Geography – the most amazing subject in the entire world! (nope, I’m not biased at all, well, maybe a little bit…)

The official definition: Geography is the study of places and the relationships between people and their environments. Geographers explore both the physical properties of Earth's surface and the human societies spread across it. ... Geography seeks to understand where things are found, why they are there, and how they develop and change over time.In everyday speak, this means that Geographers are super curious, super smart and super adaptable. This makes Geographers perfect in dealing with all sorts of world issues and we are able to keep up to date with the latest developments and use of technology. There are different types of Geography:

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What is Geography?

Name:

Form class:

Before we begin, have a little think…

What do YOU think that Geography is?

(don’t worry, it’s not a test! It’s called ‘assessing prior knowledge’, but lets just call it curiosity…)

Physical Geography looks at the landscape - formation is a big part of the study. In school, Geographers learn about rivers, glaciers, limestone, coasts and how different rock types affect the landscape (also called Geology).

Human Geography focuses on how people interact with the environment and also each other, why are some parts of the world empty and others so crowded? What are the main reasons people migrate? How to cities begin? Can we solve the problem of shanty towns? Can we grow enough food to feed the population? A good Geographer will talk your ears off (in the best way) about the human issues facing us.

Global Issues covers any type of geography related incident or problem the world is facing. These are always changing, and link in with the other two sections. Volcanic eruption? Geography. Earthquake hits San Francisco? Geography. Climate change? Geography. Deforestation in the rainforest? Geography! Even things you may not think, such as trade, building a dam or the spread of disease, is covered in Geography. There is a little something to interest everyone.

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But what could I do with Geography?

There are hundreds of careers spread across every corner of the Earth (which all you smarty pants Geographers will know is just a funny expression since the Earth has no corners…), everything from a volcanologist, meteorologist or exploration geographer – who all get out in the field with lots of travelling and getting hands dirty! But there are also the environmental lawyers, surveyors, cartographers and landscape architects who may have more of a mix of office and outdoor time – as well as the hundreds of other potential careers. There are also jobs you can enter through a more direct route from school without the necessity of college or university such as a National Park Ranger, various positions in companies such as The Forestry Commission, Woodland Trust or local council authorities too.

What kind of job do you think you would like to do when you finish education? You might not have any idea what subject or area it will be in – that’s fine! But think of the type of job – indoor or outdoor? Set holidays or flexible? Travelling or stay in one place? Work mostly alone or with a team? Tell me what you would love in a job! Title: My Dream Job

Superheroes? Well, now that you say it, I suppose Geographers basically are…

Based on what we have heard about Geography so far, what three things do you think you will enjoy learning about the most? Title: My Geography

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Jotter task

Jotter task

Have you learned much Geography before? Discuss with your learning partner too.

Let’s have a little fun! (I know, bet you didn’t think that was possible because we were already doing Geography!) On a new page in your jotter, design your own Geography themed superhero. You may want to use the three things you are most looking forward to learning about from the previous task to help you with the theme. Title: Geography Superhero

What will you learn in S1? This first year of high school you will study a little mix of different topics: The 3 C’s (continents, capitals and countries)In this topic you will learn about the world as a whole, how to use atlases, read maps and begin to deepen your understanding of why some countries are more fully developed than others and how this can be helped. WeatherHere you will learn all about how Geographers measure, gather and record weather data as well as what the information is used for and what happens when the weather gets extreme! DesertsThis topic looks at not only hot deserts, but also cold deserts (Tundra). We study the plants, animals and people in these landscapes and how they have adapted to survive the harsh climates. SkillsAs you will already have worked out, Geographers are very skilled individuals, and we begin teaching you these amazing skills right away in S1! So, how about we have a look at some of them from the list below, then put them to use on the next page where you will face your first scenario challenge as a new Geographer. Problem solving cooperation literacy

talking

Numeracy map reading researching

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Jotter task

Self-care analysing creating using dataThe Scenario: Lara is a climatologist, she travels to different places around the globe and gathers information on the climate. Sometimes, this information is used to inform film crews of the best times to shoot in the area, or for zoologists tracking animals, for surveyors and architects to plan their construction, and many other purposes. This trip, she is travelling to the Antarctic to gather data that will be used to assess the impact of climate change. The Antarctic is at the very bottom of the Earth, it faces an extreme climate and is so challenging to survive that no one lives there permanently. Look at this graph showing the temperature in the Antarctic at the same time last year that Lara will be going this year.

What is the coldest temperature shown? (Geographers call this the minimum temperature)What is the highest temperature show? (Geographers call this the maximum temperature)Read this email Lara was sent about the Antarctic and underline or highlight any parts to do with the weather. Subject: Antarctic Data Gathering Mission

Hi Lara, Read the included advice below from Professor Smyth on the conditions you should expect. James

FWD: Remember, Antarctica is the coldest continent on Earth. The average temperature in the interior throughout the year is about -57°C, with the minimum temperature being -90°C during the winter season. Although it should remain slightly warmer at the coast.

An important item is your UV lights, the Antarctic is in constant near dark from March until September because it is tilted away from the sun at this time. Nose plugs will also help if you encounter a penguin or seal colony!

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Jotter task

If the temperature drops keep an eye on ice forming around your boat as you can become locked in, but the captain should be able to advise you of this.

The wind can be horrendous, always ensure your camp is tightly secured and your clothing layers are impenetrable.

Have a great trip, Professor Smyth

Using the information on temperature and in the email, circle the items below that you think Lara should take with her on her trip.

Fact: The Arctic is actually not classed as a continent, as there is no land there only ice, but the Antarctic is a continent because it has land.

Let’s dig a little deeper! Title: Expedition Kit. Choose two of the items you did not choose for the expedition and explain your reason for not taking them. Lay your work out like this:Item rejected: Reason:

Another thing to think about

Lara is a climatologist, but she also has a passion for animals and is excited to see some of the creatures that live in the Antarctic.

Adaptations: The animals living in the Antarctic are specially adapted to survive in the very cold and difficult conditions found there. These changes are called adaptations, because they ‘adapt’ to their environment.

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Jotter task

What sentence below does NOT show an adaptation of an animal? A long tongue to reach into an ant nest Sharp claws to tear the flesh of prey Nice to keep as a pet Bright feathers to attract a mate Sonar to navigate in the dark A layer of blubber to keep warm in cold temperatures

Use the information below to complete the Antarctic food chain.

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Draw arrows to show who eats who in the food chain, the arrow should point to the creature that is doing the eating, some are done to show you.

Look at the adaptations shown of a penguin and how it is specially designed to thrive in the Antarctic, then design your own imaginary animal with special adaptations which would allow it to live in the icy Antarctic.

PenguinAdaptations

Other adaptation ideas: colour for camouflage, sharp teeth or claws is a predator, sonar to see in the dark, buries underground to stay warm or avoid predators…

Title: My Arctic Animal. Lay out your work something like this -

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Jotter task

Name: Adaptations:1.2.3.Picture:

Time to NavigateThis map shows some different areas of Antarctica. If Lara’s trip was to begin at the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, then travel to Pine Island Bay, which two seas would they pass through?

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1…………………………………………………

2…………………………………………………

Which ice shelf is closest to the South Pole?

…………………………………………………

This map is a heat map, showing temperatures across the Antarctic. The blue areas represent lower temperatures with deeper ice.

Mark on and label Pine Island Bay onto the heat map.

Mark and label the South Pole onto the heat map.

Do you think Lara will record warmer results at the Peninsula or Pine Island Bay?

……………………………………………………………Why?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Let’s talk about climate changeLana is a climatologist and her data from this trip will be used to assess the impact of global climate change on Antarctica.

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1962 1994 2018

Looking at the heat maps above, what differences can you see between 1962 and 2018? Title: Heat Map Analysis

Make a mind map in your jotter with all the things you think may have caused the change of temperatures, feel free to chat with your learning partner and share ideas. There are some down to help get you started. Title: Causes of Climate Change

Title: What can we do to help?Your teacher will play you a clip showing different ways we can help to reduce the impact of climate change, then hold a class discussion. In your jotter, design your own poster to help tell people ways that they can also help to reduce the impact of climate change and hopefully scientists like Lana will see improved results in the future!

Good work, Geographer! So, now you have begun to develop very important skills that will make you a top Geographer!

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Cutting down trees

More people having cars

Jotter task

Jotter task

Causes of climate change

Jotter task

You have analysed a graph showing temperature. You have read and highlighted key parts of an email. You also used problem solving to choose Lara’s kit for the expedition and even justified your choices – wow! You have even used map reading skills, compared differences between climate maps and explained the causes of this change. You then went on to provide creative solutions. Every word in colour is a skill - you are amazing! Lara is now set for her trip, and you are set for a great year of Geography. Well done!

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