Mrs Rannow Room 308
612-668-3400
jenevieve.rannow@mpls.k12.mn.us

What is geography?
Geography is the science of place and space. Geographers ask where things are located on the surface of the earth, why they are located where they are, how places differ from one another, and how people interact with the environment. Geography teaches us about the world and the world’s diverse inhabitants and places as well as about local regions and global issues. It enables us to understand our home by opening windows on the rest of the world.

Why study geography?
To be successful contributors to a democratic society, all individuals need to have an understanding of geography, which means that they need to have an understanding of the spatial context of people, places and environments on Earth.  The geographically literate person knows where important things are, why they are located in those places and the significance of the locational patterns of the world. Furthermore, they comprehend the nature and significance of multiple connections between people and places around the world.  

"In our globalizing, ever more interconnected, still-overpopulated, increasingly competitive, and dangerous world, knowledge is power.  The more we know about our planet and its fragile natural environments, about other peoples and culture, political system and economies, borders and boundaries, attitudes and aspirations, the better prepared we will be for the challenging times ahead." ~Harm de Blij~

Basic Geographic Knowledge
Each student will be expected to master basic geographic place knowledge.  This basic geographic knowledge will help students understand the location of countries and physical features around the world.  Students can use this knowledge to make meaning of our other learning and current events.  Students will practice, practice, and practice the basic knowledge and will have tests on each set of knowledge .  Students may use assigned practice maps as well as the online quizes to help them be prepared for the tests.  Students must study and communicate with parents about the tests.

Vocabulary
An essential part of learning is expanding students vocabulary skills.  Almost every Tuesday, students must define the words assigned from our unit of study.  Defining the words helps students understand the words before they are used in the context of our learning environment.

News Flash & Notebooks

News flash daily warm-ups will be devoted to the study of current issues in the world.  Notebooks are a daily summary of what the student has learned during class.  Notebooks & news flash summaries are turned in at the end of the quarter for credit.

Cornell Notes
In order to succeed in higher education, students need to apply their note taking and studying skills. Each student will be expected to master cornell note taking and use them for homework and tests.  Students will take cornell notes on at least 1 chapter per unit.  See the syllabus for the list of chapters and watch the weekly sheets for due dates.

Questions?
If you have any questions about the course, about assignments, or course expectations, please contact me!  I am available in Room 308 during lunch and before school.