Social Studies: Content Knowledge (0081)

IV. Geography

• Understands map types and projections and is able to acquire, organize, and analyze information from a spatial perspective.
• Is familiar with the use of mental maps to organize spatial information.
• Knows how to recognize and interpret spatial patterns (e.g., population density, literacy rates, infant mortality) presented at different scales from local to global.
• Knows how to locate and use sources of geographic data (e.g., Census Bureau, Population Reference Bureau).
• Understands spatial concepts (e.g., location, place, region) and knows how to apply them to interpret data.
• Understands how physical processes, climate patterns, and natural hazards affect human societies.
• Knows the characteristics and spatial distribution of Earth's ecosystems.
• Understands the interrelationships of humans and their environments.
• Understands renewable and nonrenewable natural resources.
• Understands spatial patterns of cultural (e.g., ethnic, linguistic, religious) and economic activities.
• Understands patterns of migration (internal and international) and settlement (urban and rural).
• Understands the development and changing nature of agriculture (e.g., genetically modified crops, agribusiness, biotechnologies).
• Knows contemporary patterns and impacts of development, industrialization, and globalization.
• Understands demographic patterns (e.g., composition, density, distribution) and demographic change.
• Knows basic concepts of political geography, including borders, state formation, and contemporary areas of conflict.