Geography 12

Course Outline

We hope you see great success in this Cool School course. As part of ensuring your success, we have a few things to point out in this introduction. If you are new to COOL School courses, be sure to read the introductory material provided. You will be required to write a quiz (first quiz found in the quiz area) showing understanding some of the expectations in this course. You can redo this quiz up to three times attempting the required 100%. If you don't get the 100% within your three tries, you will be required to arrange a meeting with your instructor to discuss your difficulties.

Course Layout:

The course is broken down into four modules and further into sixteen units as follows:

Module	Unit	Topic
Module 1: The Nature of Geography	1	Course Basics
	2	Mapping Skills
Module 2: Systems of the Earth	3	Tectonic Processes
	4	Erosion and Weathering (Gradational Processes)
	5	Glaciers
	6	Rivers
	7	Deserts
	8	Coastal Landforms
	9	Weather
	10	Climates / Soils / Vegetation / Biomes / Agriculture
Module 3: Environments and People / Resource Management	11	Global Atmospheric Issues
	12	Water As A Resource
	13	Energy and Resources: Renewable and Non-renewable
	14	Waste Disposal
	15	Assessment and Management of Resources continued
Module 4: Course Review and Government Exam Preparation	16	Review and Government Exam Helper Guides

Note: For a detailed look at the Geography 12 Content Learning Outcomes and Vocabulary download here:

Resources:

You will be referring to the following textbooks for readings and assignments:

Planet Earth: A Physical Geography (ISBN 0-471-79486-4)
Nystrom Canadian Desk Atlas (ISBN 0-7825-0587-2)

Ensure that you have access to a calculator (scientific or non-scientific) and ruler during the course.
Note: On the government exam though you will not be allowed to use a calculator as the calculations are not difficult. You will however, be able to use a ruler.

Computer Requirements:

This course requires:

Browser	Explorer 6+ or Netscape 6+
Internet	Cable or ADSL strongly recommended / 56k a minimum
Plug-in's	Adobe Reader 5+, Shockwave 6+
Software	Word Processor (i.e. Microsoft Word or OpenOffice (may be downloaded for free) SlideShow (i.e. Microsoft PowerPoint or OpenOffice (may be downloaded for free)

The Browser Check will allow you to take a look at the browser on your computer to determine what it is and what plug-ins are in place.

You can update/add the required items on the Browser Check page or by clicking on the buttons below. Just click each button and follow instructions to download the latest versions.

If you choose to write the Government Exam at the end of the course, your grade will be calculated as follows:

*Unit Tests are invigilated exams that are arranged with your instructor.
**The Government Exam consists of 53 marks multiple choice and 40 marks written response questions. A number of universities look at government exam results as part of their entrance requirements. Also, if you get 86% or more on three government exams (with at least a B in English 12 or Communications 12), you are eligible for a $1000 provincial scholarship.

If you choose not to write the Government Exam at the end of the course, your grade for this course will be calculated as follows:

Tests / Quizzes*	50%
Assignments	50%

A well organized notebook definitely contributes to success in the course. Divide your notebook into Five Sections:

- The Nature of Geography
- Systems of the Earth
- Environments & People / Resource Management
- Course Review and Government Exam Preparation
- Environment Diary

Geography 12 is not an easy course. Take it seriously. Getting a "C" will be of no use to most individuals. You can expect homework on a daily basis and tests or quizzes approximately every two weeks. Staying on top of your work is extremely critical for success in this course. Basic homework assignments will not be accepted late unless there is a legitimate excuse and a note from a parent / guardian. Major assignments may be handed in one day late but there is a 10% penalty for doing so, again unless there is a legitimate excuse communicated by a parent / guardian. With these factors in mind, it is hoped that Geography 12 will provide you with a rewarding educational experience. Have a great semester!!

Be sure to use your bulletin board for communication with your instructor and fellow students.