Scotch College

GEOGRAPHY Year 9 — 2012

Violent Earth - Living with Natural Hazards

Rationale 

Natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides and tropical cyclones are continual reminders of the earth’s awesome power. In this unit the general principles of physical geography and the ways in which people can respond effectively to hazards are studied as are the causes and effects of each hazard. A feature of the unit is the use of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) computer software.

Student Outcomes

• apply terms relevant to the unit to describe the global distribution of natural hazards
• describe, explain the main characteristics and processes of natural hazards 
• analyse the effects of natural hazards on people and the environment 
• identify different proactive and reactive responses to natural hazards 
• evaluate the effectiveness of these responses in preventing or minimizing the negative impacts of natural; hazards on people and the environment 
• further develop geographical tools and skills including IT skills
• further develop sound geographical inquiry, research and reporting methods 
• apply oral and written communication skills 
• critically evaluate, draw conclusions and express opinions in an informed manner
• work co-operatively with others to develop an interest in environmental issues
• demonstrate an awareness that individuals and groups have different values, and these may lead to conflict 

Course Content

• Earthquakes and Volcanoes:   Causes, effects and responses to earthquakes and volcanoes are explored. Case studies include Australia’s most costly earthquake Newcastle, New South Wales (1989). 

• Landslides and Avalanches:   The surface of the earth may appear to be completely stable but there are many areas where movement of the earth has occurred or may occur. The most common forms of downhill movement are landslides and avalanches. Case studies include the Thedbo landslide.

• Tropical Cyclones and other Extreme Weather:   Why do they form? How long can they last? Can people do anything to protect their homes and other property? How do they differ from tornadoes? Case studies include Cyclone Tracy that destroyed Darwin, Christmas Day, 1974.

• Research:   Research linked to one or more of the topics above or to the hazards theme will be set by or negotiated with the class teacher and will involve the use of print and electronic resources. Some activities will involve group work. A variety of presentation/reporting styles will be developed. 

Assessment 

Examination

Research

Practical Activities 

Geography:  Two Worlds – rich & poor

Rationale

The focus of this unit is on Human Geography. Access to food, water, shelter, health, employment and education all contribute to people’s living conditions and, consequently the quality of their lives. Analysis and explanation of differences in global living conditions involves investigating factors such as physical conditions and their relationship to resource levels. A feature of the unit is the use of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) computer software. 

Students Outcomes

• apply terms essential to each topic 
• compare the characteristics of significant regions of the world 
• explain how human activities change environments 
• predict the effects of resource development and use
• develop a plan to address impacts of change
• further develop geographical tools and skills including IT skills
• further develop sound geographical inquiry and reporting methods
• critically evaluate, draw conclusions and express opinions in an informed manner
• develop an interest in social and environmental issues
• demonstrate an awareness that individuals and groups have different values, and these may lead to conflict

Course Content 

• Rich Nations:   The world’s richest nations dominate world production. Which nations are the richest and what makes them wealthy? Does so much wealth mean they have no problems? Countries investigated are the United States and Japan .

• Poor Nations:   Half the world’s population lives on less than US$2 per day. The causes of poverty and ways of trying to improve living conditions are investigated. 

• Emerging Nations:   Are becoming more industrialized and living standards for many people have risen dramatically. The characteristics and processes these nations are going through are investigated with a focus on South Korea.

• Food and Water:   The worldwide production of food, including positive and negative effects of increasing 

the amount of food produced is investigated as well as conflict over water resources and the building of large water management projects.

• People:   Where do the world’s people live? How rapidly are these populations growing? How do populations change over time? 

• Research: Research linked to one or more of the topics above will be set by or negotiated with the class teacher and will involve the use of print and electronic resources. Some activities will involve group work.  A variety of presentation/ reporting styles will be developed. 

Assessment 

Examination

Research

Practical Activities