This strand explores the Caribbean's diverse geography and its challenges and opportunities. Students investigate world continents and oceans, global climatic regions, human adaptation to diverse environments, and the impacts of extreme weather conditions. They develop geographic skills while understanding how location and climate influence lifestyle and technology.
To appreciate that the Caribbean has a diverse geography that poses challenges and opportunities.
Students examine Earth's seven continents and five oceans, understanding why Earth is called the Blue Planet and recognizing that continents are made up of many countries with diverse cultures and governments.
Knowledge, Skills, and Values outcomes with codes
Suggested activities and teaching approaches
Continents & Oceans: Seven continents (North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, Antarctica) and five oceans (Arctic, Southern, Indian, Atlantic, Pacific). Earth is 70% water and 30% land, hence "Blue Planet."
Climatic Zones: Three main zones: Tropical/Torrid (hot, humid, rainforests near equator), Temperate (moderate temperatures, deciduous forests), and Polar/Frigid (extremely cold, tundra, ice caps). Adaptation means anticipating adverse effects and taking appropriate action.
Human Adaptation: Housing (igloos in Arctic, stilted houses in tropics, adobe in deserts), Clothing (fur/layered in polar, loose/light in desert, cotton in tropical), Agriculture (limited in polar, irrigation in desert, year-round in tropical), Transportation (dog sleds in polar, camels in desert, boats in tropical islands).
Extreme Conditions: Tropical (hurricanes, floods, droughts), Temperate (tornadoes, heatwaves), Polar (blizzards, extreme cold). Impacts include heat exhaustion, power outages, water shortages, frostbite, hypothermia. Mitigation includes early warning systems, evacuation plans, and reinforced construction.
Hands-on geography and climate activities for Spatial Thinking
Engage students with interactive activities covering continents and oceans, climatic regions, human adaptation, and extreme weather conditions. Each activity develops geographic thinking and environmental awareness.
