Course Description
This course builds on learning in Grades 7 and 8 in geography. Students will explore relationships within and between Canada’s natural and human systems and how they interconnect with other parts of the world. Students will also examine environmental and economic issues, and their impact related to topics such as natural resources and industries, careers, land use and responsible development, and sustainability. In addition, students will understand the connections that diverse communities and individuals have with the physical environment and each other throughout Canada, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit perspectives. Students will apply geographic thinking, use the geographic inquiry process, and use geospatial technologies throughout their investigations.
Course Outline
| Unit | Unit Titles and Descriptions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Geographic Inquiry and Skill Development – Students develop geographic inquiry skills by investigating Canadian geographic issues, using geospatial technologies, evaluating information, and communicating findings. | 22 hrs |
| 2 | Physical Geography and Physical Processes in Canada – Students explore Canada’s landscapes, landforms, and physical processes, and examine their connections to communities, global systems, and Canadian identity. | 20 hrs |
| 3 | Managing Canada’s Resources and Industries – Students examine Canada’s natural resources and major industries, analyzing resource use, economic development, environmental impacts, and sustainable management. | 21 hrs |
| Midterm | Midterm Exam – The midterm assessment evaluates students’ understanding of concepts and geographic skills covered in Units 1–3. | 2 hrs |
| 4 | Changing Populations – Students examine population patterns, migration, settlement, quality of life, and strategies for addressing the needs of Canada’s changing population. | 22 hrs |
| 5 | Liveable Communities – Students explore land use, urban growth, transportation, food and energy systems, and strategies for creating sustainable Canadian communities. | 20 hrs |
| Final | Final Assessment – The final assessment evaluates students’ understanding of Canada’s physical and human geography through geographic analysis, data interpretation, and written responses. | 3 hrs |
| Total Course Hours | 110 hrs | |
Resources Required
Ontario Ministry of Education-approved or teacher-selected resources related to Canadian geography, including physical, human, economic, and environmental geography. Supplementary readings and media include articles, videos, maps, infographics, and online resources examining Canadian geographic issues, regions, and sustainability. Digital resources include Google Drive for storing, sharing, and submitting assignments, internet access for research and digital archives, and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) or equivalent. Assistive technology and flexible submission formats may be used when appropriate.
Key Skills Developed
Geographic inquiry, spatial analysis, geographic thinking, research, critical thinking, and effective communication. Students develop skills in interpreting maps and geographic data, identifying patterns and trends, evaluating environmental and economic issues, and investigating relationships between Canada’s natural and human systems. They also strengthen their understanding of sustainability, population changes, resource management, geographic perspectives, and the use of geospatial technologies to investigate real-world issues and communicate informed conclusions.
Assessment
Assessment practices can nurture students’ sense of progress and competency and inform instruction. Diagnostic tools, such as checklists, are used at regular intervals throughout the units to encourage students’ understanding of their current status as learners and to provide frequent and timely reviews of their progress. Assessment of student acquisition of learning skills also occurs regularly through teacher observation and conferencing.
Assessment Activities
Assessment activities may include:
- Homework and individual assignments
- Individual conference meetings
- Discussion forums and participation
- Diagnostic tests and writing tasks
- Outlining and planning activities
- Templates and graphic organizers
- Editing and revision checklists
- Oral presentations and active listening activities
- Quizzes, tests, and evaluations
- Design projects, research, and reports
Final Grade
The final grade will be determined as follows (in accordance with Ministry of Education standards):
| Evaluation Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Term Work Based on evaluations conducted throughout the course. |
65% |
| Summative Evaluation A final evaluation in the form of assignments and an exam. |
20% |
| Attendance and Participation | 15% |
Final Examination Breakdown
- 20% written exam
Attendance Policy
Regular attendance and active engagement are important for student success. Attendance and participation are monitored through the school’s Learning Management System (LMS).
All online credit courses at ICE are designed to meet or exceed the minimum 110 hours of instructional time required for a credit course.
Online instructional time and engagement are monitored through:
- LMS Engagement: Students are expected to log in regularly and actively participate in online learning activities. LMS activity records are used to monitor engagement.
- Biweekly Check-Ins: Students complete a brief check-in every two weeks to review their progress and engagement. Additional support may be provided when concerns are identified.
- Post-Unit Quizzes: Short formative quizzes are completed at the end of each unit to monitor student progress and pacing.
- Discussion Forums: Students participate in required unit discussions and peer activities. Participation is monitored based on completion and engagement.
- Instructional Records: The school maintains records of instructional time, attendance, and student engagement.
Students are responsible for maintaining regular participation and completing required learning activities within the course schedule.
Evaluation Model
15% Total Attendance Weight
| Component | Weight | Quantifiable Metric / Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Attendance | 5% | Marked present, or late within 10 minutes, for each scheduled class period; excused absences are removed from the calculation. |
| Weekly Participation Checklist | 5% | Meets at least 3 of 4 weekly in-class engagement indicators (responding/volunteering, group work, guided practice, on-task behaviour). |
| Homework Assignment Punctuality | 5% | Submits homework on or before the due date, through the required platform, with a complete submission. |
Tips for Success
Check Announcements, “What’s New,” and your mailbox daily for important updates. Monitor due dates carefully and submit all assignments on time. If you are experiencing difficulty, contact your teacher as early as possible. Review assignment instructions and criteria before submitting work to ensure all requirements are met. Ask for help when needed. Support is available, and questions are encouraged.
For technical issues, contact the Help Desk. For course-related questions, email your teacher. Expect a response within 24 hours. If urgent, include “URGENT” in the subject line.
Time Commitment: Plan for 1–2 hours of focused study each day. Communication: Stay in regular contact with your teacher for feedback and clarification. Engagement: Stay curious and open-minded. Understanding geographic issues will help you better understand Canada and the world around you. Approach each activity with effort and responsibility, and you will be well positioned for success in this course.
