1

demonstrate an understanding of the nature of culture:

a

analyze cultural elements of diverse groups in the United States (Reconstruction to present)

b

describe how belief systems, knowledge, technology, and behavior patterns define cultures

c

analyze historical perspectives and events in the modern world (1500 A.D. to present) and United States (Reconstruction to present) in terms of how they have affected and been affected by cultural issues and elements

2

describe and compare how various human needs are met through interactions with and among social institutions (e.g., family, religion, education, government, economy) in the modern world (1500 A.D. to present) and the United States (Reconstruction to present)

3

explain or give examples of how communications between groups can be influenced by cultural differences; explain the reasons why conflict and competition (e.g., violence, difference of opinion, stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination, genocide) developed as cultures emerged in the modern world (1500 A.D. to present) and in the United States (Reconstruction to present)

4

describe how compromise and cooperation are characteristics that influence interaction (e.g., peace studies, treaties, conflict resolution) in the modern world (1500 A.D. to present) and the United States (Reconstruction to present)

5

compare examples of cultural elements (e.g., beliefs, customs/traditions, languages, skills, literature, the arts) of diverse groups today to those of the past, using information from a variety of print and non-print sources (e.g., autobiographies, biographies, documentaries, news media, artifacts)

1

use a variety of geographic tools (e.g., maps, globes, charts, graphs, photographs, models, data bases, satellite images):

a

analyze the distribution of physical and human features on Earth's surface

b

interpret patterns and develop rationales for the location and distribution of Earth's human features (e.g., available transportation, location of resources and markets, individual preference, centralization versus dispersion)

2

investigate regions of the Earth’s surface using information from print and non-print sources (e.g., books, films, periodicals, Internet, geographic tools, news media):

a

interpret how places and regions serve as meaningful symbols for individuals and societies (e.g., Jerusalem, Vietnam Memorial, Ellis Island, the Appalachian region)

b

analyze pros and cons of physical (e.g., climate, mountains, rivers) and human characteristics (e.g., interstate highways, urban centers, workforce) of regions in terms of human activity

evaluate reasons for stereotypes (e.g., all cities are dangerous and dirty, rural areas are poor) associated with places or regions

d

explain how cultural differences and perspectives sometimes result in conflicts in the modern world (1500 A.D. to present) and United States (Reconstruction to present)

3

describe movement and settlement patterns in the modern world (1500 A.D. to present) and United States (Reconstruction to present):

a

analyze the causes of movement and settlement patterns (e.g., famine, military conflicts, climate, economic opportunity) and their impacts in different places and at different times in history

b

explain how technology has facilitated the movement of goods, services, and populations, increased economic interdependence, and influenced the development of centers of economic activity (e.g., cities, interstate highways, airports, rivers, railroads, computers, telecommunications)

4

investigate interactions among human activities and the physical environment in the modern world (1500 A.D. to present) and United States (Reconstruction to present):

a

describe human strategies (e.g., transportation, communication, technology) used to overcome limits of the physical environment

b

interpret and analyze possible global effects (e.g., global warming, destruction of the rain forest, acid rain) of human modifications to the physical environment (e.g., deforestation, mining), perspectives on the use of natural resources (e.g., water, oil, land), and natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes, tsunamis, floods)