Course Summary
This course is designed to introduce students to systems thinking. Systems Thinking is an approach used to guide inquiries in order to understand how things influence one another within a whole. In physical geography systems thinking is used to understand how elements such as climate, soil, water and vegetation interact to create ecosystems. In human geography people create structures and process that interact in order to bring about a desired result. This program empowers students to use systems thinking as a means to examine and respond to issues where individual factors are viewed as parts of an overall structure. Upon completion of this course, students should have a deeper understanding of Canada’s natural and human systems. They should be able to use a systems thinking approach to address issues in both personal and community contexts.
Themes
Unit 1 Natural and Human Systems (SCO 1.0 and SCO 2.0)
Unit 2 Human Population Issues in Canadian Geography (SCO 3.0 and SCO 4.0)
Unit 3 Economic Issues in Canadian Geography (SCO 5.0 and 6.0)
Unit 4 Global Issues in Canadian Geography (SCO 7.0)
- What happens when systems interact?
- In this unit students are challenged to reflect on the interdependence among natural systems and human systems.
- Systems thinking is critical in facilitating a more balanced and sustainable approach to living.
Unit 2 Human Population Issues in Canadian Geography (SCO 3.0 and SCO 4.0)
- How might trends in Canada’s population influence its future?
- In this unit students will examine the concept of demography and develop an appreciation that Canada has a very diverse population with increasing concerns.
Unit 3 Economic Issues in Canadian Geography (SCO 5.0 and 6.0)
- How does the economy influence life in Canada?
- This unit invites students to explore some of Canada’s resources, to assess their economic significance, and to consider and respond to issues related to how we use these resources.
Unit 4 Global Issues in Canadian Geography (SCO 7.0)
- How is globalization changing Canada?
- In this unit students explore the implications that globalization poses for Canada’s future.
- Students should consider that being a part of a global village brings forth both opportunities and challenges.