Transcript group%20work%20presentation[2] cristalx

Social Studies Method
University of Belize
Submitted to: Mr. Kevin Tucker
Submitted on: October 15th, 2011
Overview of Geography of Belize Central America and the Caribbean
Done by: Abel Pop
Wendy Ordonez
Theryl Williams
Beverly Felix
Cristal Westby
EXAMINE THE PICTURES? EXPLAIN WHAT IT
DEPICTS?
WHAT IS GEOGRAPHY?
 Geography is the study of the earth’s
landscapes, peoples, places and environments.
It is, quite simply, about the world in which we
live.
Geography is unique in bridging the social
sciences (human geography) with the natural
sciences (physical geography).
OUR NATIONAL FLAG OF BELIZE
BELIZE IS A COUNTRY IN CENTRAL AMERICA.
Belize, a country in Central America, formerly called British Honduras. It
faces the Caribbean Sea and is bordered by Mexico and Guatemala.
The area is 8,867 square miles (22,965 km2).
Flat, swampy lowlands cover much of northern Belize. In the south a
narrow coastal plain gives way inland to the Maya Mountains, forested
uplands that reach 3,681 feet (1,122 m) at Victoria Peak. Major rivers
are the Belize, Hondo, and New. A barrier reef, sandy beaches, and
shallow lagoons fringe the coast. The climate is tropical. Along the coast
temperatures average between 75° and 85° F. (24° and 29° C.) the
year round. Annual rainfall increases from 50 inches (1,270 mm) in the
north to more than 160 inches (4,060 mm) in the south. Hurricanes
sometimes strike the coast.
FACTS IN BRIEF ABOUT BELIZE
Capital: Belmopan.
 Official language: English.
 Area: 8,867 mi2 (22,966 km2).
 Greatest distances—north-south, 180 mi (290
km); east-west, 85 mi (137 km).
 Coastline—220 mi (354 km).

LINKS OF BELIZE
Central America, a part of North America, is a tropical isthmus that connects
North America to South America. It includes (7) countries and many small
offshore islands. Positioned in the planet's northern and western
hemispheres the Central America isthmus is bordered in the northwest by
the country of Mexico, and in the southeast by the country of Colombia. In
addition, it's bordered by the Caribbean Sea, Pacific Ocean, and numerous
bays, gulfs and inlets.
Central American Countries
 Belize
 El Salvador
 Honduras
 Panama
 Costa Rica
 Guatemala
 Nicaragua
FIVE THEMES OF GEOGRAPHY
Theme 1: Location, Position on the Earth's
Surface.
Theme 2: Place, Natural and Cultural
Characteristics.
Theme 3: Relationships within Places, Humans
and Environments.
Theme 4: Movement, Humans Interacting on the
Earth.
Theme 5: Regions, How They Form and Change.
THE SIX ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAPHY EDUCATION
Element 1: The World in Spatial Terms.
 This element incorporates the theme of location, reminding instructors that finding
places is not the only skill one uses when dealing with maps. It also
identifies the variety of maps that students need to study and use.
Element 2: Places and Regions.
 It combines two of the five themes, clarifying their meanings by pointing
out that places are culturally defined by people, that they can be small
or large, and that they may vary in importance over time.
Element 3: Physical Systems.
 It serves as a reminder that the earth has patterns that are related to
its physical nature, that many changes are a result of the physical processes
acting on the earth, and that natural forces change Earth by moving materials.
Element 4: Human Systems.
 This element stresses ongoing changes in human patterns related to
settlements, the movement of resources, and the struggles and conflicts
regarding control of the earth's surface. The inclusion of these two
systems reminds teachers to include detailed considerations of both.
Element 5: Environment and Society.
 This element shows how people, at times, adapt their behaviors to fit the
environment, whereas at other times, they try to change the environment
to fit their own needs and desires. This element ensures that teachers
consider environmental perspectives and ask students to think about how
various people view the earth.
Element 6: The Uses of Geography.
 It encourages teachers to ask students to apply geographic knowledge to
other school subjects and consider how people use geographic knowledge
and skills in their jobs when making decisions.
SOCIAL STUDIES BEST PRACTICES
The content of this area of study has normally
been organized into the specialized disciplines of
sociology, political science, economics and
psychology. But since human behavior and
interactions take place in a physical environment
and cover a wide span of time, the disciplines of
geography and history also form an integral part
of this area of study.
STUDENT BEHAVIORS ILLUSTRATING THE FIVE GEOGRAPHIC
SKILL

Where is it? Why is it there? What is important about its location?
How is one location related to other locations of people, places,
and environments?


Distinguish between geographic and non geographic questions.
Locate, gather, and process information from a variety of
maps and primary and secondary sources.

Make and record observations of physical and human
characteristics of places.


Make and record direct field observations.

Construct graphs, tables, and diagrams displaying geographic
information.

Make models of physical and cultural landscapes.

Make inferences and draw conclusions.

Interpret geographic information.

Prepare oral and written reports that use maps and graphics.
Acquire geographic information; draw conclusions; and make
generalizations. Apply generalizations to solve problems and
make decisions.

DIFFERENT METHODOLOGY USING MAPS AND GRAPHS
Using climate maps and graphs, students
decide what clothing they would take if they
were to travel today to a specified place. Then
they decide what would be the best time for a
tourist to visit that location.
 Using land use maps, students identify places
that are home to cowboys and cowgirls, miners,
and those who catch fish or raise fish.

WEATHER AND CLIMATE
DIFFERENT METHODOLOGY
1.Students arrange a box of crayons, a pencil, a book, and a
pair of scissors on their desktop and draw a map illustrating
the arrangement.
2.They remove the items and give them and their map to a partner.
3.The partner uses the map to place the items on a desktop. The
mapmaker checks to see whether the arrangement is correct.
4.Young students make Me Maps. A tracing is made around the
body. Then the children use previously agreed-on symbols to draw
their eyes, nose, heart, knees, ears, mouth, waist, and elbows in
the correct locations.
MAP OF CENTRAL AMERICA
5. Students follow a map to go on treasure hunts
within the school or on the school grounds. The
map may be drawn by the teacher or other
students.
6. Each student makes a map illustrating the route
taken to school. Older students also write
directions to their homes, which classmates
follow to mark a route on a city or county map.
MAP OF BELIZE
JAMAICA
GEOGRAPHY OF JAMAICA
Location: Caribbean, island in the Caribbean
Sea, south of Cuba
 Geographic coordinates: 18 15 N, 77 30 W
 Map references: Central America and the
Caribbean
 Area: total: 10,991 sq km land: 10,831 sq km
water: 160 sq km
 Area - comparative: slightly smaller than
Connecticut

CONCLUSION
"In its simplest expression, geography asks
humanities oldest, most fundamental
questions:
'Where am I?'
'How do I get there?'
'What is on the other side of the mountain?'
THANK YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Any Questions