North Star Geography Textbook (with downloadable Companion Guide)
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North Star Geography Textbook (with downloadable Companion Guide)

# 059250
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Item #: 059250
ISBN: 9781892427526
Grades: 7-12
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Product Description:

Have you ever stopped to realize that a comprehensive understanding of the earth, its structure, and its inhabitants are a necessary foundation for interacting meaningfully with our increasingly global-minded world? Taking an overview approach, the North Star Geography course covers geography skills (reading maps, using geographic tools, cartography, surveying, and navigation), physical geography (geology, meteorology, oceanography, ecology, hydrology, and astronomy), and human geography (sociology, culture, religion, transportation, agriculture, government, and economics). Bright Ideas Press and world geography what a great idea! Student Reader plus Companion Guide downloadable PDF file (activities: maps, hands-on, research options, quizzes/tests) what a great idea! Quality content, Biblical worldview, and user-friendliness all rolled up into one package what a great idea!

The text or Student Reader is the heart of the course. Each of the sixteen lessons provides 15-20 pages of reading text, full-color illustrations, photos, sidebar articles, and maps. Lessons are divided into teaching segments which are both highly readable and interesting. The organization lends itself to flexibility, and the course could be done over one year (two weeks per lesson), two years (four weeks per lesson), or even one semester (one week per lesson a bare bones approach). Vocabulary words are in bold with definitions provided in the glossary at the end of the text. The Reader concludes with a reference list that provides options for further study.

The accompanying Companion Guide PDF file is now downloadable (download instructions provided inside the book) provides both basic and "extra" activities in addition to all content from the Reader. It's these PDF files that will allow you to tailor the course for high school, for junior high, or for a combination of ages. Families may make photocopies or print pages as needed, but classrooms and co-ops should contact the publisher for a multiple-use license. Depending on the course time-frame you choose, you will probably have to do some selection of activities, as there is a wealth provided.

  • Hands-On Activities there is lots of variety here some short and simple, some more involved. Materials lists are provided when necessary (and tend to be easy-to-get items).
  • Build Your Own Atlas there's a segment for each lesson that includes labeling outline maps, completing fact files, and creating a set of political, physical, and thematic maps. Outline maps are provided but a good atlas as a reference is helpful (i.e. Wondermaps or Atlas of World Geography).
  • Note-Taking Pages each lesson has a set of 10 questions taken from the text that serve as lesson review and a study guide for the quizzes.
  • Memorization Lists a list of 198 countries, 70 regions and physical features to learn roughly 16 items per lesson.
  • Research Questions a set of questions for each continent which encourage the student to conduct his own research (answers included).
  • Quizzes and Tests quizzes for each lesson (based on note-taking questions and map work). A final exam includes questions taken from all 16 of the lessons (answer keys and grading rubrics included).
  • Graphic Organizers - can be used for all types of studies world/continent, country, culture, regional geography, and government fact files.

Homeschool geography courses have tended to be research frameworks that can be used by multi-age students and over several years. While having lots of advantages for families they require planning, preparation, and, often, outside resources. North Star takes a different approach providing a very solid base of textual information but giving lots of options for additional activities and research. It provides all necessary forms and pages, requiring only a good world atlas to accompany the course. ~ Janice

Please note that book no longer includes a CD-ROM. The Companion Guide must be downloaded as a PDF file (instructions and access information provided inside the book).

Publisher Description:

This one-credit geography course for middle school and high school is appealingly-designed, and covers geography skills (map skills and navigation), physical geography and human geography.

Category Description for North Star Geography:

Have you ever stopped to realize that a comprehensive understanding of the earth, its structure, and its inhabitants are a necessary foundation for interacting meaningfully with our increasingly global-minded world? Taking an overview approach, the North Star Geography course covers geography skills (reading maps, using geographic tools, cartography, surveying, and navigation), physical geography (geology, meteorology, oceanography, ecology, hydrology, and astronomy), and human geography (sociology, culture, religion, transportation, agriculture, government, and economics). Bright Ideas Press and world geography, what a great idea! The student reader plus companion guide downloadable PDF file include activities, maps, hands-on projects, research options, and quizzes/tests. Features quality content, a Biblical worldview, and user-friendliness all rolled up into one package!

The text or Student Reader is the heart of the course. Each of the sixteen lessons provides 15-20 pages of reading text, full-color illustrations, photos, sidebar articles, and maps. Lessons are divided into teaching segments which are both highly readable and interesting. The organization lends itself to flexibility, and the course could be done over one year (two weeks per lesson), two years (four weeks per lesson), or even one semester (one week per lesson – a bare bones approach). Vocabulary words are in bold, with definitions provided in the glossary at the end of the text. The Reader concludes with a reference list that provides options for further study.

The accompanying companion guide PDF file is now downloadable (download instructions provided inside the book). It provides both basic and "extra" activities in addition to all content from the Reader. It's these PDF files that will allow you to tailor the course for high school, for junior high, or for a combination of ages. Families may make photocopies or print pages as needed, but classrooms and co-ops should contact the publisher for a multiple-use license. Depending on the course time-frame you choose, you will probably have to assign only some selection of activities, as there is a wealth provided.

  • Hands-On Activities are varied and plentiful. Some are short and simple, some more involved. Materials lists are provided when necessary (and tend to be easy-to-get items).
  • Build Your Own Atlas: there's a segment for each lesson that includes labeling outline maps, completing fact files, and creating a set of political, physical, and thematic maps. Outline maps are provided, but a good atlas as a reference is helpful (i.e. Wondermaps or Atlas of World Geography).
  • Note-Taking Pages: each lesson has a set of 10 questions taken from the text that serve as lesson review and a study guide for the quizzes.
  • Memorization Lists include a list of 198 countries, 70 regions and physical features to learn roughly 16 items per lesson.
  • Research Questions include a set of questions for each continent which encourage the student to conduct his own research (answers included).
  • Quizzes and Tests quizzes for each lesson (based on note-taking questions and map work). A final exam includes questions taken from all 16 of the lessons (answer keys and grading rubrics included).
  • Graphic Organizers – these can be used for all types of studies world/continent, country, culture, regional geography, and government fact files.

Homeschool geography courses have tended to be research frameworks that can be used by multi-age students, often over several years. While having lots of advantages for families they require planning, preparation, and often outside resources. North Star takes a different approach, providing a very solid base of textual information but giving lots of options for additional activities and research. It provides all necessary forms and pages, requiring only a good world atlas to accompany the course. ~ Janice

Primary Subject
History/Geography
Grade Start
7
Grade End
12
ISBN
9781892427526
Author
Tyler and Helen Hogan
Format
Hardcover
Brand Name
Bright Ideas
Weight
2.8 (lbs.)
Dimensions
11.25" x 8.75" x 1.0"
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Why did you choose this?
Rainbow Resource Center Store
For co-op
Anna W on Feb 28, 2023
The reviews of this looked good. I love that it is written by a homeschooled Dad. I wanted my 12th grader to get a good overview of Geography and this looks like it will "fit the bill".
Gail C on Aug 29, 2022
For co-op
Anna W on Feb 28, 2023
suggested by another teacher
Donna C on Sep 26, 2022
The reviews of this looked good. I love that it is written by a homeschooled Dad. I wanted my 12th grader to get a good overview of Geography and this looks like it will "fit the bill".
Gail C on Aug 29, 2022
We needed a Geography curriculum.
Stoker A on Aug 21, 2022
A well-rounded Geography curriculum - highly recommended by homeschool parents whom I trust.
Tracy W on Apr 25, 2022
cathy duffy review
Lois T on Sep 6, 2021
this was the curriculum that was required for my children's class for a co-op group.
Rebecca J on Sep 3, 2021
This seems very comprehensive, also the author is a home schooler .
pamela v on Aug 31, 2021
This is going to be used as a companion to History.
Heidi on Aug 12, 2021
Needing a geography for my 9th grader & this looked like a good fit.
Dana B on Jul 15, 2021
This looks like a geography course that appeals to my teenage boys.
LINDA S on May 27, 2021
Choose this for my 10th grader. Looks very in depth and complete.
Kristine S on Mar 21, 2021
This looks like an easy-to-use, comprehensive geography course. I was looking for a curriculum that would be appropriate for a middle school student, included a student text and teacher guide, and taught both map skills and human geography
Laurel Z on Oct 13, 2020
After I read the reviews and looked over the material I think it will be a good fit for my son to complete his Geography history credit in his 9th grade year.
Tina P on Aug 19, 2020
I watched the reviews and looked at all the samples. I am very excited about getting started
Kory A on Jul 31, 2020
I was looking for a Geography book that was audio - for my auditory learner- This seemed to be it. I do have to order the Audio part from North Star directly.
sherry y on Jul 22, 2020
The extensive amount of content and the biblical worldview is why we have chosen this for our high school student.
Tamie D on Jul 16, 2020
This is the first time I will be using this. It was referred to me by a good friend.
gabra s on Jun 19, 2020
This looks like an interesting course for 9th grade Geography.
Karen J on May 28, 2020
I so appreciate Tyler Hogan, and I want to teach my girls his Geography course
Bronwyn P on May 3, 2020
The sneak peak sold me. It was exactly what I was looking for: interesting and easy to read text, beautiful photos, and of course modern day content to make it revenant. I know that my teen son is going to enjoy this. Another wonderful score from Rainbow Resources!
Carol S on May 1, 2020
I chose this after reading Cathy Duffy's review of it.
Kim D on Oct 24, 2019
This looks like a thorough world geography curriculum that will challenge my 8th grader.
Susan K on Sep 2, 2019
class
Michelle V on Aug 29, 2019
This is the curriculum my daughter's teacher chose for the school year.
Elizabeth P on Aug 18, 2019
I wanted a well rounded (not just country survey) world geography course for high school.
Stefani M on Jun 1, 2019
Looking for a geography text for 6th grade that is informative and interesting
Aimee W on May 4, 2019
I chose this because it has a biblical worldview, a CD with the printables AND a schedule. I think it sounds like a great course!
Shannon P on Feb 15, 2019
I've read several reviews, and this book appears to be what we are looking for, based on the table of contents.
Matt F on Nov 17, 2018
Looks like what we need. I like the flexible schedule of completion.
Jenn S on Oct 13, 2018
Multiple children over 5 grades - seems lilke a good fit based on reviews!
Steven B on Sep 13, 2018
My son is taking a coop class and this is what they are using
Athena H on Aug 28, 2018
All of the reviews I read were very positive.
Amy D on Aug 23, 2018
This looks like a great overall comprehensive geography program suitable for teaching multiple kids at once. It's just what I've been looking for! Thank you for making samples available so we could see the content of the program as well as the different options to modify it to tailor fit our family! I'm looking forward to using this for my three kids in 9th and 11th grades.
Denise B on Aug 15, 2018
Best price I could find.
Robert R on Aug 1, 2018
Being used in Co-op
Jennifer O on Jul 26, 2018
Child likes textbooks, needs to learn geography
Kimberly K on Jul 26, 2018
going to teach to high school students
April T on Jul 25, 2018
It appears to cover all topics of geography in a Biblical worldview. I look forward to using it.
Julie F on Jul 23, 2018
home school curriculum; looks interesting
Amy R on Jul 18, 2018
I needed a solid geography course for my middle and high-schoolers. This one had good reviews and looked like it would fit well with the way we homeschool.
Grace on Jul 3, 2018
Needs for an on-line class with Bright Ideas Academy.
Carolyn W on May 22, 2018
I chose this textbook because I wanted a well-rounded geography textbook.
meghan b on May 17, 2018
We used this book in a co-op setting , and they learned quite a lot using this book.
David L on Sep 25, 2017
My daughter is in the 9th grade. She loves Ancient History so I chose a geography course that emphasized Ancient History. After three weeks she came to me a bit frustrated because the only new information was the maps. She wanted a course that would teach her modern culture as well as the physical geography of the world. This course seems to strike a better balance, emphasizing how modern technology is used in the study of geography and includes world culture from a Christian worldview.
Shawna J on Sep 25, 2017
It has a Christian World view and the option to use for a 1/2 year credit for high school.
Lynn I on Sep 20, 2017
We've used Mystery of History and liked it. This looks to be a similar format. We were looking for a high school level geography course with a Biblical worldview. This looks to be just what we need/want!
Lori on Sep 8, 2017
i had to
Katrina P on Aug 25, 2017
required by my co-op
Debra G on Aug 5, 2017
I chose this because this is the curriculum our co-op has decided to use
Kimberly B on Jun 30, 2017
suggested by another teacher
Donna C on Sep 26, 2022
We needed a Geography curriculum.
Stoker A on Aug 21, 2022
What atlas do you recommend to go with this curriculum?
A shopper on Jul 17, 2022
BEST ANSWER: If you prefer a paper version, Rand McNally's Atlas of World Geography. If you want to use software, then WonderMaps. We use the paper atlas.
What is the publishing date?
A shopper on Apr 14, 2021
BEST ANSWER: This text has a 2014 copyright date.
Is the companion guide still available? I saw that their online store is closed.
A shopper on Feb 26, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Yes, the downloadable Companion Guide is still available. The Bright Ideas online store is closed because they are no longer selling directly to individuals - only through resellers such as Rainbow.
I know that it's written from a Christian perspective. I'm wondering if that includes that the earth is less than 10,000 years old? Thanks!
A shopper on Aug 15, 2019
BEST ANSWER: In Lesson 4.2, the author has a section titled "How many years?" He discusses plate tectonics and the catastrophic and unifomitarian viewpoints. He recommends that the readers do further study on the work of Dr. J. R Baumgardner who has "the best computer modeling systems for plate tectonics...and he believes in the global Flood." The author gives more weight to the catastrophic model and an earth that is, at most, 10,000 years old. (Pg 63)
Is this a hardcover book? Thanks!
Stephanie on Jan 23, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Mine is. (I bought my edition from this site.) FYI, I think this book is such a wonderful resource... I really enjoyed it and so did my students!
Are the notes sections in the the text or on the CD drive to print? Do I need one per student?
User on May 5, 2018
BEST ANSWER: All the tools needed to complete the program, hands-on activities, atlas building, note-taking pages, memorization lists, research questions, quizzes, tests, and answer keys are included in the CD.
The textbook only contains the lessons.

You do not need one per student. As long as you are using it for your family.

The printable material from the CD reads as follows: "Making copies of any part of this product, for any use other than a single-family homeschool, is a violation of US copyright law. For school or co-op licenses, please contact the publisher."
God Bless...
Would this be considered secular or does it contain religious content or promote religion. (Can I order it through a California charter school?)
A shopper on Aug 15, 2016
BEST ANSWER: North Star Geography includes Christian content.
is this considered a full credit or half of credit for high school?
A shopper on Aug 1, 2016
BEST ANSWER: We would consider it a full high school credit (assuming you completed it as designed).
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4.8 / 5.0
8 Reviews
5 Stars
4 Stars
3 Stars
2 Stars
1 Star
6
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Rated 5 out of 5
We are truly enjoying this!
This is the most well organized, clear curriculum! Thank you so much Tyler H. Hogan...

I have been homeschooling for 20 years and this is truly one of my favorites.

The text book has beautiful photographs and is very informative! I am certainly learning as well.

Being old school, I usually like to have paper printouts of everything. This program has a website that has links to quizzes, maps, activities, etc.that print beautifully. It is the most organized and visually pleasing web page. I could not be more impressed.
September 1, 2021
Purchased
 over 2 years ago
Rated 5 out of 5
Incredible Curriculum
I am so very pleased with this text. It is beautifully laid out and extremely easy to use. I love it
August 31, 2020
Purchased
 over 3 years ago
Rated 5 out of 5
Great geography
This book has a 2 year plan, which we are using. It makes a great choose for 7th/8th grade school years. It has a wonderful companion guide to help learn - with activities, study guides, maps, quizzes - and more.
August 24, 2020
Purchased
 over 3 years ago
Rated 4 out of 5
I really loved this!
My son and I loved this series as a freshman, elective course. Starting and using the cd rom is a bit complicated, and the reason for one loss of star. Great info, well done.
January 23, 2019
Purchased
 over 6 years ago
Rated 4 out of 5
Great text and resources
Thus far my daughter and I have really enjoyed this geography text/program. She is currently working on chapter 3. The text has beautiful pictures, is laid out well, and presents both the history of map-making and explains current mapping technology, such as different GPS systems. My only criticism is that I have to print the quizzes and assignments from the CD-ROM. This is a slow process. I would prefer to have the option to just buy a workbook to go with the text.
October 27, 2017
Purchased
 over 6 years ago
Rated 5 out of 5
Good program
I was wanting a semester long program for my high schoolers that they could use themselves. I got them started and they are doing well. There is a lot to do, so I weeded out activities, etc. to make it manageable. Now all I do is grade their work. This is the best program I found for a half year credit, which is all they is required in Texas.
October 21, 2017
Purchased
 over 6 years ago
Rated 5 out of 5
Love this!
I really like this Geography curriculum. It is very comprehensive. The CD-Rom has all the printables you need and is easy to navigate. Map labeling and memorization, fact files to fill in for all the car ntinents and countries, several activities for each lesson (make a compass, go orienteering, go geocaching, find longitude & latitude....), plus quizzes and exams with answer keys. And it's good for a full-year high school credit!
September 30, 2016
Purchased
 over 7 years ago
Rated 5 out of 5
I would definitely recommend this curriculum! Very interesting and detailed.
September 1, 2016
Purchased
 over 7 years ago
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