Introduction to Geography

Unit 1 – Introduction to Geography (Geographers Toolkit)

• Canada is divided into time zones, which are essential for understanding spatial patterns.
• Geography encompasses three main branches: physical, human, and environmental.
• Essential mapping elements include scales, projections, and types of maps.
• The study of geography focuses on spatial patterns and relationships on Earth's surface.
• Map scales can be converted to real-world distances using mathematical calculations.
• Canada consists of 10 provinces and 3 territories, each with their own capital cities.
• Map projections are methods of representing the Earth's surface on a flat map, such as Mercator and Gall-Peters.
• There are three main types of maps: physical, political, and thematic maps.
• Major lines of longitude include the Prime Meridian and other longitudinal lines.
• Major lines of latitude include the Equator, Tropic of Cancer, Tropic of Capricorn, Arctic Circle, and Antarctic Circle.
• Canada is surrounded by major bodies of water, including lakes, rivers, and oceans.
• A compass rose is a directional indicator on maps.
• There are seven continents, each with its own unique features and characteristics.

Unit 2 – Changing Populations & Livable Cities

• There are three main types of immigrants: economic, family, and refugees.
• The immigration point system assesses criteria for immigration to Canada.
• Historical waves of immigration have shaped Canada's population.
• Urban and rural areas have distinct characteristics and interactions.
• Total growth refers to the total population change over time.
• The net migration rate is the difference between immigration and emigration rates.
• Birth and death rates are influenced by various factors, such as fertility rates and life expectancy.
• The traditional notion of neighborhoods has evolved over time.
• Natural increase rate is the rate of population growth due to births and deaths.
• Immigrants, emigrants, and refugees have distinct definitions and characteristics.
• Push, pull, and intervening factors influence migration patterns.
• Population density is the population per unit area.
• Population distribution refers to the geographical spread of population.
• The Baby Boom was a post-World War II demographic phenomenon.

Unit 3 – Physical Geography

• Canada is divided into three main landform regions: the Canadian Shield, mountains, and plains.
• The Earth is composed of three layers: the crust, mantle, and core.
• Canada has two main climate regions: continental and maritime.
• The rock cycle is the process of rock formation and transformation.
• Continental drift refers to the movement of continents over geological time.
• Plate tectonics is the theory of Earth's crustal plates.
• There are three main types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.
• Latitude, ocean currents, wind and air masses, elevation, relief, and nearness to water (LOWERN) are factors that affect climate.
• Geologic eras are geological time periods.
• Continental and maritime climates have distinct characteristics.

Unit 4 – Industry & Natural Resources

• Canada's largest trading partners are countries with which Canada trades the most.
• Imports and exports are goods and services brought into and sent out of Canada.
• Transnational corporations (TNCs) have a significant impact on the economy.
• Fisheries are an important aspect of Canada's economy and require management.
• Trade refers to the exchange of goods and services between countries.
• Globalization is the increasing interconnectedness of economies and societies.
• Sweat shops are labor conditions in manufacturing that raise concerns.
• Fossil fuels include coal, oil, and natural gas.
• There are three main types of industry: primary (extractive), secondary (manufacturing), and tertiary (services).
• Natural resources can be renewable or non-renewable.
• Child labor is a global issue that raises concerns about employment and exploitation.