Standards, Guiding Questions, and
Essential Learnings

Bellingham Public Schools Geography Guiding Questions:
How does geography shape lives, cultures and the environment around the world?

Washington State Essential Learning Requirements:

Geography 1:
The student uses maps, charts, and other geographic tools to understand the spatial arrangement of people, places, resources, and environments on Earth's surface.

To meet this standard the student will:
1.1 Use and construct maps, charts, and other resources to gather and interpret geographic information

Grade 10 Benchmark:
1.1.3b Use maps, tables, and graphs to construct solutions to problems involving transportation networks within regions, literacy rates, voting patterns, or the variation in population density in relation to resources and land use (Five Themes)

1.2 Recognize spatial patterns on Earth’s surface and understand the processes that create these patterns

Grade 10 Benchmarks:
1.2.3a Explain why different places of the world have particular physical and human characteristics (Five Themes)

1.2.3b Evaluate how physical and human processes that change landscape can affect public policy (Five Themes)

Note: The Five Themes of Geography are placed in parentheses to assist in using the benchmarks. The themes of geography are:

· Place
· Region
· Human environment interaction
· Location
· Movement

Geography 2:
The student understands the complex physical and human characteristics of places and regions

To meet this standard the student will:
2.1 Describe the natural characteristics of places and regions and explain the causes of their characteristics

Grade 10 Benchmark:
2.1.3 Describe and interpret the physical processes that shape places and regions (Location, Region, Place)

2.2 Describe the patterns humans make on places and regions

Grade 10 Benchmark:
2.2.3 Analyze how social, cultural, and economic influences shape the physical features of places and regions (Five Themes)

Geography 3:
The student observes and analyzes the interaction between people, the environment, and culture.

To meet this standard the student will:
3.1 Identify and examine people’s interaction with and impact on the environment

Grade 10 Benchmarks:
3.1.3a Analyze and evaluate the positive benefits and negative consequences of people’s different uses of the environment (Human/Environment Interaction, Region)

3.1.3b Analyze how environmental knowledge and responsible action can encourage species’ survival in the midst of air, water, and land issues (Human/ Environment Interaction, Region)

3.2 Analyze how the environment and environmental changes affect people

Grade 10 Benchmarks:
3.2.3a Detect and interpret how changes in the physical environment enhance or diminish its capacity to support human activity (Five Themes)

3.2.3b Analyze how technological innovation may both solve environmental problems and create new ones (Five Themes)

3.3 Examine cultural characteristics, transmission, diffusion, and interaction

Grade 10 Benchmarks:
3.3.3a Evaluate how the numerous subcultures that comprise a national culture interact and examine the consequences of their interaction (Five Themes)

3.3.3b Analyze how peoples’ responses to policy debates are shaped by cultural influences (Five Themes)

3.3.3c Examine how communication technologies are bridging and impacting cultures (Five Themes)

Social Studies Skills: Essential Academic Learning Requirements

1. Inquiry and Information Skills

Benchmarks Grade 10:
1.1.3a Formulate a thesis statement in the social studies that examines whys as well as hows

1.1.3b Identify key words; use advanced search strategies; independently locate appropriate and varied information sources; evaluate primary/secondary sources

1.1.3d Evaluate reliability, credibility, and validity of information from a variety of social studies sources

1.1.3e Produce and interpret outlines, charts, graphs, maps, tables, timelines, and decision-making grids that explain problems and/or construct solutions

1.1.3f Create a product that uses social studies content to support a thesis and present product in appropriate manner to a meaningful audience

2. Interpersonal and Group Process Skills

To meet this standard the student will:
2.1 Understand and use interpersonal and group process skills required by citizens in a democratic society

Grade 10 Benchmarks:
2.1.3a Voice original ideas; demonstrate content knowledge; persuade audience; listen critically and build upon the ideas of others; ask clarifying questions and challenge statements of others; negotiate and compromise

2.1.3b Participate in developing group process, persuade, compromise, debate, resolve conflicts, and negotiate differences

2.1.3c Select appropriate people to gain needed information, identify bias of subject, ask questions to refine and verify understanding

3. Critical Thinking Skills

To meet this standard the student will:
3.1 Understand and apply critical thinking and problem solving skills to make informed and reasoned decisions

Grade 10 Benchmarks:
3.1.4a Identify central issue; formulate appropriate questions; identify multiple perspectives; compare and contrast; validate data using multiple sources; determine relevant information; paraphrase problem

3.1.4b Distinguish between fact, opinion, and reasoned argument; clarify point of view and context; identify assumptions and fallacies, recognize stereotypes, clichés, bias, and propaganda techniques; evaluate accuracy and timeliness of information; determine main message and identify target audience; analyze credibility and authenticity

3.1.4c Compare benefits and costs, suggest logical alternatives, predict probably consequences, provide evidence to justify best solution, select most effective manner of communicating solution

3.1.4d Hypothesize possible outcomes from an initial event recognizing multiple causes and accidental factors

3.1.4e Group human and natural events into broadly defined eras and use timelines to explain patterns of continuity and change in the succession of events

3.1.4f Reconstruct and express multiple points of view and integrate an historic, geographic, civic, or economic perspective

Essential Academic Learning Requirements in Reading

1) The student understands and uses different skills and strategies to read.
To meet this standard, the student will:

1.1 use word recognition and word meaning skills to read and comprehend text
1.2 build vocabulary through reading
1.3  read fluently, adjusting reading for purpose and material
1.5 use features of non-fiction text and computer software such as titles, headings, pictures, maps, and charts to find and understand specific information

2) The student understands the meaning of what is read.
To meet this standard, the student will:

2.1 comprehend important ideas and details
2.2 expand comprehension by analyzing, interpreting, and synthesizing information and ideas
2.3 think critically and analyze authors' use of language, style, purpose, and perspective