WORLD GEOGRAPHY COURSE OVERVIEW
2026–2027 School Year
Ms. Dorene Bell
Carroll High School
COURSE DESCRIPTION
World Geography is the study of people, places, cultures, environments, and the connections that shape our world. Throughout this course, students will examine where places are located, why they developed where they did, how people interact with their environments, and how geography influences culture, identity, history, economics, and everyday life.
Our class will study all major regions of the world, with a special concentration on the continent of Africa. Africa will be incorporated throughout the course as a recurring geographic lens rather than being treated as only one separate unit. Students will explore Africa’s 54 countries, geographic regions, languages, cultures, religions, physical features, ancient kingdoms, population patterns, economies, cities, and global contributions.
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
Throughout the year, students will investigate questions such as:
• Where is it?
• Why is it located there?
• How does location influence people and communities?
• How do people shape their environments, and how do environments shape people?
• How are places and cultures connected?
• What evidence can maps and geographic technology provide?
• Why does geography matter in our lives today?
WHAT STUDENTS WILL STUDY
Maps, Projections, and Geographic Technology
We will begin the course with a 13 day investigation of maps and geographic technology. Students will learn about map elements, reference and thematic maps, latitude and longitude, absolute and relative location, site and situation, map projections, distortion, GPS, GIS, remote sensing, and the limitations of geographic evidence.
Identity, Culture, and Place
Students will examine how location, family, language, religion, traditions, movement, and community influence identity and belonging. We will also explore Carroll High School’s location, history, Alma Mater, traditions, and relationship with the surrounding Monroe community as an example of how place and legacy are connected.
Physical Geography
Students will study landforms, climate, weather, natural resources, ecosystems, and natural hazards. They will investigate how physical geography affects settlement, transportation, agriculture, economic activity, and daily life.
Population, Migration, and Urbanization
Students will explore population patterns, migration, settlement, cities, cultural diffusion, and the reasons people move from one place to another. They will examine how migration can influence language, music, food, traditions, and identity.
Economics and Global Connections
Students will study trade, natural resources, development, globalization, and the ways countries depend on one another. They will investigate how geography influences business decisions, access to resources, employment, and economic opportunities.
Regional Studies
Students will investigate the major regions of Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Southwest Asia, and Oceania. Regional studies will include physical geography, culture, population, economics, current challenges, and global connections.
HOW STUDENTS WILL LEARN
Students will work as Geography Investigators. When examining a map, image, document, or other source, students will:
• Observe the source carefully.
• Identify its source and purpose.
• Analyze geographic and spatial evidence.
• Test claims using evidence.
• Explain why the location or pattern matters.
Students will participate in map investigations, class discussions, collaborative activities, source analysis, research, writing, projects, presentations, and real world geographic problem solving.
MAJOR LEARNING EXPERIENCES
Learning experiences may include:
• Carroll Community Exploration
• African Countries “Discover a Nation” Project
• Thematic map investigations
• GIS disaster response decision making
• African cities and urbanization studies
• Climate, population, language, trade, and migration analysis
• Geography and technology seminars
• Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning writing
• Regional research and student presentations
HOW LEARNING WILL BE ASSESSED
Students will demonstrate their learning through:
• Bell ringers and exit tickets
• Geography Investigator notebooks
• Map skills activities and assessments
• Constructed responses and CER writing
• Source and data analysis
• Quizzes and unit assessments
• Research projects and presentations
• Group and individual assignments
• Reflections and class participation
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
Students are expected to come to class prepared, participate actively, complete assignments, use evidence to support their ideas, and respect the identities and perspectives of others. Students should follow all Carroll High School policies concerning attendance, conduct, academic honesty, and electronic devices.
OUR CLASSROOM GOAL
Our goal is to move beyond simply memorizing countries and capitals. Students will learn to read the world, recognize geographic patterns, examine different perspectives, ask meaningful questions, and understand how geography affects their communities, their identities, and their futures.