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=__**Mr. Wellman's Survey of Social Studies!**__=

**Our Mission**
Global Studies is the introductory social studies, required, course here at DCHS. My goal as your teacher for this class is to introduce you to the social studies curriculum, which will include a more in-depth look at the cultures of various nations while also emphasizing our World's political and physical geography. We will discuss a variety of different topics concerning our society, the different governments, economies, and issues our World and its people face. All of the topics we will learn about will center around "The 6 Essential Geography Elements" and the "Eighteen Geography Standards".

I encourage both you and your parents to bookmark this page, as we will use it on a daily basis. Parents, this is also a helpful tool to help you answer the question, "What did you do at school today?" If you have any questions or concerns you can email me at any time. rob.wellman@daviess.kyschools.us

**Why Study Geography?**
Haven't all the places in the world been discovered, located, and named already? For the most part, yes.

So, why geography?

It seems that citizens of the United States are finally becoming aware that their ignorance of geography is affecting their country's environmental, political, and economic well-being. The world is shrinking fast and it is important to know where things are located. But more important yet is knowing how those places are affected by the environment and its peoples. That, too, is geography.

The earth's survival depends on our knowing where the rain forests are being cleared and where the ozone layer is being depleted. It would behoove us to know why people want to fly airplanes into buildings. And we must respect the interdependent web of existence of which we are a part. At the heart of all that is geography.

Here is what the fine people at Google Earth have to say about, "Why Geography Matters":

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And here is why Mr. Wellman wants you to study geography...so you don't end up EVER doing this:

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Exposing the Myths - Geography is Not Only Maps
It's common for people to misunderstand geography. Many believe it's just making and reading maps and knowing locations. This is partly due to the media publishing stories of geographic ignorance. Case in point: a high-school student's college application for a U.S. college was turned down and the student was told he needed to apply through the foreign student office.......

The student lived in New Mexico!!!

Another reason that the myth is perpetuated is TV game shows. A contestant might be asked a question such as "What is the capital of Thailand?" Usually the answer can be known by the person having studied a map. Knowledge of where places and events are located is useful and important. Knowing where something happened gives the event more significance. So map knowledge is good but geography is much more. For instance, if asked "what is the capital of Bolivia," what would your answer be? Bolivia actually has two capitals - La Paz and Sucre. If you were to know why there are two capitals you would be more likely to remember what they are.

Before We Get Started...
As your teacher, I am curious about how you do your best learning. We all learn differently and at a different pace. For me to do MY job, and for you to be able to do the BEST YOU CAN DO, I would like you to complete the following Learning Styles Survey. Answer the questions to see what your dominant learning style is. After getting your results, tell me, then read the hints for studying and learn about your learning style.

Finally, once you have finished this, I now need to find out just how much Geography you already know. To do this, I need you to complete this Geography Pretest. Once you have finished this, again tell me your results.

Thank you, good luck, and let's have a GREAT semester!!!