World Geography (Paradigm Accelerated)

Description

World Geography probably isn't the favorite subject of most, but this course from Paradigm Accelerated Curriculum could change your mind. A one year high school course that covers six basic regions of the world - North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania, and presents information about their borders, terrain, water, climate, vegetation and wildlife, famous sites and events, ethnicities, languages, religions, transportation, government, diplomacy, economics, natural resources, and industry & exports.

I know it sounds like a lot of information packed into the frame of one year, and it is, but it is presented in such an interesting way that I think you'll enjoy it. For example, when learning about the wildlife and vegetation of North America, students will be introduced to the story of Chris McCandless about whom the book Into the Wild was written. A brief summary of this man's life is used as an introduction to the Giant Kodiak bear, coniferous trees, and the other plants and animals that inhabit the northern areas of North America. Although there are no colored pictures in this curriculum, the reading is interesting and attempts to make a personal connection with the reader.

Each chapter/text presents one of the continents in the order listed above. Texts are divided into 3 sections; each section is divided into 5 lessons. Maps and charts for each region are included in the text along with black and white pictures to enhance the information. Lessons begin with a list of new vocabulary, textual information follows, and a 'life principle' or quote from a famous figure is found at the end of the section.

The Activities Workbooks are aligned to the information found in the text and include fill-in-the-blank, true/false, multiple choice, mapping, and short answer.

All answer keys, quizzes, and tests are found in the Teacher Resource Kit, #12148. It includes this information as blackline masters and as a digital download. (You can also purchase the Teacher's Resource Kit on CD-ROM.) The Course Kit contains the Text Books, Activities Books, and the Teacher Resource Kit with both the blackline masters and a digital download.

This course is interesting and full of facts I'm not sure I ever learned and is a good alternative to more traditional geography courses.

Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Religious Content
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.