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Social Studies Curriculum

Grade 7
COURSE TITLE: Cultural Geography of the Eastern Hemisphere
UNIT 4

Unit 4: Characteristics of a Nation

(Suggested amount of time to spend on unit: 2-3 weeks)

FOCUS QUESTIONS

FQ1: What are the characteristics of a nation that make it powerful? (EQ2,3,4)

Define location, natural resources, economy, government, technology, military, education, and culture

S3; PS4 Describe some of the more common forms of government found in the past, giving examples of societies that have practiced them (e.g. monarchy, clan/tribal, autocracy, dynasty, theocracy, republic, democracy).

S7; PS1 Describe and compare unlimited and limited government.

S7; PS3 Compare and evaluate forms of government found outside the United States.

S10; PS3 Explain the factors that affect the location, distribution and associations of features of the physical environment.

S11; PS2 Explain how patterns of international trade change technology, transportation, and communication and affect economic activities and human migration.

S13; PS1 Compare the resources used by various cultures, countries and/or regions throughout the world.

S13; PS6 Explain economic growth as a sustained increase in the production of goods and services, and that Gross Domestic Product is the basic measure of economic output.

NOTES TO TEACHER:

It is important that the units be taught sequentially. Students have explored the Characteristics of a Nation in grade six using the United States as a point of reference. Use any country in the eastern hemisphere to model the Characteristics of a Nation.

RESOURCES:

Provided resources:

World Cultures :A Global Mosaic

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES:

Create your own nation with all of the above characteristics - group project.

Look at selected nations which comprise the East Hemisphere- evaluate them given the above characteristics and give them a Power Rating.

Mock U.N.- look at global problem Ð take country from Eastern Hemisphere which would wield the most power?

ASSESSMENTS:

Essential questions
Focus questions
Performance tasks
Tests/quizzes

 

Content: Social Studies Grade Level: 7 Date of BOE Adoption: July 17. 2002