Geographic+Knowledge,+Concepts,+Themes,+and+Patterns

Pre-K-2
Students understand the nature and basic ideas of geography.

a. Explain that geography is the study of the Earth’s surface and peoples. b. Create visual representations of the immediate neighborhood and community. c. Use basic maps and globes to identify local and distant places and locations, directions (including N, S, E, and W), and basic physical, environmental, and cultural features.

3-5
Students understand economic aspects of unity and diversity in the community, Maine, and regions of the United States and the world, including Maine Native American communities.

a. Describe economic similarities and differences within the community, Maine, and the United States. b. Identify economic processes, economic institutions, and economic influences related to Maine Native Americans and various cultures in the United States and the world.

6-8
Students understand economic aspects of unity and diversity in Maine, the United States, and various world cultures, including Maine Native Americans.

a. Describe factors in economic development, and how states, regions, and nations have worked together to promote economic unity and interdependence. b. Describe the economic aspects of diverse cultures, including Maine Native Americans, various historical and recent immigrant groups in the United States, and various cultures in the world.

9-Diploma
Students understand the geography of the United States and various regions of the world and the effect of geographic influences on decisions about the present and future.

a. Explain that geography includes the study of physical, environmental, and cultural features at the local, state, national, and global levels and helps people to better predict and evaluate consequences of geographic influences. b. Describe the major regions of the Earth and their major physical, environmental, and cultural features using a variety of geographic tools. c. Analyze local, national, and global geographic data on physical, environmental, and cultural processes that shape and change places and regions. d. Evaluate the impact of change, including technological change, on the physical and cultural environment.