Spatial Thinking
This strand helps students appreciate that the Caribbean has diverse geography that poses challenges and opportunities. Students explore world geography, climatic regions, human adaptation to different environments, and how extreme weather conditions require technological adaptations for survival and development.
Grade Six Expectations for Spatial Thinking
Essential Learning Outcome: World Geography Understanding
To appreciate that the Caribbean has diverse geography and understand its place in the world.
- Name the continents and major water bodies of the world
- Locate continents and oceans on maps and globes
- Recognize that continents are made up of different countries
- Understand the Caribbean's location relative to other regions
- Explore the relationship between geography and human settlement
- Identify major geographical features and their significance
Focus Questions:
What features are seen on Earth from space?
Why is the Earth called the Blue Planet?
Why are continents divided into countries?
Specific Curriculum Outcomes
By the end of Grade Six, the learner will be expected to:
Inclusive Assessment Strategies
Assessment strategies that provide information about learning:
- Observations: Monitor map work, climate simulations, and adaptation projects
- Conversations: Geographic discussions, climate comparisons, adaptation strategies
- Products: World maps, climate charts, adaptation models, weather reports
Sample Assessment Tools:
- Geographic knowledge assessment rubrics
- Climate comparison project criteria
- Adaptation model evaluation guides
- Weather simulation participation checklists
- Collaborative mapping assessment tools
Inclusive Learning Strategies
Additional Resources and Materials
Digital Resources
- Interactive world maps and Google Earth
- Climate zone educational videos
- Virtual reality climate experiences
- Weather simulation software
- Geographic information systems (GIS)
- Climate change documentaries
- Extreme weather case study databases
- Adaptation technology showcases
Physical Materials
- World globes and atlases
- Climate zone maps and charts
- Weather measurement instruments
- Building materials for housing models
- Cultural clothing samples
- Agricultural product samples
- Extreme weather simulation materials
- Geographic puzzle sets
Teacher Content Knowledge
Earth consists of seven continents (Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, Australia) and five oceans (Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic, Southern). The Caribbean is located between North and South America, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Understanding this geographic context helps students appreciate the region's strategic location and cultural connections.
The world's three main climatic zones are tropical (hot year-round), temperate (moderate temperatures with seasons), and polar (cold year-round). Each zone has unique ecosystems, weather patterns, and challenges. The Caribbean is primarily tropical, which influences everything from agriculture to architecture to cultural practices.
Human adaptation to climate involves modifications in housing (stilts in flood-prone areas, thick walls in cold regions), clothing (light fabrics in hot climates, layers in cold areas), agriculture (drought-resistant crops, greenhouse farming), and transportation (snow vehicles, boats for island communities). Understanding these adaptations helps students appreciate human ingenuity and cultural diversity.