Geography Department

Welcome to the Geography Department of TDSS!

"Geography is about determining the significance of “place” as it relates to the natural environment, the human environment, and interactions within and between them. To investigate geographic issues, students must analyze the influences and interrelationships that give a place its distinctive characteristics and thus its spatial importance. Geographic analysis also requires an investigation of the economic, environmental, social, and political perspectives that relate to an issue. The application of the concepts of geographic thinking, spatial skills, and the use of field studies are central to the geographic inquiry process and the learning of geography." (Canadian and World Studies - The Ontario Curriculum Grades 9 and 10, 2013)

Thank you for visiting this page – we invite you to explore the courses we offer at TDSS, meet our faculty, and enjoy the geography links provided.

Courses

Grade 11 Courses

Geography of Food - Regional Geography (CGD3M)

Why take this course?
- find out where your food comes from, how it's produced, who makes it, and the issues surrounding its production
Cool things we could do…
- visit an organic farm
- grow our own food through hydroponics
- explore a local farmer's market
What do you need to get in?
- grade 9 academic or applied Geography of Canada

Travel & Tourism: A Geographic Perspective (CGG3O)

Why take this course?
- expand your knowledge of travel spots- learn about the issues connected to international travel (e.g. coral reef destruction)
Cool things we could do…
- walking tour of Toronto
- visit to Niagara Falls
- travel to Italy
What do you need to get in?
- grade 9 academic or applied Geography of Canada

Forces of Nature: Physical Processes and Disasters (CGF3M)

Why take this course?
- learn more about earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes and tornadoes
- explore causes & impacts of natural disasters
Cool things we could do…
- rock hunting and caving in the Warsaw Caves near Peterborough, Ontario
- an eco-tour of Costa Rica where we visit active volcanoes, tropical jungles and see cool animals
What do you need to get in?
- grade 9 academic or applied Geography of Canada

Grade 12 Courses

World Issues: A Geographic Analysis (CGW4U)

Why take this course?
- learn about current issues happening in the world, like conflicts, environmental disasters, and human injustice

- discuss and explore issues like poverty, hunger, overpopulation and globalization

Cool things we could do...

- volunteer at a local charity (food bank, homeless shelter)

- attend Planet in Focus film festival

- explore the Green Living Show

- do humanitarian work in another province/country

What do you need to get in?

- grade 11 U/M English, History, Social Sciences or Geography

The Environment and Resource Management (CGR4M)

Why take this course?

- learn about the impact of human activity on ecosystems and natural processes

- explore topics like species extinction, impact of pollution, and ecological footprint

Cool things we could do...
- go tree planting

- attend Planet in Focus film festival

- explore the Green Living Show

- recreate products in more eco-friendly ways

What do you need to get in?

- grade 11 U/M/C English, History, Social Sciences or Geography

Did You Know?

Canada's Top Jobs

According to Canadian Business, Canada's Top 50 Jobs in 2013 include geographers!

#1 Oil & Gas Drilling Supervisor (44% growth since 2006) Salary = $74,880

#33 Geologist (9% growth since 2006) Salary = $89,440

#45 Urban Planner (26% growth since 2006) Salary = $72,530

Geography Closely Linked to Achievement

According to the Toronto District School Board Research Report of June 2010...

"It is interesting that Geography is a slighter stronger predictor of future achievement than Mathematics (although the differences are minor). This is important to note because current educational practices emphasize Literacy and Numeracy outcomes, and these are often translated as English and Mathematics. Geography and Science also have Literacy and Numeracy elements that are part of integrated curriculum. Their strength in predicting future achievement shows the importance of examining a broad range of subjects (a reason for the importance of credit accumulation, for example), and the potential limitations of focusing on a narrow range such as English and Mathematics only."

Resources and Links

Google Classroom

Geography teachers use this platform to post announcements, assignments and other resources for their classes. Click here to go to Google Classroom.

Teach Assist

Geography teachers use this online mark recording system. Students use their login and password to access up-to-date information on their progress. Click here to go to Teach Assist.