Spatial Thinking
This strand builds students' preliminary understanding of relative location by helping them see their island's geographic location and connections to nearby neighbors. Students explore how their islands are shaped by climate, environment, and natural hazards. They also understand how water bodies are important to Caribbean citizens' everyday life and how these bodies of water keep the region connected socially, politically, and economically.
Grade Three Expectations for Spatial Thinking
Essential Learning Outcome: Relative Location
To appreciate how our people are shaped by geographic factors such as our tropical climate, island environment and natural hazards.
- State the relative location of our island/country/or territory within the Caribbean region
- Locate and label your island on a map of the Caribbean
- Recognize that our island/territory is connected geographically to the Caribbean region
Focus Questions:
What makes your island part of the Caribbean region?
How is the Caribbean region similar to a neighborhood?
Specific Curriculum Outcomes
By the end of Grade Three, the learner will be expected to:
Inclusive Assessment Strategies
Assessment strategies that provide information about learning:
- Observations: Observe students during map activities, simulations, and role plays
- Conversations: Discussions about locations, water bodies, seasons, and natural hazards
- Products: Maps, models, charts, posters, emergency preparation plans
Sample Assessment Tools:
- Observation checklists for map activities
- Rubrics for evaluating models and posters
- Self-assessment forms for emergency preparation plans
- Peer assessment for group work on water bodies
- Exit slips for checking understanding of seasons and hazards
Inclusive Learning Strategies
Additional Resources and Materials
Maps and Geographic Tools
- Caribbean maps and maps of specific islands
- Atlases and globes
- Google Maps and other digital mapping tools
- National Geographic MapMaker
- Silhouettes of Caribbean islands for floor puzzle activities
Teacher Content Knowledge
The Caribbean has a tropical climate due to its location near the equator. The region experiences two seasons: the wet/rainy season (June to November) and the dry season (December to May).
The two major water bodies surrounding the Caribbean region are the Caribbean Sea (west of the island chain) and the Atlantic Ocean (east of the region).
Natural hazards common to the Caribbean include hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, and landslides. The location of the Caribbean makes it prone to these hazards.
Preparedness for natural hazards involves measures taken to ensure communities and individuals are ready to respond in the event of a disaster. Mitigation refers to measures taken in advance to reduce the potential impact of hazards.