| WG.4 |
The student will locate and analyze physical, economic, and cultural characteristics of world regions: . . . Australia and the Pacific Islands, and Antarctica. |
| WG.12 |
The student will apply geography to interpret the past, understand the present, and plan for the future by |
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a) |
using geographic knowledge, skills, and perspectives to analyze problems and make decisions; |
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b) |
relating current events to the physical and human characteristics of places and regions. |
Describe how physical, economic, and cultural characteristics influence regional development. Use the regional information provided below. 
Countries
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea
Physical Characteristics
• Wide range of vegetation, from tropical rain forests to desert scrub
• Australia mostly desert
• The Great Dividing Range
• The Great Barrier Reef
• Australia’s isolation, resulting in unique animal life
• Antarctica, the world’s coldest, driest, windiest continent; icecap
• Pacific Islands — Volcanoes, coral
Economic Characteristics
• Air and water travel that bring goods and services to remote areas
• Dry areas of Australia well suited to cattle and sheep ranching
• Upset of environmental balance, caused by the introduction of non-native plants and animals
• Ranching, mining (primary activities)
Cultural Characteristics
• Pacific Islands are sparsely populated.
• Most of Australia’s population lives near the coast.
• Traditional culture continues to shape life in the Pacific Islands.
• Lifestyles range from subsistence farming to modern city living.
• Cultures reflect the mix of European and indigenous cultures (e.g., Maori and aborigines).
• Antarctica has no permanent residents.
• Cities as centers of culture and trade
- Canberra, A.C.T. (Australian Capital Territory)
- Sydney
- Melbourne
• Cultural landscape
- Sydney Opera House
- Cattle and sheep stations (Australia)
- Research stations (Antarctica)
- Thatched roof dwellings (Pacific Islands)
Explain the following practical applications of how geography enables students to be informed, active citizens in their communities:
• Recycling programs
• Conversion of land from agricultural use
• Water sources (e.g., dams, reservoirs, wells, pipelines, ocean)
• Airport expansion
• Air quality
• Boundaries (e.g., school zones)
• Bicycle paths
• Mass transit
• City planning and zoning laws
• Energy use
• Location and size of public buildings (e.g., schools, recreation centers, hospitals, and libraries)
• Selection of locations for new stores and businesses
Explain that current events are shaped by the physical and human characteristics of the places and regions where they occur.
Use the following examples to explain how physical and human characteristics influence current events of places and regions:
• How physical characteristics influence current events:
- Natural hazards (e.g., flooding, earthquakes, volcanoes, drought)
- Climate, vegetation
• How human characteristics influence current events:
- Population distribution
- Geographic patterns of ethnic diversity
- A sense of place (emotional attachment to specific locations)
- Geographic patterns of trade and interdependence (e.g., oil)
- Geographic patterns of wealth and poverty (developed and developing nations)
Below is an annotated list of Internet resources recommended for this organizing topic. Copyright restrictions may exist for the material on some Web sites. Please note and abide by any such restrictions.
Australian Capital Territory. Australian Capital Territory Government Entry Point. <http://www.act.gov.au/CAP/accesspoint?action=menuHome>. This site provides information on Canberra, the capital of Australia.
Australian History on the Internet. National Library of Australia. <http://www.nla.gov.au/oz/histsite.html>. This site provides access to a large amount of information on the history of Australia.
A Guide to Australia. Charles Sturt University. <http://www.csu.edu.au/australia/>. This site provides a plethora of information about Australia and her people.
Infoplease Atlas. <http://www.infoplease.com/atlas/pacificislands.html>. This site provides maps of and information on the geography of the Pacific Islands.
Kluge, P.F. “Pacific Islands.” NationalGeographic.com. <http://www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler/articles/1020pacific_islands.html>. This site provides information on the Pacific island Palau.
Sydney.com.au. <http://www.sydney.com.au/>. This site provides information on Sydney, Australia.
Welcome to Melbourne: The Official Site for Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. <http://www.visitmelbourne.com/>. This site provides information on Melbourne, Australia.
Virginia Standards of Learning Assessments for the 2001 History and Social Science Standards of Learning: History and Social Science Released Items for Virginia and United States History. Virginia Department of Education 2003/04. <http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/Assessment/Release2003/History/VA-RIBs_g11wgeo-1.pdf>.
Virginia Standards of Learning Assessments for the 2001 History and Social Science Standards of Learning: World Geography Test Blueprint. Virginia Department of Education, 2003/04. <http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/Assessment/HistoryBlueprints03/2002Blueprint9WG.pdf>. This site provides assessment information for the course in World Geography. |
