Grade 9 Geogrpahy – Independent Study Unit (ISU)
3-D Model and Research Report
of a Canadian Landform Region
Canadian Landforms &
Associated Characteristics
‘A Visual Reflection’
What is an ISU?
•
A project generally completed outside of class time.
•
A culminating assignment worth approximately 15% of your final grade.
•
An opportunity for you to demonstrate the geographical skills and knowledge you have acquired in
the teaching year.
Your Tasks: You must prepare
1.
a 3-D model of one of Canada’s Landform Regions (see Pages 101-116 in your textbook Making
Connections), AND
2. a research report about your region
Your Landform Region: ____________________________________
Assessment
This assignment will be assessed using the included rubric. .
As well, YOU will be asked to self-evaluate your effort in this project.
Due Date: _____________________________________
Part 1: Create a 3-D visual model (e.g., paper mache, clay, lego block, a “pop-up” poster) of one
landform region that provides the following components.
The general appearance of the landscape (e.g., the region’s prominent physical features illustrating
the shape of the land (mountains, lakes, plains, impacts of glaciers, etc.)
Common vegetation found in the landform region (e.g., conifer trees versus deciduous trees,
grasslands)
Some of the major jobs that take place in your region as a result of its physical characteristics
(e.g., What are the major industries? What are the primary natural resources? Does manufacturing
occur? If so, where and what? Is tourism a significant part of the local economy? If so, what type
of tourism? How is the economy related to the physical landscape?).
Two (or more) types of recreational activities that can be enjoyed in this region.
The main rock type(s) which underlie/dominate the region
The population distribution within the region (e.g., Are there many people living in the region? Are
the people scattered throughout or living in cities? Are they randomly distributed or clustered?
How do the physical characteristics of your region affect the pattern of distribution?)
Part 2:Create a written report of your report that complements your 3-D visual and includes the
following information:
i. A table of information providing the following details
A listing of your landform region’s location: latitude and longitude, provinces and territories
included in the region
A brief description of the major physical features of your landform region. Note: You should
refer to your 3-D visual so your reader understands your ideas.
An outline of the climate
A short description of population density and population distribution. This section should also
include a brief outline of (i) major urban settlements and (ii) major industries.
ii. A detailed and researched written report of the following topic
An important environmental issue facing your landform region (e.g., the impacts of Global Warming,
real or predicted; impacts of major resource extraction activities such as open pit coal mining or oil
exploration)
Canadian Landforms & Associated Characteristics
‘A Visual Reflection’ Rubric
Landform Region:
Students:
Assessment
Level 1
Limited
Level 2
Satisfactory
Level 3
Good
Level 4
Excellent
Total and Comments
Physical
appearance of the
region accurately
depicted
(landscape, rock
type, vegetation)
/25
Economic and
recreational
activities well
demonstrated
/15
Labeling and
spelling
informative and
correct
/5
Creativity and
overall appearance
/20
Team work and
initiative
demonstrated
/5
Total: 70
Additional comments:
Independent Study – Model Rubric
Achievement Category Guiding Question Level 4 Level 3 Level 2 Level 1 R Knowledge and Understanding ‐ Subject‐specific content acquired in each course (knowledge), and the comprehension of its meaning and significance (understanding) Knowledge of content (ie. appearance, vegetation, rock type, recreational activities, ,population distribution) How well does my model show that I have knowledge of my landform regions? Considerable knowledge of landform region. Thinking ‐ The use of critical and creative thinking skills and/or processes Use of planning skills How much planning is demonstrated in my model? Are the check‐boxes complete? A considerable amount of planning is reflected in model. Communication ‐ The conveying of meaning through various forms Expression and organization of ideas and information. How well have I organized and presented the ideas and information in my model? Ideas and information are organized and presented in a clear and effective manner. Application ‐ The use of knowledge and skills to make connections within and between various contexts Making connections. Transfer of knowledge and skills to new contexts Overall Level: Comments: How well does my project make connections between present and future; electrical generation? Can I take information in text and create a model to show it? Model reflects considerable ability to make connections. Student used application skills effectively when transferring from text to model. Independent Study – Written Report Rubric
Achievement Category Guiding Question Level 4 Level 3 Level 2 Level 1 R Knowledge and Understanding ‐ Subject‐specific content acquired in each course (knowledge), and the comprehension of its meaning and significance (understanding) Knowledge of content Understanding of content How well does my report show that I have knowledge of the facts, key terms and definitions? Is my table complete and detailed? How well does my report show that I understand physical and human connections within my landform region? Considerable knowledge of content in terms of facts, key words and definitions. Considerable understanding of physical and human connections. Thinking ‐ The use of critical and creative thinking skills and/or processes Use of processing skills Use of critical thinking processes How well have I used processing skills in my research of my landform region? How well have I used the research process in investigating environmental issues in my landform region? Considerable use processing skills. Considerable application of the research process. Expression and organization of ideas and information. How well have I organized and presented the ideas and information in my report? Communication ‐ The conveying of meaning through various forms Use of conventions, vocabulary, and terminology. How effectively have I edited, proofread, and spellchecked my report? Ideas and information are organized and presented in a clear and effective manner. Ideas and information are communicated effectively and appropriately. Application ‐ The use of knowledge and skills to make connections within and between various contexts Making connections. Overall Level: Comments: How well does my report make connections between environmental issues and physical and human characteristics of the landform region? Project reflects considerable ability to make connections. Landform Region:
Location
-latitude/longitude
-provinces/territories contained
-oceans/lakes bordered
Physical features
-main types of relief
-rock types
Climate Description
Population Density and
Distribution
-Major Urban Settlements
-distribution pattern
Major industries