 Peter 2:12; 2-20-21; 3-13-17; 4:3-4; 4:12-16). We will discuss how living out of step with the values of the culture opens the Christian up to being maligned and persecuted. This would be a good opportunity to share with them your thoughts on this issue, situations in which in may occur, and how you would respond to it.

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Lokking Ahead:

Take home test will be due on Monday for Chapter 1. Reading for Chapter 2 and complete Activity 1 due Monday, 8/27. Activity 3 and 4 will be due. Wednesday, 8/29.

Today in class, we discussed environmentalism within the framework of the creation mandate. Within that discussion, we reviewed the question in Activity 2; The Environment and People's Responsibility Toward It. We discussed that cultures are not all good and not all bad and discussed that all peoples are creations of God.

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HOMEWORK AND LOOKING AHEAD:

Homework: Chapter 1 Take Home Test. Read Chapter 2. Complete Activity 1. Due Monday, August 27th.

Looking Ahead: Activities 3 and 4 due Wednesday, August 29th.

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