Geography Openers

Unit EO1 – Geography Skills

#1
Imagine it was your last day on Earth, because tomorrow it will
explode. Describe your perfect day from Morning, Afternoon, to
Evening. What would you do? Who would you spend it with? What
would be your final last works before the Earth exploded?
#2 Describe a time that you did something difficult or experienced
something very tough. What did you feel like? Did you give up or keep
going? How did you feel in the end?
September 3, 2019
#3
How often do you use Google Maps? Explain how and when you make
use of this program. How has Google Maps made your life easier?
#4 – September 5, 2019
If you could take a month off school and go anywhere in the world to
(seriously) learn a new outdoor skill, where would you go? What
would your training consist of? Describe.
September 9, 2019 - No opener
#5 September 11, 2019
Why did the authors of this textbook begin the study of geography
with such things as the five themes of geography, the tools of a
geographer, the physical structures of the earth (internal and
external), and information about climate?
#6 September 13, 2019
If you could follow an “extreme outdoorsman/woman” around for a
week making a YouTube video together, where would you go and
what would you do? (I’m assuming that you don’t know that much
and he/she in the expert.)

Geography Openers
Unit EO2 – The United States and Canada
#7 September 17, 2019
What do you know about the United States and Canada? Write down
as many things you can about the two countries.
#8 September 19, 2019
What did you learn about the border between Canada and the United
States? Describe three things you learned from the video or from
looking closely at Google Earth or Google Maps.
#9 September 23, 2019
Since the northern areas of Canada are so cold, why do you think
settlers stayed there and didn’t decide to look for a more pleasant (or
warmer) climate? Also, how did the early settlers figure out how to
adapt? Give two examples.
#10 September 25, 2019
Many countries around the world must share a common border. Even
though the United States and Canada are considered friendly, they
still have issues that need attention. Using any prior knowledge (or
your imagination), discuss the areas of concern that might surface.
#11 September 27, 2019
What do you think defines quality of life? What is the most important
thing in your life?
#12 October 1, 2019
Canada and the United States have a diverse population with a
mixture of many cultures. Explain the positive and negative aspects of
this type of mixture.
#13 October 3, 2019
The province of Quebec has led several movements to separate from
the remainder of Canada (the Quebec Sovereignty Movement). Since
the majority of the people in Quebec speak French and have common
cultural bonds, should they be allowed to be independent from the
rest of Canada?
#14 October 7, 2019
Ukraine has four seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. Discuss
why this is a good thing for you. If it doesn’t work for you, discuss the
type of climate that would make you happier.
#15 October 9, 2019
Explain why you would/wouldn’t sign a contract to live and work in
Alaska or the Northwest Territories for five years if you could make
twice the amount of money.
Presentations for EO2 – Canada and the United States
Group 1: Emma, Oskar, and Sofie (presented Oct. 22)
Group 2: Nathaniel, Sia, and Daria (presented Oct. 22)
Group 3: Katelyn, Max, and Alex
Group 4: Geoff, Wojciech, Maya, and Sasha (absent – needs make-up)
Group 5: Nika, Angie, and Sara
________________________________________________________________
Unit EO3 – Latin America
#16 October 29, 2019
What surprised you about your experience with Zoom In, Zoom Out?
And in response to the question on the last slide, can we live without
the Amazon? Discuss.

#17 October 31, 2019

Other than the Amazon, which we’ve heard a great deal about in the
past month or so, what do you know about Latin America? Feel free
to discuss a trip you took, knowledge of the language, a country
you’ve heard discussed on the news, or any other facts that you
know.
#18 November 4, 2019
In Latin America, would you rather climb a mountain, raft down a
river, or cross the dessert on a pack animal? Tell me about this
amazing trip you will take!
#19 November 6, 2019
Tourism is a big industry in parts of Latin America. What are some
positive and negative aspects of this business/industry? Discuss.
#20 November 8, 2019
After reading pages 252-253 in the text book and viewing the brief
video, what is an emerging market (or economy)? Explain as much as
you understand.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZggFfsx2QNQ
#21 November 12, 2109
How involved should the government be in preserving natural
resources and protecting the environment?
#22 November 14, 2019
After watching the Greta Thunberg clip from the Daily Show with
Trevor Noah, what is your reaction? Does she have valid points?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhQVustYV24
#23 November 18, 2019
Describe a “real life” example where nature and progress have been
merged in a positive way. The example should be from the country
where you were born, lived, or visited.
End of EO3 Openers - #16 - #23
__________________________________________________________

EO4 – Europe
#24 November 20, 2019
What are the benefits of European countries being fairly close
together?

USED FOR CLASS DISCUSSION – NOT AN OPENER

Latin American Trade Agreements
https://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/articles/28209/who-is-free-trade-really-
for-in-latin-america
Who is free trade really for in Latin America? Sept. 23, 2019

Amazon: The lungs of our planet by BBC https://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=9eFiZbB9aJQ