HIS Social Studies (World Geography)

Children are a heritage from the Lord. .......Psalm 127:3

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Instructional Philosophy:

Basic to our study of Geography is the conviction that God is the Creator of the Universe and the Controller of History. He has given the earth to man for a home. God is also behind the forces that shape the earth and its inhabitants. The Christian Perspective is the Key to proper understanding of this study, for it enables us to see God’s purpose and plan in human and physical events. We see the Sovereign hand of God in history and Geography as well as the consequences of man’s choices. The Providence of God has guided history and Geography for His glory. Yet each person is free to choose whether to obey God and be used by Him, or to disobey and suffer the consequences. Thus we illustrate the truth of Proverbs 14:34: “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” And Proverbs 21:1: “The King’s heart is in the hand of the Lord… He turneth it whithersoever he will.” Because man’s actions are the product of his thoughts (Prov. 23:7) we emphasize the important concepts and ideas in history as well as people and events. The program is closed with confidence in the future because God is in sovereign control of the world and His will shall be done. The World’s hope rests solely upon the Lord Jesus Christ.


Instructional Goals:

The Geography program includes a comprehensive study of the surface of the earth, its lands, mountains, waters, air as well as its plants, animals, and people and their lives. The Bible tells us that God created the earth and all the beauty of nature about us. Students will explore the orderliness, planning, and wisdom that went into God's creation. The earth and its lands, oceans, rivers, plants, and animals were created perfectly with a special purpose in mind – the creation of man. Students will therefore be filled with wonder and appreciation of His love for mankind as they explore the influence Geography has had on the History of our world. Studying geography is therefore an adventure – an opportunity for students to learn more about God’s world and the people who live in it because an understanding of geography is very important when studying history.


Resources:

Text: Thomas Nelson & Sons Ltd 1997 The New and Wider World (Student Edition)
Display maps, Timelines and colorful Pictures with a link to the Humanities


Scope and Sequence:

1. Population
2. Settlement
3. Urbanization
4. Migration
5. Farming
6. Energy Resources
7. Industry
8. Tourism
9. World Development
10. Weather and Climate
11. Ecosystems
12. Rocks and Soil
13. Plate Tectonics
14. Drainage Basins and Rivers
15. Glaciations and Coasts



Instructional Objectives:

The students will continue to:
1. Realize that the Providence of God has guided history and geography for his Glory.
2. Understand the blessings of righteousness as well as the curse of sin, making geography classes an ideal opportunity for character training.
3. Know that without Christ, the idea of the world’s end brings despair, but a Christian can look forward to the end of the world as a fulfillment of God’s plan.
4. Know that an understanding of geography is very important when studying history.
5. Exercise their reasoning abilities by discussing important concepts and giving reasons for their beliefs on all levels of learning – knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.