Grade 8 (ages 12-14)

Patterns in Human Geography

Learn about pioneer life. Visit old mill races and the Mast Road (where settlers carried great white pines to Lake Ontario). Look for pieces of pottery in the Little Rouge River. Consisting of a guided hike, students will assess the ways in which humans take the natural environment into account in determining human settlement and land use and in planning for the future, and ways in which humans change the natural environment. Also this program will expose students to patterns of human settlement and identify the factors that influence population distribution and land use.

Target Audience: Grade 8 (Age 12-14).
Offered: March 1st – November 30th
Program Length: Full Day – generally 3.5 hrs (10AM-1:30 PM) unless otherwise noted. Students will have lunch by the river.

Overall Goals

The following overall expectations, with support from their specific expectations, address the ways in which humans take the natural environment into account in determining human settlement and land use and in planning for the future, and ways in which humans change the natural environment.
1. Identify the main patterns of human settlement and identify the factors that influence population distribution and land use.
2. Compare living and working conditions in countries with different patterns of settlement, and examine how demographic factors could affect their own lives in the future.

Water Systems

This program assesses the impact of human activities and technologies on the sustainability of water resources. Through a guided hike, students will visit ponds and wetlands in the Rouge Valley area and learn to understand the characteristics of the earth’s water systems and the influence of water systems on a specific region. Also they will evaluate personal water consumption, compare it with personal water consumption in other countries, and propose a plan of action to reduce personal water consumption to help address water sustainability issues.

Target Audience: Grade 8 (Age 12-14).
Offered: March 1st – November 30th
Program Length: Full Day – generally 3.5 hrs (10AM-1:30 PM) unless otherwise noted. Students will have lunch by the river.

Overall Goals

1. assess the impact of human activities and technologies on the sustainability of water resources;
2. investigate factors that affect local water quality;
3. demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics of the earth’s water systems and the influence of water systems on a specific region.

Program Schedule