Page 96 - THE ONTARIO CURRICULUM, GRADES 9 AND 10 | Canadian and World Studies

Grade 9, Applied
THE ONTARIO CURRICULUM, GRADES 9 AND 10 | Canadian and World Studies
can change the acidity of lake water; blasting and drilling may trigger land instability; removing trees and paving over land change the amount
of water going into the soil and back into the air; expansion of highways can lead to more animals being struck by vehicles and can also disrupt animal migration patterns and separate animals from their food supplies, thus endangering their populations)
Sample questions: “How do human activities contribute to changes in Canada’s climate?” “What are some of the environmental costs
that may occur when humans adapt the natural landscape to their needs (e.g., by building irrigation systems, clearing land, draining marshes)?” “Consider a proposal for adapting
a natural feature in your area for human
use (e.g., filling in a swamp and building a shopping mall on it). What are the environmental, economic, social, and political implications of the proposal? How would the costs and benefits of this proposal compare with those of leaving the natural feature untouched or modifying
it in a way that preserved most of its natural characteristics but allowed some human use?”
B2. Influence of the Natural Environment on Human Activity
FOCUS ON: Spatial Significance; Interrelationships
By the end of this course, students will:
B2.1 explain how the natural characteristics of an area in Canada influence human activities
Sample questions: “What natural criteria would you use to identify the best place in Canada
for downhill skiing? For cross-country skiing?” “What are the possibilities for growing food
in the Arctic?” “How does the maple syrup industry or the peach-growing industry depend on the natural environment?”
B2.2 explain the influence of Canada’s natural characteristics (e.g., climate, soils, topography, proximity to water, natural resources) on the spatial distribution of its population
Sample questions: “What does a population settlement map tell us about the preferred range of latitude for settlement in Canada?” “Where will people resettle if coastal areas are flooded?” “How have people adapted
to areas where natural characteristics are not conducive to settlement?”
B3. Characteristics of Canada’s Natural Environment
FOCUS ON: Spatial Significance; Patterns and Trends
By the end of this course, students will:
B3.1 describe the natural characteristics (e.g., landscape, weather, drainage, vegetation, wildlife) of their local area or region, and explain their significance for the region
Sample questions: “What would you consider to be the three most important natural features in your community? What makes them important to the community? Should the community ensure that they are preserved?”
Using spatial skills: This expectation provides an excellent opportunity to develop skills in using topographic maps. Students will be able to relate mapping conventions, such as the
use of symbols, colour, and lines, to physical features in their area.
B3.2 compare the natural characteristics of their local community with the natural characteristics of other communities across Canada
Sample questions: “Which community would be the hardest to adjust to if you were to move to it? Why?” “Which communities are in the best food-growing areas?” “Which of the communities you have looked at has the landscape and climate conditions best suited to your favourite outdoor activities?”
Using spatial skills: Climate graphs are
a useful tool for visualizing and comparing temperature and precipitation patterns. Students can use them to compare the climate characteristics of different cities across Canada. Understanding contour lines on topographic maps can help students compare differences
in landscape relief.
B3.3 describe the spatial distribution of different types of natural regions in Canada (e.g., landform regions, vegetation regions, climate regions)
Sample questions: “Which would be more representative of Canada’s natural landscape,
a picture of the Western Cordillera or one of the Canadian Shield?” “Which landform regions attract the most tourists to Canada?” “What
are the ten natural features in Canada that you would most like to see?” “Which communities
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