Geography & Ethnic Studies 
9th grade

World Geography and Ethnic Studies is a ten‐unit, yearlong course that examines the interconnection between people, culture, and places around the world. The course is designed to meet California’s standards for both World Geography and Ethnic Studies. Using political cartoons, charts, graphs, maps, and other data visualisations to gather and convey information, students investigate how geography, culture, and history shape human experiences and global relationships, in local, national, and global contexts. Throughout the course, students engage in reading, writing, and research activities that promote critical thinking and cultural awareness. 

First Semester: Physical and Cultural Foundations

Students begin by learning how geographers study the world—exploring tools and methods of geographic studies, Earth’s physical systems, and patterns of human-environment interaction. The focus then turns to the ethnic and cultural diversity of major world regions, beginning with North America, including the United States and Canada. Students explore how migration, colonization, and cultural exchange have shaped regional identities and social structures. The study continues through Latin America, encompassing Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean, where students examine indigenous heritage, colonial impact, and contemporary cultural dynamics. The semester concludes with an analysis of Western Europe, exploring both its physical geography and the cultural movements that have influenced democracy, innovation, and social change.

Second Semester: Global Diversity and Interconnected Systems

In the second semester, students shift focus to the Eastern Hemisphere, beginning with Russia and the Eurasian Republics and continuing through Sub-Saharan Africa, Southwest Asia and North Africa, South Asia, East Asia, and Southeast Asia. In each region, students investigate ethnic identities, religious traditions, political systems, and cultural expressions—analyzing how geography and history intersect to shape society and global relationships. The course concludes with a study of Australia, the Pacific Realm, and Antarctica, highlighting issues of globalization, sustainability, and social identity.

Capstone and Contemporary Connections

As a culminating experience, students explore current global challenges such as migration, environmental change, human rights, and cultural resilience. They analyze multiple perspectives through articles, case studies, and media sources, connecting their learning to questions of equity, civic engagement, and cultural understanding. By the end of the course, students will have developed not only a global geographic perspective but also a deeper appreciation of the richness and complexity of human cultures.

In recognition of California’s commitment to inclusive, culturally responsive learning, this course integrates an ethnic-studies lens. Students examine how race, ethnicity, indigeneity, migration, and identity shape human geography — the ways communities develop, the spatial patterns of population and culture, and how historical, racial, and contemporary power relationships affect landscapes and global interconnections. Students reflect upon their own identities and connections to place, consider the contributions and experiences of historically marginalized communities worldwide, and explore how geographic processes intersect with questions of equity, justice, and participation. Through this lens, students build skills in critical thinking, civic engagement, and collaborative inquiry, while developing deeper empathy, cultural competence, and global awareness.

 

UNIT 1 - PHYSICAL & HUMAN GEOGRAPHY

 

This unit teaches geographic thinking, maps, the earth, landforms, climate, weather, introduction to world cultures, religions, and belief systems. We also learn the connection between geography, economics and politics.

 

• Students will complete weekly reading and comprehension questions.

• Unit Quiz

• In Class discussions and written responses. 

• Key Assignment - 5 Themes of Geography Google Slides Presentation

  • Using the 5 Themes of Geography, students will create a Google Slides presentation about a landmark in the world. They will present their project to the class. 

• Key Assignment - Autobiographical Map

  • Using knowledge gained from our first unit, students will create a large map of their life using at least 10 landforms, geographic features, map legend, compass rose, scale.

 

UNIT 2 - NORTH AMERICA

 

In this unit, students will explore geography as it relates to the US, Canada, and Mexico. Students will learn about the physical and political features of this region as well as climate and vegetation, economic activity, and population density. 

 

Students will explore themes of World Geography through sequentially ordered, purposefully chosen activities, which include: mapping activities, sequencing events, evaluating primary and secondary sources, taking on differing perspectives, review and student connection-making with Unit 2 content. 

 

Ethnic Studies lessons will cover topics of the histories, cultures, struggles, and contributions of African American, Chicano/Latino, Native American, and Asian American/Pacific Islander communities. Lectures and writing assignments will be given to students highlighting the social movements, racism, power structures, intersectionality, and civic engagement of the communities represented in America. 

 

• Students will complete weekly reading and comprehension questions.

• Unit Quiz

• In Class discussions and end-of-unit written responses. 

• Key Assignment - Compare and Contrast US with Canada - Group Project

  • Working in groups, students will compare and contrast the geography, politics and culture of the US with Canada. They will begin with a Venn diagram to sketch out the similarities and differences. Next, they will prepare a written analysis of their findings. Finally, each group will prepare a short presentation of their information to the class. 

 

UNIT 3 - CENTRAL AMERICA, THE CARIBBEAN & SOUTH AMERICA

 

As we work through unit 3, students will learn about the Caribbean, Central and South America. This unit will examine the diverse physical landscapes, climates, and cultural regions of Latin America, emphasizing how geography has shaped human settlement, trade, and cultural exchange.

 

Students will explore themes of World Geography through sequentially ordered, purposefully chosen activities, which include: mapping activities, sequencing events, evaluating primary and secondary sources, taking on differing perspectives, review and student connection-making with Unit 3 content.

 

Ethnic Studies lessons will cover topics of the histories, cultures, struggles, and contributions of African American, Chicano/Latino, and Native American communities. Within the study of Central America and the Caribbean, students will explore the deep connections between geography and identity by examining the historical impacts of colonization, migration, and resistance in these regions. Lectures and writing assignments will highlight the social movements, racism, power structures, intersectionality, and civic engagement of the communities represented in the Americas. Students will analyze how indigenous and Afro-Caribbean populations have preserved cultural traditions while contributing to modern societies, and how these histories continue to influence cultural and political landscapes today.

 

• Students will complete weekly reading and comprehension questions.

• Unit Quiz

• In Class discussions and end-of-unit written responses. 

• Key Assignment - News Broadcast - Media Presentation

  • End of unit project in which students use either video or Google Slides to create a presentation exploring a geographic area of study from our unit. Students who use Google Slides will provide a narrative for slides that are only visuals. Students who create a video will provide a transcript. Students will provide information about the physical features, political features, climate and vegetation, economic activity, the population, current events, and culture. Students will be asked to provide at least 3 facts for each of these categories and will be asked to provide images to illustrate their facts.

 

UNIT 4 - WESTERN EUROPE

 

As we work through unit 4, students learn about the history, political systems, and cultures of Western Europe. This unit explores Europe’s diverse geography, major landforms, climates, and patterns of population and urbanization. Students analyze the historical development of European nations, including their roles in exploration, colonization, industrialization, and global conflict.

 

Students explore themes of World Geography through sequentially ordered, purposefully chosen activities, which include: mapping activities, sequencing events, evaluating primary and secondary sources, taking on differing perspectives, review and student connection-making with Unit 4 content.

 

Within the study of Europe, students connect these themes by examining how European colonial expansion, migration, and cultural exchange shaped global identities and systems of power. Lectures and writing assignments highlight social movements, racism, power structures, intersectionality, and civic engagement as students consider Europe’s influence on global inequality, immigration, and the development of multicultural societies. Students also explore the experiences of ethnic and immigrant communities within modern Europe and how diverse voices continue to contribute to European culture, politics, and social reform.

 

• Students complete weekly reading and comprehension questions.

• Unit Quiz

• In Class discussions and end-of-unit written responses. 

• Key Assignment - 5-Paragraph Compare & Contrast Essay on Western Politics

  • This is a bridging assignment that connects knowledge from unit 2, North America, to Unit 4 Western Europe. In this compare and contrast research paper, the student explores the similarities and differences between the political system of America and either: Britain, France, Spain, or Germany. The student selects one European country to focus on in this paper. 

 

UNIT 5 - RUSSIA AND THE EURASIAN REPUBLICS

 

In unit 5, students learn about the history, political systems, first nation peoples, and the cultures of Russia and the Eurasian Republics. Students  begin the second semester with an examination of Russia and the Eurasian Republics. This unit explores the region’s vast geography, natural resources, population distribution, and diverse physical landscapes that have influenced patterns of settlement and economic development. Students analyze the historical rise and fall of empires, the Soviet era, and the cultural and political transformations that have shaped the modern nations of this region.

 

Students explore themes of World Geography through sequentially ordered, purposefully chosen activities, which include: mapping activities, sequencing events, evaluating primary and secondary sources, taking on differing perspectives, review and student connection-making with Unit 5 content.

 

Ethnic Studies lessons focus on the complex cultural identities and ethnic diversity of the peoples of Russia and the Eurasian Republics. Students examine the histories, struggles, and contributions of ethnic groups such as Russians, Ukrainians, Armenians, Georgians, Kazakhs, Uzbeks, and other Indigenous and minority communities across Eurasia. Lectures and writing assignments highlight social movements, power structures, intersectionality, and civic engagement, exploring how geography and politics have shaped questions of identity, self-determination, and regional unity. Students analyze how cultural traditions, religion, and migration continue to influence the social and political landscape of this region today.

 

• Students complete weekly reading and comprehension questions.

• Unit Quiz

• In Class discussions and end-of-unit written responses. 

• Key Assignment - Media Presentation

  • End of unit project in which students use any type of media (video, pictures, visuals, etc.) to create a presentation using the platform of their choice to explore a geographic area of study. Students who use PowerPoint provide a narrative for slides that are only visuals. Students who create a video provide a transcript. Students who create a poster will be asked to provide a narrative. Students provide information about the physical features, political features, climate and vegetation, economic activity, the population, and culture. Students  are to provide at least 3 facts for each of these categories and images to illustrate their facts. In addition to their research and presentation, students prepare food from their country or region to bring to class. 

 

UNIT 6 - SOUTHWEST ASIA AND NORTH AFRICA & SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

 

As we work through unit 6, students learn about the geography and regions of Southwest Asia, North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa through exploring physical and political features as well as climate and vegetation, economic activity, and population density.

 

Students explore themes of World Geography through sequentially ordered, purposefully chosen activities, which include: mapping activities, sequencing events, evaluating primary and secondary sources, taking on differing perspectives, review and student connection-making with Unit 6 content.

 

Ethnic Studies lessons focus on the histories, cultures, struggles, and contributions of the diverse ethnic and religious groups of Southwest Asia and North Africa. Students analyze the experiences of Arabs, Persians, Kurds, Berbers, Turks, Yoruba, Zulu, Igbo, Maasai, and other communities, considering how identity, migration, colonization, and political power have shaped the region. Lectures and writing assignments will highlight social movements, power structures, intersectionality, and civic engagement, encouraging students to examine how ethnic and religious diversity influences modern social, cultural, and political dynamics.

 

• Students complete weekly reading and comprehension questions.

• Unit Quiz

• In Class discussions and end-of-unit written responses. 

• Key Assignment - Reflection Essay 

  • Students demonstrate their knowledge of unit content with this end-of-unit activity by writing a 5-paragraph essay in response to a recurring theme within the unit. Students select one theme to examine.

 

UNIT 7 - SOUTH ASIA 

 

As we work through unit 7, students study South Asia, examining the region’s diverse physical landscapes, climates, population patterns, and natural resources. Students explore the historical development of civilizations, cultural traditions, religions, and political systems, as well as the region’s role in global trade and cultural exchange. Students learn about the geography and regions of South Asia (which includes Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka) through exploring physical and political features as well as climate and vegetation, economic activity, and population density. 

 

Students explore themes of World Geography through sequentially ordered, purposefully chosen activities, which include: graphic organizers, mapping activities, sequencing events, evaluating primary and secondary sources, taking on differing perspectives, review and student connection-making with Unit 7 content.

 

Ethnic Studies lessons focus on the histories, cultures, struggles, and contributions of South Asia’s diverse ethnic and cultural communities. Students examine the experiences of groups such as Indo-Aryans, Dravidians, Tamils, Sinhalese, Bhutanese, Pashtuns, and other Indigenous and minority populations. Lectures and writing assignments highlight social movements, power structures, intersectionality, and civic engagement, encouraging students to analyze how identity, religion, caste, and historical events have shaped societal structures. Students explore how these cultural and ethnic dynamics continue to influence contemporary politics, social life, and regional interactions in South Asia.

 

• Students complete weekly reading and comprehension questions.

• Unit Quiz

• In Class discussions and end-of-unit written responses. 

• Key Assignment - South Asia Presentation

  • Each student selects a state or territory from India or a country from South Asia. They provide information about the physical features, political features, climate and vegetation, economic activity, the population, and culture in that Indian state/territory. Students are asked to provide at least 3 facts for each of these categories and are asked to provide images to illustrate their facts. As a class, we work together to combine all the information into one presentation.

 

UNIT 8 - EAST ASIA & SOUTHEAST ASIA

 

As we work through unit 8, students learn about the geography and regions of East and Southeast Asia through exploring physical and political features as well as climate and vegetation, economic activity, and population density. Students explore the historical development of civilizations, political systems, economic growth, and cultural traditions in countries such as China, Japan, Mongolia, and Korea.

 

Students explore themes of World Geography through sequentially ordered, purposefully chosen activities, which include: graphic organizers, mapping activities, sequencing events, evaluating primary and secondary sources, taking on differing perspectives, review and student connection-making with Unit 8 content. 

 

Ethnic Studies lessons focuses on the histories, cultures, struggles, and contributions of the region’s diverse ethnic communities. Students examine groups such as Han Chinese, Tibetans, Mongols, Koreans, Japanese, Filipino and other minority populations. Lectures and writing assignments will highlight social movements, power structures, intersectionality, and civic engagement, encouraging students to analyze how ethnicity, culture, migration, and political power have shaped societies in East Asia and Southeast Asia and how these dynamics influence contemporary life and regional interactions.

 

• Students complete weekly reading and comprehension questions.

• Unit Quiz

• In Class discussions and end-of-unit written responses. 

• Key Assignment - Research Project & Brochure

  • Students will select a location in East Asia or Southeast Asia to research. Using the 5-themes of geography, students create a travel brochure for their location. In addition to the brochure, students create a travel packet with flight information, hotels, transportation, currency exchange rates, cultural highlights, etc. 

 

UNIT 9 - AUSTRALIA, THE PACIFIC REALM & ANTARCTICA

 

For our final unit, students study Australia, the Pacific Islands, and Antarctica, examining the regions’ diverse physical geography, climates, ecosystems, and population distribution. Students explore the historical development of Indigenous societies, colonial expansion, migration patterns, and environmental adaptations across these regions.

 

Students explore themes of World Geography through sequentially ordered, purposefully chosen activities, which include: graphic organizers, mapping activities, sequencing events, evaluating primary and secondary sources, taking on differing perspectives, review and student connection-making with Unit 8 content.

 

Ethnic Studies lessons in this unit focus on the histories, cultures, struggles, and contributions of Indigenous and local communities. Students examine Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia, Maori in New Zealand, and the many Indigenous and islander groups across the Pacific, considering the impacts of colonization, migration, and global power dynamics. Lectures and writing assignments highlight social movements, power structures, intersectionality, and civic engagement, encouraging students to analyze how identity, culture, and historical experiences influence contemporary society, governance, and environmental stewardship in these regions. Students also explore Antarctica as a space of international cooperation and scientific study, reflecting on the ethics of human impact and stewardship in global spaces.

 

• Students complete weekly reading and comprehension questions.

• Unit Quiz

• In Class discussions and end-of-unit written responses. 

• Key Assignment - Internet Research Project 

  • Research is focused mostly on Australia, but it also addresses Australia’s larger region, Oceania. It includes physical geography and human geography, Australia’s history as a prison colony, the Aboriginal civil rights campaign, and the Great Barrier Reef. Websites include National Geographic, the National Museum of Australia, the Australian Government’s Great Barrier Reef Authority, and Sydney Living Museums. 

 

UNIT 10 - MODEL UN

 

During the final unit, students investigate major global challenges that impact societies and the environment around the world. Using the Model UN framework, students analyze these issues through both geographic and ethnic studies lenses, considering how physical landscapes, natural resources, climate, population distribution, and human migration intersect with cultural identities, ethnic diversity, and social justice.

 

Students research the causes and consequences of global challenges (such as conflict, climate change, migration, inequality, or resource scarcity) and examine how these challenges affect different communities, especially historically marginalized or underrepresented groups. Students collaborate to propose actionable solutions, evaluating policies and initiatives from both geographic and cultural perspectives, and presenting their recommendations as representatives of countries in a Model UN simulation.

 

This unit encourages students to develop critical thinking, empathy, civic engagement, and problem-solving skills, as they connect geographic knowledge with an understanding of diverse cultural experiences and the complex dynamics of global interdependence.

 

• In Class discussions and end-of-unit written responses. 

• Key Assignment - Model UN

  • Students select a country from one of the regions that we have studied. They prepare statements and answers from the perspective of their country for questions on: environment, nuclear weapons, Poverty, Hunger, Good Health and Well-Being, Quality Education, Clean Water and Sanitation, Affordable and Clean Energy, Decent Work and Economic Growth, etc. The school year ends with a day of presentations, discussions, and debate. 

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HONORS UNIT - OPTIONAL ADD-ON

In this optional Honors unit, students are required to complete additional assignments to expand their knowledge and understanding of geography and world cultures, ethnicities, and regional dynamics.

• Scale Map

• Current Event Analysis

• Comparative Analysis of World Religions