AP Human Geography Summer Assignment 2013-14
Welcome to
AP Human Geography
Whether this is your first experience with an Advanced Placement course or you are a veteran, we all begin
class with different backgrounds and experiences. To help familiarize yourself with the basics of geography
so that we can hit the school year running and start learning about geographic concepts on the first day of
school, complete the following summer assignment. Access to the world news and an atlas/computer is
essential to completing this packet. It may take a while to complete the 6-part assignment, but it will help
you be successful in AP Human Geography. Obviously, do NOT wait until the last minute to get it done –
there is a BIG difference between work done well and you learn from it and work just thrown together; work
on it throughout the summer. Set deadlines for yourself and follow them (a great skill to have in AP classes).
If you have questions, please email me [email protected].
DUE: to be completed BEFORE school begins on August 11, 2014. Due the SECOND day of school.
1. Watch the WORLD News regularly
Watch and pay attention to WORLD news during the summer or download an app like BBC, CNN, NY Times,
The Week Magazine and follow the news on your cell phone/iPad. Become aware of current world events and
where these events are happening. This is essential to understanding human geography.
A. What are FIVE current world events you learned about this summer? Briefly explain what the event was
about, when it occurred and what country it occurred in.
Current
Event
#1
DATE:
#2
DATE:
#3
DATE:
#4
DATE:
#5
DATE:
Explanation of event
Country the event
occurred in
2. Continents and Oceans. Locate and name the 7 continents and 5 oceans on “the Physical World:
Continents and Oceans” map included in this packet.
3. Countries of the World. There approximately 180+ countries in the world. Locate and label all of the
countries listed on the US Department of State website (http://www.state.gov/misc/list/index.htm?country)
on the “The World - Political” map in this packet. The map is small, so it is okay to use a numbering system.
Although geography is not strictly about memorizing places - it is very important!
 You can find additional blank maps at: http://alliance.la.asu.edu/maps/maps.htm. Print them out
and use them to study.
 Use the following websites to quiz yourself. Play often to help you learn the countries of the world.
o http://www.lizardpoint.com/fun/geoquiz/
o http://www.jetpunk.com/quizzes/how-many-countries-can-you-name.php
o http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/Geography.htm
4. 10 Most Important Mountain Ranges. Research and create your own list of the 10 most important
mountain ranges in the world and then locate and label them on “The Physical World” map included in this
packet.
A. List those mountain ranges here:
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B. EXPLAIN your rationale as to why you think those mountain ranges are the most important in the world.
5. 10 Most Important Rivers. Research and create your own list of the 10 most important rivers in the
world and then locate and label them on “The Physical World” map included in this packet.
A. List those rivers here:
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B. EXPLAIN your rationale as to why you think those rivers are the most important in the world.
6. What is Geography? Research the meaning of geography. In your own words, write a one
paragraph definition of the meaning of geography and why it is important. Be specific, no generalizations.
Pay attention to the world around you. Become a “windshield” geographer…as you drive/ride around this summer,
take mental notes of the physical and human geography. Question what you see…What is there? Why is it there? Is it
connected to something else? Be nosy and play detective in stores…look at where the products come from. How did
they get here? Who made them? Why is it here? Geography is everywhere…you just need to look around.   