Geography is about determining the significance of “place” as it relates to the natural environment, the human environment, and interactions within and between them. To investigate geographic issues, students must analyse the influences and interrelationships that give a place its distinctive characteristics and thus its spatial importance. Geographic analysis also requires an investigation of the economic, environmental, social, and political perspectives that relate to an issue. The application of the concepts of geographic thinking, spatial skills, and the use of field studies are central to the geographic inquiry process and the learning of geography.
(The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 9 & 10, Canadian and World Studies (2013), p. 63)
Our daily lives are interwoven with geography. Each of us lives in a unique place
and in constant interaction with our surroundings. Geographic knowledge and skills
are essential for us to understand the activities and patterns of our lives and the lives
of others.
Gilbert M. Grosvenor Center for Geographic Education,
Why Geography Is Important (2007)
In defining geography, Charles Gritzner notes that “All geographic inquiry should begin
with the question, ‘Where?’” He argues that, in considering “major Earth-bound events,
features, and conditions”, geographers also investigate why they are where they are, or
happen where they happen. And, because these events, features, and conditions “can and
often do have some impact on our lives”, geographers consider why they are important
to us.
Gritzner has condensed these ideas into a short but meaningful phrase: “What is
where, why there, and why care?”
The Grade 9 geography courses provide students with
opportunities to explore these three aspects of geography as they investigate geographic
issues in Canada. In these courses, students will examine issues relating to interactions
between physical processes and people living in Canada; changing populations in this
country; economic and environmental sustainability; and interconnections between
Canada and the global community.
In the Grade 9 geography courses, students will develop their ability to apply both the
geographic inquiry process and the concepts of geographic thinking. They apply this
process and these concepts as they investigate geographic issues in Canada and deepen
their awareness of interconnections between Canadian and global issues. These courses
enhance students’ ability to act as responsible global citizens and environmental stewards.
Students will develop their spatial skills as they analyse information and data obtained
from diverse sources, including field studies, aerial photographs, satellite imaging,
various types of maps and graphs, geographic information systems (GIS), and digital
representations.
The study of geography in Grade 9 builds on the knowledge, attitudes,
and skills, including thinking skills, developed in geography in Grades 7 and 8 and
enables students to move on to the further study of geography in Grades 11 and 12.
Geography Department:
Department Office Extension x143
For Maple High School staff contact information, please click here.