CULTURE AND GEOGRAPHY
course overview
Grades 1st – 8th
Tuesdadys & Thursdays
12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
February 3 – May 23, 2025
Facilitator: TBA
Capacity: 15 scholars
$650
This course is ideal for scholars who possess a curiosity about the world, a willingness to engage in interactive activities, and an open-minded attitude toward exploring different cultures.
This course introduces scholars to the fundamentals of geography while exploring the rich cultural diversity of our world. Each week focuses on a specific region, teaching geographic concepts alongside cultural highlights such as traditions, languages, food, and landmarks. Scholars will engage in hands-on activities, discussions, and collaborative projects to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the world.
Scholars will gain foundational knowledge of world geography, including continents, countries, and major landforms; develop an appreciation for cultural diversity through exploration of traditions, languages, and arts; build skills in map reading, critical thinking, and creative expression; and collaborate on projects that celebrate global connections and cultural understanding.
- Introduction to Geography
- Understanding maps: continents, oceans, and basic map skills.
- North America
- Geography: Major landforms, climate, and natural resources.
- Culture: Indigenous peoples, traditions, and modern cultural highlights.
- Central and South America
- Geography: Rainforests, mountains, and rivers (e.g., Amazon).
- Culture: Music, food, and traditions like Carnival.
- Europe
- Geography: Countries, capitals, and major landmarks.
- Culture: Art, cuisine, and famous festivals.
- Africa
- Geography: Deserts, savannas, and the Nile River.
- Culture: Languages, music, and traditions from different regions.
- Asia
- Geography: Mountains, rivers, and diverse climates.
- Culture: Focus on East Asia (China, Japan, Korea) – traditions, food, and festivals.
- Geography: The Middle East and South Asia – deserts and mountain ranges.
- Culture: History, art, and cuisine from regions like India and Saudi Arabia.
- Oceania
- Geography: Islands, coral reefs, and the outback.
- Culture: Indigenous traditions, art, and languages.
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Antarctica
- Geography: Ice caps, climate, and wildlife.
- Culture: The scientific research community.
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Arctic and Indigenous Cultures
- Geography: Arctic Circle and tundra ecosystems.
- Culture: Inuit traditions and Arctic exploration.
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Global Trade and Resources
- Geography: Natural resources and global interconnections.
- Culture: How trade shapes cultures and economies.
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World Languages
- Geography: Language families and regional dialects.
- Culture: Explore greetings and common phrases in various languages.
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Music and Art Around the World
- Geography: How geography influences art and music.
- Culture: Focus on traditional instruments and art forms.
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Food and Festivals
- Geography: How climate and resources shape food cultures.
- Culture: Festivals and food traditions from around the world.
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Environmental Awareness
- Geography: Climate change and conservation efforts worldwide.
- Culture: Indigenous knowledge and sustainable practices.
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Global Connections and Final Showcase
- Geography: Recap of global themes and connections.
- Culture: Reflect on what was learned about different cultures.
Spring
Week 1: February 4 and 6
Week 2: February 11 and 13
Week 3: February 18 and 20
Week 4: February 25 and 27
Week 5: March 4 and 6
Week 6: March 11 and 13
Week 7: March 18 and 20
Week 8: March 25 and 27
Week 9: April 1 and 3
Week 10: April 8 and 10
Week 11: April 15 and 17
Week 12: April 22 and 24
Week 13: April 29 and May 1
Week 14: May 6 and 8
Week 15: May 13 and 15
Week 16: May 20 and 22