Page 147 - THE ONTARIO CURRICULUM, GRADES 11 AND 12 | Canadian and World Studies

E2. Shifting Populations
FOCUS ON: Spatial Significance; Patterns and Trends
By the end of this course, students will:
E2.1 identify migration patterns in this region and analyse their significance (e.g., whether people tend to immigrate to or emigrate from the region and the sociocultural impact of that trend; the presence and impact of refugees; internal migrations, including urbanization; migration related to work; the impact of migration on population distribution)
Sample questions: “Is the population flow in this region national, regional, or international?” “What factors have led to population movement in the region? What specific locations have attracted migrants? Why?” “Are there a signifi- cant number of refugees in this region? If so, do they tend to be political, economic, or environ- mental refugees? What circumstances led to their status as refugees? Where are they living? Why are they living there?” “How important are remittances from emigrants to the economic health of people in this region?”
E2.2 explain how population distribution has changed historically in the region as a result of changes in population growth, political power, the economy, and/or technology (e.g., demographic factors such as changes in birth and infant mortality rates; the impact of epidemics, particularly on indigenous populations; the impact of decoloniza- tion; economic changes such as the growth and/or decline of resource towns; rural depopulation as a result of factors such as increasingly large farms or unsustainable agricultural practices; the impact of the car on the growth of suburbia in some regions)
Sample questions: “What demographic change in the region can be measured over the past hundred years?” “What was the population
of this region fifty years ago? What is it now?
If there has been an increase, is it due mostly
to natural increase or to immigration?” “When you compare maps showing population distri- bution in the past with that of today, what are the most significant changes? How would you account for them? Do you notice any aspects of the distribution that have not changed over time? If so, why do you think they have remained largely the same?” “Are there areas that have experienced depopulation or that have been abandoned completely? If so, what accounts for this?”
E2.3 analyse the effects of rural-to-urban popula- tion shifts on the region
Sample questions: “What stresses has rural-to- urban migration placed on the infrastructure of
cities in the region?” “Has this type of migration resulted in social conflict?” “What are the social and economic effects of a declining rural popula- tion in the region?” “Under what circumstances, if any, should a government restrict internal population movement? Is there any evidence of such policies in this region?”
Using spatial skills: Students can analyse graphs showing migration and city population statistics to determine areas of population change. Trends can be plotted on a base map, to which annotations can be added to provide information about the “arrival city” that has received the migrants.
E3. Climate Change and Natural Hazards
FOCUS ON: Patterns and Trends; Interrelationships By the end of this course, students will:
E3.1 explain how various factors affect weather and climate patterns in the region (e.g., physical features such as mountains, deserts, or bodies of water; ocean currents; latitude; climate change)
Sample questions: “Are there major water bodies that have an impact on the region’s weather and climate?” “Is there any evidence of climate change in the weather patterns of the region?”
Using spatial skills: Students can construct a story map showing the factors that affect local climate. Symbols could be used to illustrate ocean currents, air masses, mountain ranges, water bodies, and so on, and annotations could be added to explain their effect on weather/ climate.
E3.2 explain how climate change currently affects the region and how it is likely to do so in the future
Sample questions: “Have coastal areas in the region experienced increased flooding and/or storm activity?” “What impact would a rise in sea level have on this region and its population?” “Has climate change had an impact on agricul- tural activity in the region? Do you think it might in the future? Why or why not?” “Has climate change had an impact on human health in the region? Is it likely to do so in the future?”
E3.3 identify natural hazards to which the region is vulnerable (e.g., volcanic eruptions, earth- quakes, tsunamis, drought, landslides, avalanches, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones), and assess the level of preparedness in the region for natural and/or human-created disasters
Sample questions: “Is this region particularly vulnerable to a specific natural hazard? What
DYNAMICS AND CHANGE
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Regional Geography
CGD3M