This course is designed to enable students to understand the relationship between the physical and human environments of Earth. Students in this course develop a greater awareness of the history, culture, and geography. Students study general topics in physical and human geography and then look more closely at the geography and cultures on each of the continents around the world, beginning with North America. The study of Geography is defined by the five themes, which generate the essential questions in each area for the investigations leading to discovery on the part of students. Students become familiar with major landforms, countries, and cities around the world, and develop their skills in research, map construction and interpretation, and critical thinking. Throughout the year, this course also includes an on-going exposure to current events and historical fiction, while continually working on improving their written and oral expression.