1. Introduction to Physical Geograpghy
2. 1. How to use maps and other geographic representations, geospatial technologies, and spatial thinking to understand and communicate information
2.1. 1. The advantages and disadvantages of using different geographic representations—such as maps, globes, graphs, diagrams, aerial and other photographs, remotely sensed images, and geographic visualizations for analyzing spatial distributions and patterns.
2.1.1. A. Analyze and explain the properties (position and orientation, projections, symbols, scale, perspective, coordinate systems) and functions of geographic representations.
2.2. WG.4 Geography. The student understands the patterns and characteristics of major landforms, climates, and ecosystems of Earth and the interrelated processes that produce them.
2.2.1. WG.9(B) describe different types of regions, including formal, functional, and perceptual regions.
3. 2. How to use mental maps to organize information about people, places, and environments in a spatial context
3.1. 3. Mental maps are used to answer geographic questions about locations, characteristics, and patterns of places and regions.
3.1.1. A. Identify from memory and describe the locations, characteristics, and patterns of places and regions to answer geographic questions.
3.2. WG.4 Geography. The student understands the patterns and characteristics of major landforms, climates, and ecosystems of Earth and the interrelated processes that produce them.
3.2.1. 1. The four components of Earth’s physical systems (the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere) are interdependent.
3.2.1.1. A. Identify and describe patterns in the environment that result from the interaction of Earth’s physical processes.
3.2.2. WG.9(A) identify physical and/or human factors such as climate, vegetation, language, trade networks, political units, river systems, and religion that constitute a region.
4. 7. The physical processes that shape the patterns of Earth's surface
4.1. WG.4 Geography. The student understands the patterns and characteristics of major landforms, climates, and ecosystems of Earth and the interrelated processes that produce them.
4.1.1. WG.4(B) describe different landforms such as plains, mountains, and islands and the physical processes that cause their development
5. 8. The characteristics and spatial distribution of ecosystems and biomes on Earth's surface
5.1. 2. Physical processes determine the characteristics of ecosystems.
5.1.1. A. Describe and explain how physical processes determine the characteristics of ecosystems.